Restaurants

[mellison24]

Me and my girlfriend are considering which restaurant to go to for Valentines day, and one of the restaurants we've talked about is San Carlo in Manchester. Have heard that it is supposed to be good, but after reading reviews on the internet I'm not sure what to think. The reviews of the place are mixed, some says its amazing whilst other says its awful. Nothing in between. But a lot of celebs are going there aren't they, so it can't be that bad? Or are they just treating big paying customers better other people?

Anyone know anything how the prices are like?

Some restaurants I like in Manchester is:

- Kro2, Oxford Road: Nice food, nice place, decent prices.

- Cafe Rouge, Printworks: Really nice food, nice staff and decent prices.

- Moso Moso, Oxford Road: Thai/Chinese food. Amazing food, a bit pricey but worth it! Banquet B is recommended (btw do NOT try the spicy soup as a starter, unless you want to be thirsty of course <img src="http://www.brfcs.co.uk/mb/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="rolleyes.gif" /> )

- Bella Italia, Deansgate and Picadilly gardens: Nice food and decent prices.

San Carlo WAS good, but is a little lacking in atmosphere at times. Plenty of celebs/footballers in there for people-watchers though.

Of the restaurants you mentioned, I'd go with Either Bella Italia or Cafe Rouge. Also try San Rocco which is on the other side of Deansgate to San Carlo and a block further up. It's a little bit tucked away, but very good quality Italian (but the don't do Pizza's grrrrrr).

[vintageadidas]

I am talking crap sorry!

Well, i have quickly jotted down my curry receipe whilst on my lunch break. This is located below:

Knob of Ghee

Olive oil

2 large chopped onions

6 cloves of garlic (Crushed)

Two inch knob of fresh ginger (grated)

Fresh Spinach

Lamb Leg

Pre-cooked chick peas

2 fresh green hot chilies

Tub of natural yogurt

8 large freshly chopped tomatoes (quartered)

Chopped coriander

Tomato sauce

Salt

Pepper

Vinegar

Spices (1 tea spoon of):

• cumin seeds

• coriander seeds

• mustard seeds

Spices 2 (1 tea spoon of):

• Ground fenugreek

• ground coriander

• cumin

• chilli powder

• garam masala

• turmeric

• 2 table spoons of hot curry powder

• Heat the Ghee and olive oil in a saucepan

• Add Spices 1 for three minutes on a medium heat until they start popping and then add the onions and a pinch of sugar to quicken the caramelisation (sp) process. Cook for a further 3 minutes in total. Add the crushed garlic and ginger and sauté for a further 5 minutes on a medium/high heat (do not burn!)

• Add the meat for 3 minutes and then add Spices 2 – cook for 5 minutes stirring regularly in order to coat the meat.

• Add the quartered tomatoes, a large squeeze of tomato sauce, a large pinch of salt, large pinch of sugar, plenty of pepper, a large dash of vinegar and a large handful of freshly chopped coriander.

• Pour in enough water to cover the lamb by 2.5cm/1in. Bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1.5 hours. (You may need to add more water if the mixture begins to dry out.)

• Blend the two chillis with 300ml of water, plenty of coriander and plenty of spinach. Add this to the mixture in order control the heat of the curry to your preference. I put it all in!

• Stir in the natural yogurt and cook for a further 15 minutes (stirring on a regular basis)

• Add the peas and spinach.

• Cook for a further 5 minutes.

• Sprinkle with fresh coriander and serve

Tip for rice: Cook it in coconut milk and not water!

Hope you enjoy it....everyone i have cooked it for has!

Edited February 5, 2010 by vintageadidas

[LeChuck]

Sounds great.

Reckon a can of good quality chopped tomatoes could replace the 8 large fresh tomatoes?

[vintageadidas]

Sounds great.

Reckon a can of good quality chopped tomatoes could replace the 8 large fresh tomatoes?

Yes, they would be a good substitute but the large fresh ones are cooked down in the water until they turn into a mush and form part of the sauce.

Try it and let me know

[Sparky Marky]

Knob of Ghee

[American]

For the London based members, had some great BBQ last night. Chicago Bar and Grill in Knightsbridge. Had been there once before, had the pulled pork and was a bit disappointed. The group I play volleyball with is very international (shocking for London), so we're starting a once a month gathering to sample restaurants/food or the different countries. There were 10 of us and everyone loved it. Ended up having the brisket which was absolutely delicious and finished with a delicious Apple Pie (which led to an argument about the phrase "American as Apple Pie" with the grandchild of Canadian apple farmers...). Most people had the ribs and loved them as well. Better than Bodeans, would probably give it about 9/10, especially with the great service we had. Only ended up being 40 quid per person with drinks, which was pretty good considering all of the food and drinks we had.

[DanLad]

Last night I went to Piccolino's in Manchester for the first time in years.

It was excellent. Nice atmosphere and great food.

The risotto was superb!

[colin]

I should have insisted on a Waldorf Salad

"I'm sorry Sir, we're all out of Waldorfs".

I don't agree, curry's easy.... it's the pilau rice that we normally fail on

Wash plenty of times in cold water before cooking, until the water runs clear. It's all the "dust" that makes it claggy. Finish off on medium in the microwave to dry it out a touch. Give it a few minutes & stir to let the steam out then another session in the pinger.

[brfcshabba]

Just had a nice meal at the Plough in Euxton. Fillet steak was worth every penny.

[Ozz]

Was that Jerrys Cookie? If so, is the back full of animals still?

[brfcshabba]

Was that Jerrys Cookie? If so, is the back full of animals still?

Had to google the name Jerrys

It is the same one. I seem to recall the menu having Zebra on at one stage but they may have taken that off as I couldn't see it on earlier.

[ABBEY]

For the London based members, had some great BBQ last night. Chicago Bar and Grill in Knightsbridge. Had been there once before, had the pulled pork and was a bit disappointed. The group I play volleyball with is very international (shocking for London), so we're starting a once a month gathering to sample restaurants/food or the different countries. There were 10 of us and everyone loved it. Ended up having the brisket which was absolutely delicious and finished with a delicious Apple Pie (which led to an argument about the phrase "American as Apple Pie" with the grandchild of Canadian apple farmers...). Most people had the ribs and loved them as well. Better than Bodeans, would probably give it about 9/10, especially with the great service we had. Only ended up being 40 quid per person with drinks, which was pretty good considering all of the food and drinks we had.

pulled poerk you didnt pull ya own pork did ya lol

[Claytons Left Boot]

Went to the Bull at Broughton yesterday (just south of Skipton). Been a favourite of ours for a few years now. It's recently joined the Ribble Valley Inns stable. Very good, rather than excellent and I thought the menu cold have been a bit more extensive.

I opted for Fish, Chips & Mushy Peas. The fish portion was 'big' and tasted excellent. The peas were few in number and the chips were home made but basic. Previously the Bull did those really thick, soft chips which I thought were superb.

Mrs CLB had the Fish Pie, again very good rather than excellent.

Miss CLB With Attitude had the posh Burger & Chips which was very nice.

The desserts were very tasty and testament to the size of the mains meant that none were fully finished.

All in all, I have to say I preferred the place pre RVI but a waiting time of 45 mins prior to getting our table was evidence of its popularity.

The Royal Oak at Riley Green has been a favourite of ours for many years and if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the latter because of the value for money element.

Edited February 8, 2010 by Claytons Left Boot

[ABBEY]

what consitutes a POSH BURGER? LOL

[mellison24]

what consitutes a POSH BURGER? LOL

Possibly cous cous on the side or an extra layer of lettuce.

[SouthAussieRover]

Thanks Theno and Vintage.

I'll give those recipes a try over the next couple of weeks.

[Claytons Left Boot]

what consitutes a POSH BURGER? LOL

The way it's described on the menu - something like 4 ounce steak on an English muffin garnished with bla, bla, bla - and it came on a wooden board (as it does at the Three Fishes).

[Gav]

The Royal Oak at Riley Green has been a favourite of ours for many years

We often have a pint in The Royal Oak after work, great old fashioned pub, but I've never been struck on the food, always thought the menu was poor.

We went to Anon, French Cafe & Bistro, Poulton-le-Fylde a few weeks ago, and despite the owners best efforts to put us off our food, it was in fact excellent.

The owner is a little ‘quirky’ to say the least, took the bank card at the end and said:

“You’re not getting this back”

and kept pulling the card away when you grabbed for it, not exactly everyone’s cup of tea, and he was full on throughout the meal, very strange….. but the venue and food are excellent.

Oh yes, he played Leonard Cohen throughout the meal which could send some people over the edge also

[BPF]

Likely to have mentioned before but:

The Hospital Inn & The Pear Tree in Bamber Bridge are very good. Each serve an inventive but delicious menu.

I've had Kangaroo, Ostrich, Springbok and Emu there.

The last time I was there I had Monkfish and Bacon Kebabs in Bloody Mary Sauce.

Really great stuff.

[berkshireblue]

For the London based members, had some great BBQ last night. Chicago Bar and Grill in Knightsbridge. Had been there once before, had the pulled pork and was a bit disappointed. The group I play volleyball with is very international (shocking for London), so we're starting a once a month gathering to sample restaurants/food or the different countries. There were 10 of us and everyone loved it. Ended up having the brisket which was absolutely delicious and finished with a delicious Apple Pie (which led to an argument about the phrase "American as Apple Pie" with the grandchild of Canadian apple farmers...). Most people had the ribs and loved them as well. Better than Bodeans, would probably give it about 9/10, especially with the great service we had. Only ended up being 40 quid per person with drinks, which was pretty good considering all of the food and drinks we had.

American used to go to the original chicago rib in knightsbridge....been to the new one as above ( 18 months old ) its ok but wont be there long as the rent is so high they are losing money..they get their meat from a farm in wiltshire owned by Jody Scheckter ( not sure on spelling ) the ex F1 driver

Just had lunch at cha cha moon, ganton street , off carnaby street, high quality pan asain cuisine at low prices...very quick service, your international crowd will love it

[MCMC1875]

Likely to have mentioned before but:

The Hospital Inn & The Pear Tree in Bamber Bridge are very good. Each serve an inventive but delicious menu.

I've had Kangaroo, Ostrich, Springbok and Emu there.

The last time I was there I had Monkfish and Bacon Kebabs in Bloody Mary Sauce.

Really great stuff.

Good Spanish buffet at the Pear Tree sometimes.

Just had a nice meal at the Plough in Euxton. Fillet steak was worth every penny.

The Travellers Rest at Euxton, run by a Rovers fan is well worth a visit.

Edited February 13, 2010 by MCMC1875

[Mike Graham]

Just had a nice meal at the Plough in Euxton. Fillet steak was worth every penny.

I used to work behind the bar at Jerrys as the locals call it) when I was 16.

The food now, and the couple who run it are dreadful. I would not buy a bag of crisps from those wasters.

The Travellers Rest at Euxton, run by a Rovers fan is well worth a visit.

the couple are ex-Riversiders and gave up going when others were being offered cheap tickets as it "was unfair".

[Mike Graham]

Went to the Bull at Broughton yesterday (just south of Skipton). Been a favourite of ours for a few years now. It's recently joined the Ribble Valley Inns stable. Very good, rather than excellent and I thought the menu cold have been a bit more extensive.

I opted for Fish, Chips & Mushy Peas. The fish portion was 'big' and tasted excellent. The peas were few in number and the chips were home made but basic. Previously the Bull did those really thick, soft chips which I thought were superb.

Mrs CLB had the Fish Pie, again very good rather than excellent.

Miss CLB With Attitude had the posh Burger & Chips which was very nice.

The desserts were very tasty and testament to the size of the mains meant that none were fully finished.

All in all, I have to say I preferred the place pre RVI but a waiting time of 45 mins prior to getting our table was evidence of its popularity.

The Royal Oak at Riley Green has been a favourite of ours for many years and if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the latter because of the value for money element.

The Royal Oak is my local: good food (try the specials board) and a great pint albeit expensive.

I suggest that you try The Boars Head next to Crooks Land Rover place, which is a mile down the road from the Royal Oak towards Preston just past Hoghton Tower.

It has been refurbished...great food and real good well kept beer (Thwaites bitter is £2-10 when it is £2-60 at the Royal Oak. It has been gaining a lot of trade at the expense of the Royal Oak and the Sirloin. Well worth a try.

And CLB when you go into the Royal Oak I am normally sat in the right hand corner side of the bar next to the sign saying "Bull Sh*t Corner".

[Claytons Left Boot]

And CLB when you go into the Royal Oak I am normally sat in the right hand corner side of the bar next to the sign saying "Bull Sh*t Corner".

Thanks PB, I'll look out for you next time we're in. And I'll bear in mind the Boars Head as well. Been in there years ago. Was it a Brewers Fayre type place at one time?

Edited February 15, 2010 by Claytons Left Boot

[Mike Graham]

Thanks PB, I'll look out for you next time we're in. And I'll bear in mind the Boars Head as well. Been in there years ago. Was it a Brewers Fayre type place at one time?

Yep, it was a Brewers Fayre until about 6 months back...smelled of chips and was full of drunken parents and wild kids who have all been turfed out. It is now run by the couple who had the Boatyard pub at Riley Green who are making a good go of it.