IT’S felt like the Mediterranean for the past few days (cue rain clouds forming), so were totally prepared to welcome Lunya’s refreshed menu for summer.
The Catalan deli, restaurant and bar in the Barton Arcade benefits from owners Peter and Elaine Kinsella’s indefatigable pursuit of the finest ingredients, invariably from Catalonia their inspiration.
But all this is as niente if the final product on the plate doesn’t do those raw materials justice. Our sneak menu preview at this proud independent confirmed award-winning standards are being upheld across the whole range – meat fish and veggie. While a 130-strong Spanish wine list, 26 sherries and a host of authentic beers and gins means there’s always a match to be found.
Here are a few dishes that caught our eye…
Courgette and Garrotxa frituras – light, fluffy fritters made with a stunning Catalan goat’s cheese and served with a minted yoghurt. This wonderful summer grazing dish is our main image.
Belly Pork – a traditional Catalan ‘Mar i Muntanya’ dish – blending of the Catalonian landscapes of ‘sea and mountains, bringing meat and fish together… a Catalan ‘surf and turf’! Lunya’s take on this for summer is slow cooked belly pork in a langoustine bisque with samphire and dressed with a red prawn.
Suquet – an authentic and aromatic Catalan fish stew. Mussels are cooked in a vibrant soup of summer-y saffron, white wine, tomatoes and parsley and served with a Mussels and a traditional ‘picada’ – traditional Catalan almond bread. One to really make you feel like you’re in deepest Catalonia.
Cocido de Verduras – a summer Spanish stew with soft white Spanish beans, peas, spinach, mint and hazelnuts. A perfectly light but vibrant vegan dish.
Coliflor – roasted cauliflower florets, dusted with Zahtar spices and served with pickled shallots, Marcona almond satay and coriander. Middle Eastern flavours meet Spanish ingredients and cookery style.
Lunya, Barton Arcade, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BB, 0161 413 3317.