My favourite all time place to eat out in Manchester is... Umezushi. So consistently good. Independent, great wine and sake list, and all done with love.
The best dish I've eaten in Manchester recently is... Clay oven baked potatoes with salsa verde at Baratxuri. Simplicity itself but so SO delicious.
My favourite dining room in Manchester is... Hawksmoor cos I'm a sucker for wood panelled grandeur. And I love drinking in the bar, too. It's perfect for Manchester gloom.
My favourite lunch spot in Manchester is... Siam Smiles. Amazing, fresh, home-cooked Thai food and the best place to visit for restoring health post cold/flu.
If I had to eat only one thing for the rest of my days it would be... Pizza! Bread + cheese + tomato + cured meats = all of my favourite things at once
Mary-Ellen McTague is Exec Chef at Manchester Art Gallery Cafe and is in the midst of an exciting transformation of one of Chorlton's most stunning buildings. The Creameries will probably be opening in April where Mary Ellen will be creating and serving a small well-considered menu, created in collaboration with local suppliers and centring around bread, cheese, beer and wine.