My favourite place to eat out in Manchester is… A hard one, as the culinary landscape is changingso rapidly. There’s so much to choose from, but I would have to say Tast as I am a big fan of Catalan food and I admire how the passionate team behind this restaurant have not compromised in any way. Pulling up a bar stool and sipping a glass of Vermut after a long day is one of my favourite things to do. The tasting menu is out of this world and we are taking a team of artists and investors to experience this tonight.
The best dish I’ve eaten in Manchester recently is… Braised featherblade of beef, caramelised carrot, pickled walnut and legendary truffle Parmesan chips at Kala. All cooked beautifully and if I hadn’t stopped eating red meat I would be there eating it right now! So pleased to have this new addition to my go-to places – a great spot to take people from out of town. These tastiest of chips will also be available from their Kala food space on Festival Square from July 5.
My favourite dining room in Manchester is… I find the dining room at Hawksmoor incredibly relaxing. I’ve had some important lunches there over the years and the staff are brilliant at knowing when is a good time, and when is not. I love how the interior echoes the building’s era especially the parquet floors and tiling.
My favourite lunch spot in Manchester is… For a winter lunch it would be The Spärrows, which is under an arch behind Victoria Station. The tastiest dumplings I have ever had in all my life coupled with a perfect plate of sharp sauerkraut.For a summer lunch (every other year) it would have to be Festival Square, MIF’s home on Albert Square, every two years for 18 days. Please join me from July 5 for some of the best food on offer from our friends at Honest Crust, Manjit’s kitchen, Kala, Firebird Hope, Ginger’s Comfort Emporium. I can almost promise sunshine too. Hope that hasn’t jinxed it.
If I had to eat only one thing for the rest of my days it would be… Perfectly cooked fish and chips (I was brought up on them!), or my husband’s more refined fish dish of pan fried haddock with white wine, saffron and tomatoes with silky mustard mash and the squeakiest green beans.
Christine Cort is Managing Director of Manchester International Festival, which opens on Thursday, July 4 and runs until Sunday, July 21. A former group marketing director for Time Out, this proud Lancastrian lives in the Ribble Valley.
Check out our ToM preview of the full MIF food and drinks line-up in Festival Square (Albert Square).