LIKE the first cuckoo, Lunya’s celebration of Catalan spring onion-leek cross the calcot has become a harbinger of spring and a glorious opportunity for drink-fuelled knees-up. This year its famous ‘Calçotada’ festival kicks off on Sunday, March Co-owners Peter and Elaine KInsella have been leading the chargrill-centred revels for nine years now, first at their original Lunya in Liverpool and now in Manchester, too.
At the ‘Calçotada’ the calcots (pronounced cal-sots) are traditionally charred over flames until soft and sweet on the inside, with a delightful smoky flavour. These are then served wrapped in newspaper, and eaten with the hands – picked up, peeled and dipped in romesco sauce (almonds, roasted peppers, olive oil & sherry vinegar). It is all rather messy, and quite delicious (adding to the ToM dry-cleaning bills.
The eating of the Calcots is followed by lots of chargrilled meats, and the celebration is topped off by the pouring the of cava served from a great height using a porron (a traditional Catalan wine pitcher).
The menu on the night includes calçots and romesco, followed by fuet, salchichón and Catalan tomato bread; butifarra, lamb chops, chicken with rosemary, garlic and lemon and patatas bravas (veggie alternative of char-grilled vegetables and rice stuffed piquillo peppers), followed by crema catalana and fresh oranges.
The celebration starts from 1pm and booking is essential here.
Lunya, Barton Arcade, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BB, 0161 413 3317.