SIMON Wood has revealed details of the first menus to be served at his new restaurant, WOOD Manchester, which is set to open later this summer – and they look an exciting addition from the simple lounge menu through to the a la carte in its various manifestations.
The former MasterChef winner exhibits an admirable fine dining daring for his city centre debut on First Street. We obviously get three dishes that gained him the title but also a blind tasting menu to be served in the restaurant or at the prestigious six cover chef’s table in front of the open kitchen).
That open kitchen is dominated by the Oldham-born chef/patron’s beloved Josper oven. Josper Smoked Gnocchi, something of a Wood signature dish, will be served throughout the menus, including the casual lounge offering, where with rocket parmesan pesto it will partner flat iron steak.
Simon commented; “I’m really excited to get these menus out there and see what the response is. My focus is on simple dishes and ingredients that pack a punch. The smoked gnocchi is such a simple dish but it tastes amazing. Also I’ve included my MasterChef dishes because so many people say that they’d like to try them so it would be silly not to!
Not that the rest of WOOD, even in the 20 seater private dining room upstairs, will be overly formal – a policy reflected in the playful dishes across the a la carte. Here at ToM we are salivating over the prospect of Wild Mushroom Raviolo With Sage, Chestnut and Pangrattato or the Pigeon, Fig, Endive & Belazu Lardon starters to mains featuring Cod, Leek, Tar, Fennel, Chicken and Parsley... and above all the giant Tomahawk Steak for sharing (main picture).
Simon’s blind tasting menu will change dependent on seasonality, the ingredients available and what he feels like cooking! It will be presented to guests, who must book in advance, on a sealed scroll. The chef’s table will only be available on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The nod to Masterchef 2015 is the Final Show Menu, where you can try each of the dishes he cooked for the judges on the big day – Fizz & Amuse; Squid, Chorizo, Aged Sherry, Brunoise & Frisse; Pigeon, Watercress, Pommes, Heritage Carrots and Nut; Citrus Tutti-Frutti & Lime Air.
Guests can now book a table in the restaurant from September 1 onwards; the official opening date is under wraps and may well be sooner.
WOOD Manchester, Jack Rosenthal Street, First Street, Manchester, M15 4FN.