by Neil Sowerby
GRAND Pacific, despite the tropical cocktail oasis image, has not always been a balmy hideaway during these wintry months. That has all changed now with serious weatherproofing to snugly cover up the outdoor seating area. The conveyor belt of small plate dishes straight from the kitchens big brother restaurant Australasia, in Spinningfields, reads like a roll call of Pacific Rim fusion cuisine including sushi, sashimi, dishes from the robata grill.
Lunch is a particular bargain with a four dish for £20 deal the likes of mussels with miso lime and chilli or Vietnamese pork egg with veg noodles and nouc cham (dipping sauces) until 5pm, while Asian High Tea, for £25 per person, offers a three tier sushi and salad selection with a glass of Spee' Wah Aussie sparkler, followed by a second wave of three tiers of puddings with a choice of loose leaf or flowering tea. Click here for the full menu.
Grand Pacific, above Australasia, 1 The Avenue, Spinningfields, M3 3AP. Tel: 0161 831 0288, australasia.uk.com