25 September 2009

Lisa Higginson

A feast of unique after-dark dining experiences is to be showcased as part of Manchester Food and Drink Festival’s gastronomic extravaganza. Throughout the festival (October 1 – 12), a series of tailored evenings will form MFDF’s Dinner in the City series – an exciting new event that will see foodie festivities continue into the night.

In association with Forever Manchester and Smooth Radio, this series is a chance to discover some of the city’s top restaurants and indulge in evenings that have been exclusively designed to deliver a cacophony of culinary delights.

MFDF has worked together with the venue’s chefs to devise imaginative menus that will give discerning diners a true signature experience. Expect seasonal surprises, cocktail dinners and celebrity guest stars as part of this tasty event.

Donations from each of the special evenings will go to the MFDF Grass Roots Fund, which is part of the city’s community initiative Forever Manchester.

Dinner in the City event series:

Thursday 1st October

LOUIS ROEDERER CHAMPAGNE CHINESE BANQUET

WINGS

The famed city centre Chinese restaurant Wings is combining the authentic tastes of Asian cuisine with a splash of style to bring diners this lavish Champagne Banquet.

The talented chefs will cook up a stunning five-course dinner that will begin with a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne served alongside the starter. The remainder of the authentic feast will be served with a selection of carefully matched wines, chosen to sit comfortably with each course.

From 6pm
£55 per person plus 10% service charge.

A 10% donation will be made to the MFDF Grassroots Fund from every ticket sold.

1 Lincoln square, city centre, Manchester, M2 5LN, 0161 8349000, www.wingsrestaurant.co.uk

Friday 2nd October

COCKTAIL DINNER

LINEN, MANCHESTER 235

Indulge in the finest cocktails and handmade canapés before enjoying a lavish feast with a twist during this special signature event.
Manchester 235 invites you to start your weekend in style and take a gamble on its MFDF Diner in the City Cocktail Dinner. The evening will commence in the heart of the Vegas-style casino where guests will enjoy a glitzy party of delicious drinks, tasty canapés and dose of ‘tricky’ entertainment that is sure to wow.
Guests are then invited to take a seat in the sleek surrounds of Linen for a sumptuous serving of modern cuisine. The chefs have created an individual menu to celebrate MFDF.

The casino is also running a Learn to Play sessions throughout the evening where guests can try their hand at roulette and learn the basics of blackjack.

£35 for three courses; a 10% donation will be made to the MFDF Grassroots Fund from every ticket sold.
Reservations are a must; prices are inclusive of the evening’s cocktail party, which begins at 6pm.

Linen, Manchester 235, The Great Northern, Watson street, Manchester, M3 4LP, 0161 828 0300.

Saturday 3rd October

DINNER IN THE CITY AT TEMPUS

THE PALACE HOTEL

One of Manchester’s most prestigious hotels is offering an exclusive overnight gourmet package for one night only especially for MFDF. The Grade II listed Palace Hotel is inviting guests to indulge in a luxurious evening of fine food in its stunning Tempus restaurant before retiring to one of the lavish rooms for an overnight stay.

This is the ultimate weekend treat for food lovers as executive chef Jason Littlejohns offers a four course seasonal a la carte menu of mouthwatering modern British cuisine especially created for this Dinner in the City event.

Guests will then be able to relax in one of the beautiful bedrooms before enjoying a delicious breakfast the following morning. This one-off Palace Hotel package is just £90 per person, which includes both dinner and breakfast. The four-course MFDF a la carte is also available without the overnight stay for £37.50 per person. A donation of 10% will be given to the MFDF Grassroots Fund.

Dinner at Tempus can be booked between 7pm – 9.45pm.

The Palace Hotel, Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA, 0161 288 1111.

Sunday 4th October

MANHATTAN IN MANCHESTER

THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY

For one night only, diners will be given a bite of the Big Apple at downtown eatery Grill on the Alley. A taste of Manhattan will arrive in Manchester when the cool haunt hosts this New York-style evening of live music and excellent food.

Diners will then enjoy a three-course meal, which includes fresh lobster, followed by tea and coffee whilst being entertained throughout the evening. This is the perfect way to round off your weekend.
From 6pm.

Tickets cost £50 per person, with 10% of the cost being donated to the MFDF Grassroots Fund.

5 Ridgefield street, Manchester, M2 6EG, 0161 8333465, www.blackhouse.uk.com

Monday 5th October

I LOVE MONDAYS AT…

CITY INN

Okay, it is a Monday, but it is the middle of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, so what better excuse to treat yourself and lift those Monday blues than this exclusive dining offer from one of Manchester’s most elegant hotels. This evening’s laid back offering has been created especially for Dinner in the City as part of MFDF.
Round up a group of work colleagues or arrange an excuse for a girly catch up and enjoy a special MFDF Monday Night Platter, created by Head Chef Steve Midgley and featuring some of his most magnificent treats.
Platters will be served with two glasses of carefully matched wines (red or white) from City Inn’s excellent wine list. Entertainment will be provided in the laid back setting of the Piccadilly Lounge, all for just £16.50 between two (so that’s £8.25 each!), which includes a £1.50 donation to the MFDF Grassroots Fund.

5.30pm-10pm.
City Café, City Inn,1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 3BN, 0161 242 1020, www.cityinn.com

Tuesday 6th October

WINE AND BEEF MASTERCLASS

GAUCHO

Indulge in some of the world’s best beef and discover its diverse tastes, textures and traditions at this mouthwatering masterclass. Gaucho prides itself on the prime Argentinean steaks it serves and this special event is designed to reveal what makes them so special.

The evening will commence with refreshments alongside a presentation of Argentinean culture before head chef Robert Edwards delves into the distinctive characteristics of the country’s beef. Guests will gain an insight into the four main cuts that Gaucho serves, as well as some of the traditional marinating and cooking methods that are used, before enjoying a selection of steaks and side dishes.

A presentation of Gaucho’s Argentinean wines will also be hosted by the sommelier, who will guide guests through the best wines to accompany their meal. The evening will come to a sweet ending with everyone enjoying a trio of deserts.

There will be two sittings for ten people at 5.30pm and at 8.30pm.
£50 per person, which includes a 10% donation to the MFDF Grassroots Fund.

Gaucho, 2a St Mary’s Street, Manchester, M3 2LB, 0161 833 4333, www.gauchorestaurants.com

Wednesday 7th October

DAVID GALE SPECTACULAR

PODIUM

Indulge in an evening of decadent dining presented by a top city chef at one Manchester’s most stylish eateries. Podium is a culinary hotspot for serious foodies who have an appetite for locally-sourced produce, skilful execution and contemporary flair.
For one night only, acclaimed head chef David Gale will showcase a collection of his finest culinary creations with a specially designed six-course menu that champions some of the region’s most outstanding produce.
Diners can delve into dishes such as Tomato and chilli consommé, Zampone with braised butter beans, Grilled fillet of Cheshire beef with celeriac puree and lobster mash and Dark chocolate delice with peanut butter ice cream.

This bespoke menu is available for just £55 per person, with £5 from all ticket sales being donated to MFDF Grassroots Fund.

Podium Bar and Restaurant, The Hilton, 303 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LQ, 0161 870 1670, www.hilton.co.uk/manchesterdeansgate

To book Dinner in the City events contact: Ticketline on 0871 424 4444 or 0161 832 1111 or visit www.ticketline.co.uk
or visit www.foodanddrinkfestival.com
or contact the venues direct.