THE launch of International Sherry Week (November 7-13) has to be celebrated in the appropriate setting and where better than El Gato Negro.
The Spanish restaurant and bar on King Street – Best Newcomer in the recent Manchester Food and Drink Awards – has been chosen by Sherry UK as one of four British cities holding official launch parties at the start of this global fortified wine fiesta.
Food and wine aficionados are invited to take part in the tasting with matching bites, which will be held in the acclaimed Black Cat – the upstairs bar at the top of the heritage building with Manchester’s only retractable roof.
Guests will sample the diversity of Jerez Wines and enjoy new and emerging trends in cocktail making, including a Sherry Masterclass, hosted by Federico Sanchez-Pece, Brand Manager of Bodegas De Lustau.
The Black Cat (above) will also unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for the week. Specially created cocktails will include the Pimento Fino, a delicious Fino Sherry paired with Padron Pepper Liquor, the Chamomile Snapper, a chilled mix of Manzilla Sherry, plum tomatoes and gin and the Grenache, a dark blend of Amontildo Sherry, Dark Rum and Walnut Bitters.
Throughout the week specially selected food pairings will be on offer across all floors of the restaurant.
El Gato Negro, 52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY. 0161 694 8585. The event i from 6pm-8pm. Places limited, booking required. £20 a head, to include three cocktails and small bites.
LUNYA on Deansgate, a champion these unique fortified wines, is also toasting Sherry Week with a special tasting of eight sherries (including the the Tio Pepe ‘en rama’ finos on Wednesday, November 10.
Resident sherry expert Ian Jackson who will be joined by Ignacio Lopez Carrizosa from Bodega Valdespino, Jerez's most historic producer. You will hear about how the sherries are made, the terroir they are from, have a guided tasting of each of them and try them with a range of accompaniments from the Lunya deli , folowed by a fun sherry quiz
Lunya, Barton Square, Deansgate, M3 2BB. Nov 10, 6.30pm-8.30pm. £29.95 per person, includes a 10 per cent off voucher from any sherry purchased on the night. Book online or by ringing 0161 413 3317.