IT’S a big welcome back for Manchester International Festival (June 29-July 16). Against the vast derelict backdrop of the Mayfield Depot new artistic director John McGrath launched a programme as eclectic and stimulating as any in its 10 years of existence.
There’s Arcade Fire, New Order, an opera for babies, Jane Horrocks in a play about the cotton industry, a big public event in Piccadilly Gardens, a statue of Friedrich Engels arriving from Russia and many, many more special commissions.
Contemplating all of this culture on a plate for us makes ToM hungry, so what is MIF serving up foodwise?
Well, there is one major event specifically centred on our attitude to what we put on our bellies and it’s curated by one of Manchester’s best-loved chefs and ToM fave. Mary-Ellen McTague (Aumbry, the Real Junk Food Project) has devised Dinner Party at the End of the World.
Each evening, just 20 guests will share a special last supper; with delicious and surprising food that explores themes of survival, extinction, scarcity and opulence.
Mary-Ellen’s creative menu will give you a flavour of how we may choose to eat, and what we may have to eat, come the end of days (July 4-15, 5pm, except Sun & Mon).
It takes place in the same secret venue that is hosting the world premiere of Party Skills for the End of the World. This is described by MIF as “a party with a difference. As turmoil and uncertainty sweep the world, you’ll learn the essential skills you’ll need to survive and savour life when everything you’ve taken for granted has gone – from starting a fire and making balloon animals to mixing the perfect Martini and skinning a rabbit. With the collapse of civilisation close at hand, it’s time to look at all the good things in life and the fear that stops us enjoying them.”
Phew. Meanwhile, if you just fancy a bite to eat or a drink at MIF 17 there’s a tasty array at Festival Square (ie Albert Square from midday until late daily from Friday June 30 to Sunday July 16 with four bars, four resident kitchens, four supper clubs and an ice cream wagon.
Food comes from: Hispi, a unique take on fast food from Gary Usher’s acclaimed Didsbury bistro; Manjit’s Kitchen, vegetarian Indian street food and snacks inspired by Manjit’s grandma’s home cooking; Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, inventive ice cream for grown-ups; Paul Heathcote & Co, with a signature menu of reinvented British classics; and Alty Market fave Honest Crust (below) with their signature wood-fired pizzas and salads. To drink, meanwhile, pick from wines, soft drinks and beers from local brewery JW Lees, the Square’s official beer supplier.
Supper clubs are another with Paul Heathcote (pictured above) inviting a quartet of close friends to each cook for one night only in the Glass House. Each Supper Club costs £50, and includes a glass of fizz, three courses and coffee – giving diners an exclusive chance to sample the wares of four chefs who have helped to define modern British cooking.
These include: David Moore, owner of London’s Michelin-starred Pied à Terre (July 2, 7pm); Steven Doherty, first British chef to run a three-Michelin-starred restaurant (July 3, 7pm); Carl Noller & Paul Heathcote, joining forces to relive their time at Simply Heathcotes (July 9, 7pm); and Mark Hix, (below) owner of London’s hugely popular HIX restaurants and bars (July 10, 7pm).
