IT’S that time of year again when Spaniards char large spring onion cum leeks called Calçots. In Catalonia it’s an epic, folk costume clad ceremony (above) of brushwood, burning coals and Cava toasts.
The Calçotada is less frenetic at Lunya, Manchester and Liverpool’s homage to Catalan foodie customs, but the traditions are followed – wrapping in newspaper and served with Romesco sauce, a messy business, followed by lashings of char-grilled meat.
This year’s oddball onion festival at Lunya’s Deansgate outpost is on Sunday, March 12 from 12 noon until the calçots run out.
It all costs £29.95 a head (veggies £23.95). For that you get the star turn, seasonal calçots and Romesco sauce, followed by fuet, salchichón and Catalan tomato bread; lamb chops; chicken, rosemary, garlic and lemon; patatas bravas (vegetarian and vegan alternative of char-grilled vegetables and mushroom stuffed piquillo peppers); crema catalana and fresh oranges.
Lunya, Barton Arcade, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BB. 0161 413 3317. Advance booking for the event is essential via www.lunya.co.uk where you can make a reservation or ring 0161 413 3317.