THE Catalan cuisine headlines have been stolen by the Pep Guardiola-backed Tast arriving this summer. We share the anticipation, but let’s not forget Lunya on Deansgate is already flying the flag for that Iberian region.
Hence their recent ‘Calcotada’ – a celebration of Spain’s seasonal spring onion cum leeks called calçots. In Catalonia it’s an epic, folk costume clad ceremony featuring 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. After flame-grilling the vegetables are wrapped in newspaper and served with Romesco sauce, a messy business, followed by lashings of char-grilled meat. All washed down with wine poured high from porron vessels.
Now as the imported calcots run out they are turning their attention to Easter their well-stocked deli in the Barton Arcade. Check out their extensive chocolate selection, including some spectacular eggs.
Owners Peter and Elaine Kinsella are dab hands at hosting events and the Calcotada was just the first of a series of spring events that showcase Lunya’s deli/bar range:
Wine Tasting – April 5 Guests will taste 8 wines and be guided through a journey of all senses by resident wine experts, who will be joined by a number of our wine suppliers. Lunya has one of the UK’s best Spanish wine collections and this night will showcase many of them. This is a fun, informal and relaxed evening to think wine, talk wine & drink wine! We will be trying wines from Rioja, Catalunya (including Vermut), Priorat, Albariño, Jerez, Somontano, Toro, Basque County and Pénedès.
Gin tasting – April 25 Lunya’s Gin Tasting nights are legendary for their great value, fun and informality. Guests will hear about how gin is made, taste a variety of gins and have a guided tasting of the award-winning gins from our range of stunning Spanish gins, as well as try a variety of tapitas and ingredients to go with them.
Cheese Tasting – May 9 The perfect event for cheese lovers. Lunya has one of the world’s best Spanish cheese collections and this night will showcase many of them. Guests will hear about how cheese is made, discover different styles of Spanish cheeses and taste 12 of our different cheeses with a range of accompaniments, all accompanied by a flight of three wines and a cheese inspired cocktail. This is a fun, informal and relaxed evening to think cheese, talk cheese, eat cheese & drink cheese.
Sherry Tasting – June 13 Lunya’s most popular event of the year. Whether guests are Sherry virgin or an old hand, this night will delight!. 8 stunning sherries to try including this year’s release of Tio Pepe Fino En Rama. Matching tapitas and 10% off any bottle of sherry you buy on the night.
Lunya, Barton Arcade, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BB. 0161 413 3317. www.lunya.co.uk