A YEAR’S a long time in dining out. It’s not much more than 12 months ago that Cuban street food maestros FINCA were making an impression at Artisan. Then their Cubanos sandwich focused pop-up at the Spinningfields venue had run its course by the time it shut its doors a few weeks later.
The good news is – the Liverpool based concept, which appeared on Netflix and BBC’s Million Pound Menu is back in Manchester this November for a month-long residency at the Northern Monk Refectory in the Northern Quarter.
The Cuban culinary fireworks get cracking on Tuesday, November 5. As well as serving up those Cubanos – a hearty traditional sandwich filled with mojo marinated pork shoulder, roast ham, house pickles, mustard and gouda cheese – and some amazing bunelos (doughnuts) FINCA will also be trialling new dishes with a number of vegetarian and vegan options. Naturally the tie-in with the Northern Monk brewers will also spawn a beer pairing event.
Set up by four friends in Liverpool and serving up nformal dishes rooted in Cuban and Latin flavours, the residency will be a full time operation with its food menu served from 12pm until 9pm, seven days a week.
Oli Smith, chef and co-founder of FINCA, told us: “We can’t wait to head back to Manchester and set up in the brilliant Northern Monk. We’re going to be back for a month this time so make sure you don’t miss out – there’s still plenty of time to come and grab a Cubano!”
FINCA’s pop-up will officially open on Tuesday, November 5 at Northern Monk Refectory, 10 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF.