JAMES Martin Manchester is open and here's the menu.
He also said he didn't think the location in a casino was a problem as long as the restaurant experience was good enough.
Sounds excellent, an honest to goodness sounding list with lots to interest the foodie.
The space itself - the old Linen restaurant - in Manchester 235, the opulent casino on Watson Street in the city centre, is a picture. There's a lovely contrast between the sturdy but warm brick vaulting of the old railway warehouse the restaurant occupies and the softening fixtures and fittings of a stylish restaurant.
James Martin Manchester
The Confidential team were along for the opening event last Tuesday with James Martin himself in fine fettle telling us: "I want to give Manchester a restaurant full of good value, top quality food, with excellent service. I want people to come back again and again, to really enjoy their visits."
Well of course he does.
He also said he didn't think the location in a casino was a problem as long as the restaurant experience was rewarding.
Confidential will be in shortly to measure his aspiration against his achievement.
You can book a table at the restaurant here.
James Martin Manchester - the a la carte menu
To start
Whisky and vanilla cured salmon, chargrilled cucumber, ketchup and pickled ginger - £7.50
Thai crab risotto, lemon grass, kaffir lime and chilli - starter £7.95, main £12.95
Duck liver parfait orange chutney and toasted sourdough - £7.50
Deep fried soft boiled organic Goosnargh hens egg, mushrooms and British truffle mayonnaise - £6.95
Seared west coast hand dived scallops, black pudding and a tamerind, palm sugar and ginger chutney - £8.95
Caramelised white onion soup, Quick’s cheddar cheese rarebit - £6.25
Smoked beef fillet and beetroot salad, bone marrow fritters and grain mustard dressing - £10.50
James Martin Manchester
To follow
Braised short rib of beef, pearl barley and parsley risotto, roasted onions - £16.95
Pot roast Goosnargh chicken wild mushrooms and tarragon sauce - £15.95
James Martin at workSlow roast belly of Redhill pork, braised cheek, pickled baby apple and cider sauce - £16.50
Steamed brill, smoked mussel, white bean broth and candied fennel - £18.95
West coast plaice, herb dumplings, rock samphire, potted Morecambe Bay shrimp dressing - £15.95
Roast butternut squash gnocchi charred violet artichokes and cumin brown butter - £12.25
Sirloin
Cumbrian Lakeland Fells - 8oz £28, 12oz £42
28 day aged Hereford – 6oz £19
T-bone
28 day aged Hereford - 14oz £30
Rib eye
British Wagyu – 8oz £38
28 day aged Hereford – 10oz £26
Fillet steak
British Wagyu – 8oz £49
Cumbrian Lakeland Fells – 8oz £32
Rib of beef for two 24oz £69
All meat is served with chips, onion rings and flavoured butter. Sauces (all £1.50), peppercorn Béarnaise, red wine, bone marrow and black truffle.
Sides orders (all £3.50)
Chips, mash potato, star anise braised carrots, seasonal greens with garlic and herb butter, green beans with crème fraîche and smoked bacon, dressed salad leaves, cherry tomato, shallot and basil salad with sherry dressing.
Additional bread £2.50
James Martin Manchester
To finish (all £7)
White chocolate and whisky crossiant butter pudding, single malt ice cream
Caramelized lemon tart and crème fraîche
Hot sticky toffee pudding, toffee sauce and condensed milk ice cream
Vanilla panna cotta with warm doughnuts, apple and blackberries
Plum and almond tart
Rich dark chocolate mousse
Candied hazelnuts and praline
A selection of British cheeses, grape chutney, parkin biscuits and celery
Sweet treats £4.50
James Martin Manchester
James Martin Manchester
Thanks to Carl Sukonik for the pictures.
You can follow Jonathan Schofield on Twitter here @JonathSchofield or connect via Google+
