And a word in your shell-like about free oysters this October
What noise annoys a noisy oyster? The noise of Michelin man-a Simon Martin approaching to dunk the little blighters’ shells in gin.
Martin, of the star-spangled mana, has teamed up with The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, to create an oyster gin.
Customers at Three Little Words can choose either a fresh oyster or a deep-fried oyster
To celebrate the launch of the new gin, Spirit of Manchester's gin bar Three Little Words, is launching two limited-edition cocktails and giving away free oysters.
Mollusc man
Well known for his laboratory-esque kitchen tinkering at mana, Simon Martin has been busy distilling oyster shells - that would otherwise have been discarded - to produce the evocative flavour for the gin.
Named Mother of Pearl, the unique gin uses this oyster shell distillation among its selection of botanicals to capture the spirit of a blustery walk down the great British seafront. Citrus and woody pine bring balanced top notes to the coastal tipple.
To celebrate the launch of the Mother of Pearl Gin and oyster season (which runs from September to April), Three Little Words is adding two limited edition cocktails to its extensive menu, both served with a complimentary oyster – fresh or deep-fried.
A seafood cocktail
The Mother of Pearl Martini (£11) combines the oyster gin with dry white vermouth, bergamot liqueur and a dash of lemon bitters.
The mana Perfect Serve (£9) pairs Mother of Pearl Gin with Franklin & Sons Light Tonic and a lime and basil garnish that allows the seaside flavours to sing through.
Customers at Three Little Words can choose either a fresh oyster accompanied with shallot pickling, fresh lemon juice and a dash of Tabasco or a deep-fried oyster served in its shell with a homemade saltwater mayonnaise.
Three Little Words will use oysters from Lindisfarne, where mana sources its own oysters from.
Jimmy Carr, Head Chef at Three Little Words, says: “This has been a really interesting way to explore the relationship between the distillery and Three Little Words, pairing a dish to a single spirit and such an unusual one.
We love an opportunity to throw out the “rule book” we’ve been taught about food and experiment with something unique that pushes the boundaries and encourages people to step outside their comfort zone. This gin and the “serve” with an oyster is making it about more than just food and drink itself but about how we can bring the experience of the wild British coasts and fresh sea air to our little corner of Manchester.”
Simon Martin, Chef-Owner at mana said: “It's wonderful to see our Oyster shells, which are usually discarded, being transformed into something so unique and purposeful.
“Manchester Gin mirrors our ethos and methods to create a spirit which is balanced, refined, but above all, delicious".
The Mother of Pearl Martini and mana Gin & Tonic will be available at Three Little Words from Friday 24 September until Sunday 31 October.
Mother of Pearl will be available to purchase for £35 per 500ml from Three Little Words, mana or online at Manchester Gin.
Three Little Words 12-13 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP
