I CAN'T WRITE this yet. My mouth's full and I feel it is rude to masticate while applying fingers to keyboards.
Not that I can type either. Not really.
I'm so heavy with food my arms can't reach past my belly. I fear there's a moose loose about my bodily hoose.
So give me a minute.
They were North American and worked in nearby offices. I learnt this by blatantly eavesdropping right until the moment one of the women told me to take my ear out of her egg.
Anyway the moose is Moose and a Liverpool invader. This tiny empire already has outlets in Liverpool city centre and the Scouse Cheadle Hulme, aka Crosby.
It's now moved east and occupied a fine and prominent Manchester position at the corner of Fountain Street and York Street. This is perfect nip in and chow down site for lawyers, accountants, suited types and lost people from Primark.
Moose exterior
Or rather chow up.
The menu is as Americana as any burger bar fadtastic pulled pork venture that's opened in the last eighteen months. This time though the emphasis is on breakfasts and brunches - twenty four of them. This is probably because Moose only opens during the day, 8am-6pm during the week, 9am-5pm on Saturday, 10am-4pm on Sunday.
I had the Bronx Brunch (£8 - and one of most expensive items on the menu), potato hash 'griddled with garlic, onion and mustard mixed with chopped smoked sausage, streaky bacon, corned beef, peppers and melted cheddar'. Cresting the dish were two runny eggs; there was warm toast too.
It was huge. You will need a guide, crampons, ice-picks and ropes just to see over the top of this baby. I swear I saw a sherpa scrapping with a mountaineer on top.
Yet despite the slightly overfacing scale it was very good. It wasn't tasteful or elegant or pretty but then it wasn't meant to be. The individual flavours didn't dare raise their heads too much either in this American massive attack, but they mingled well enough. It was immensely enjoyable food. Hearty. The type of food that makes you sigh with anticipation if you're hungry.
Bronx belly buster
We had a ranter on Confidential last week called Jenny Collins who complained thus: '(With) the reviews I read on this site and many others it's reaffirmed my belief that Manchester does not have a food middle ground. We seem to go from fast food and 2-4-1 chain pubs or all you can eat buffets to establishments where mains are £12 plus with overpriced drinks on top.'
Jenny's wrong on many counts, not least with all the burger bars that have opened recently.Indeed there are hundreds of places that serve between the extremes. Moose is a new one. And given the amount of food you get it's great value for money. Perfect hangover food too with all those carbohydrates.
A pair of waffles came with maple syrup, whipped cream and an aggressive 'Jaws' strawberry savaging a severed head of a blueberry.(£5.20). It was up to the mark as well. The waffles were the right side of flabby, the complete creation sweetly satisfying.
Waffle with blueberry under atttack
Moose also provides salads, burgers, sandwiches and shakes. The only disappointment is the coffee which needs bolstering. The staff said they were aware of this so let's hope it's been changed by the time this article is published.
Moose already seems to have attracted regulars. On both occasions I visited the same two women sat next to me while I shovelled grub into my face. They were North American and worked in nearby offices. I learnt this by blatantly eavesdropping right until the moment one of the women told me to take my ear out of her egg.
They seemed to like Moose very much.Since the theme is American that would appear to be a good sign.
Moose interior
The fit out of the venue is tidy and bright but could perhaps do with more colour. It features a lot of antlers and antler references - strangely enough. The staff smile, chat to you and fall over themselves to be helpful.
I like Moose and its wholehearted enthusiasm. Try it. Especially you Jenny, yes you, you'll like it if you want value for money food.
You can follow Jonathan Schofield on Twitter @JonathSchofield or connect via Google+
ALL SCORED CONFIDENTIAL REVIEWS ARE IMPARTIAL AND PAID FOR BY THE MAGAZINE.
Moose, 20 York St, City, M23BB. 0161 228 7994
Rating: 13/20 (remember venues are rated against the best examples of their type - see yellow box below)
Food: 6.5/10
Service: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3/5
