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YOU know you've got a fantastic dinner coming your way when your hosts list Leonardo DiCaprio and the Thai royal family amongst the people they've created food and drink for in the past. At Busaba last week, group executive chef Jude Sangsida and head bar trainer Ali Monterio treated 12 Heroes and their friends to cocktails and Thai food that left us all impressed. We weren't quite the A-list clientele Jude and Ali might be used to, but like everyone at Busaba, they treated us like we were.

Jude's knowledge and enthusiasm for Thai cooking was obvious – you don't get to be a former head chef for Thai royalty without it.

After a welcome drink, Jude talked about regional variations in Thai cooking, illustrating his descriptions with a tasting platter that captured the contrasting flavours that characterise this cuisine – from heat and spice to salty and sweet. The sauces were served with dippers of mango, cucumber, breaded prawns and chicken, and were an enticing introduction to the evening ahead.

Jude's knowledge and enthusiasm for Thai cooking was obvious – you don't get to be a former head chef for Thai royalty without it. He explained how Busaba, which opened last year in The Printworks, aims to bring a true taste of traditional and modern Thailand to Manchester, while tweeking recipes for a western palate.

Then it was cocktail time. Jude handed us over to Ali, who has created concoctions for Lionel Richie and boxer David Haye as well as DiCaprio. He showed us how to make a Thai martini, a staple on the Busaba cocktail menu. Comprised of gin, elderflower cordial, grape juice, lemon juice and fresh basil leaves, it was a light and refreshing drink. Once we’d observed Ali, everyone had a go at mixing the cocktail themselves. Ali explained the importance of speed when serving cocktails at Busaba as the food can be ready so fast.

After cocktails we headed downstairs for our meal. With our new insight into the different flavours of Thai cooking we were able to order dishes that would suit our personal taste, rather than guessing and hoping for the best. Happy faces all round suggested we chose well. All in all, a great night.

Busaba, Unit 1, Printworks, Withy Grove M4 2BS. 0161 6724640