around the world in 80 dinners

The Dining Car, Hong Kong-Beijing Train

2010-09-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Ni hao oh good and patient readers. It is the forth anniversary of 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners'. I hope you've enjoyed our little journey around some of the more interesting restaurants in our area, as well as some of the more exotic locations I have visited. After all we don't want to get too parochial. So I thought we would end this travelogue with a journey. To save on airfares and to see something of the countryside, I decided to travel from Hong Kong to Beijing by train. Despite taking some 24 hours, it was a pleasant and intriguing trip, made all the better a fully functional and charming dining car that would put many stationary eateries to shame.

I lunched on a fine omelet, rice and soup as I watched the Chinese landscape flow by. I traveled without interruption, slept soundly in my appointed sleeping compartment and arrived in Beijing no more than 10 minutes behind schedule.

The service was immaculate. I can't remember ever seeing any attendant on a British train in a pristine uniform let alone a frilly pinny and a ready smile!
When I arrived home I asked for a ticket for the 20 minute service from the airport to Oxford Rd only to be told there was a replacement bus due to engineering works. Oh, the shame!

Him Kee Restaurant, Hong Kong

2010-07-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of my visit to Hong Kong was reacquainting my friendship with Teresa and Jessey, two of the esteemed guests at last year's 'Visible Secrets' film festival at the Cornerhouse (see Zouk). Teresa kindly took us to the 'Him Kee', a restaurant specialising in hotpot.

Those of us living in the north west or followers of 'Coronation Street' would think of Betty and the 'Rovers Return' but in Chinese cuisine it is a banquet of raw ingredients which you cook at the table in tureens of steaming broth. It was a great experience to which the act of cooking together added to the communal glow of the evening.

Of course that could have been down to the designated beer waitress, who was kept busy at our table, or at least my section of it. 'Maai fei fat' meal with 'maai fei fat' people. Ng gui Teresa, it was jan.

Sampan Retaurant, Lamma Island

2010-05-25T08:34:00.001-07:00

Continuing our travelogue food fest, Miss Sarah Perks and I moved from the Middle to the Far East, meeting Shivani and Andy on the way. We were off to the Hong Kong Film Festival, to meet some old friends, make some new aquaintances and to experience some of the finest Chinese food in the World....in China.

Sarah's brother, Chris and his family, Frankie, Petra and Omar, live on the delightful (and car free) island of Lamma, which is a short ferry ride from Hong Kong.On a sunny afternoon, we lunched on the waterfront at the 'Sampan Seafood Restaurant', lots of dishes (including prawns) and bottles of T'sing Tao shared in true Oriental style.

The company was joyful, the food was succulent and the beer, plentiful. As Sarah stayed to play Auntie to the endless energy of Petra and Omar, we thanked Frankie and Chris for their unending hospitality. Shivani, Andy and I sailed hotelward as the sun sank over the South China sea, a little drunk and a lot happy.

Pierchic, Al Qsar Hotel, Dubai

2010-04-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

On our way to Hong Kong, Miss Sarah Perks and I stopped over in Dubai for 'Art Dubai'. Before our visit to the art fair, we had time for lunch- and a very special lunch it was too. We decided on 'Pierchic', not realizing the fabulous location or quality of the food and service. We were met at the entrance of the Al Qsar Hotel and driven to the restaurant in a golf buggy ( a first ever there was one) I understood the name when I saw that it was a chic restaurant on a pier!

We lunched royally on a three course special. Shrimp salad, a tender seared beef and a chocolate souffle to die for, accompanied by a crisp Austrian white.

The food, the wine, the company, the weather and the view were all perfect. As we looked over the Arabian Sea, the iconic Burj Al Arab rose from the turquoise waters like a scene from 'Stingray' to remind me that experiences like this happen once in a life time.(....fade out to the strains of 'Marina, Aquamarina')

Travelogue

2010-04-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

Ni hao dear readers. As you can see, I've been on my travels to China to consult with my colleagues at 'Aroundthewotldin80dinners' Global Headquarters in Beijing. We discussed, at length, future plans and projects for our ever popular site. I have also returned with some exciting posts for the many great restaurants I visited and fantastic dinners I ate. Needless to say, they will not count towards my 80 (aka 'red dotters') but they are good enough to provide my dear readers with your attention and time.
I've been away for the best part of a month and this has lead to some impatience on the part of some of our clients (yes, I mean you, Bob) but please bear with us and I promise it will be worth the wait.

WARNING: Our comments page has recently been hacked by 'Ladies of the Night' sites in Chinese. We urge you to ignore these. They will be meaningless unless your Mandarin is as good as mine. (my little joke there).
Zaijian

El Rincon

2010-03-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

We at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners'PLC, have come to the conclusion that a monthly post seems to be a regular and desirable outcome in these days of worldwide economic depression and global gloom. It is also sustainable (a trendy eco-word I know, but apposite here) given the task ahead. Further to this, we have decided that 80 dinners is not necessarily an attainable goal but rather (another trendy word) a benchmark. To redefine and redesign our mission statement, we have recalled Robert to our global headquarters in Beijing. He takes up the tale

I know I've done Spain before, but Rafa's is firm favorite and a fantastic place for a late lunch with my good friend and cultural guide, Ying. We feasted fully on patatas bravas, meatballs, hake and chorizo which we washed down with a bone-dry rosado in true Iberian fashion.

Ying (as ever 'hen hao kan') has an encyclopedic knowledge of Beijing and Hong Kong where my travels will take me in the coming month. Not only to our global headquarters, but also the China Film Archive, the Beijing Film Academy and the Hong Kong Film Festival. More of this on my return. My only regret is that Ying cannot come with me to enjoy the many good meals that await for she is a culinary companion and soul food mate.

Jason's Burgers 'n More, Hot Springs, Arkansas.

2010-02-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Not so long ago, I had the enormous good fortune to work in Arkansas for a short period. Of all the great times I spent there, my Sunday at the resort of Hot Springs in the company of Beth, Jay, Beth-Ann and Trisha will remain with me. Hot Springs is a spa town, south of Little Rock, much favored by America's gangsters for the restorative qualities of its' waters. You can drink cocktails next to Al Capone's car in the lobby of the Arlington hotel. Another treat was dinner at Jason's.A Southern gem on the road to Lake Hamilton.

I had probably the finest burger this side of Scott's homemade cheese burger (another true Arkansas gem). Accompanied by Cat fish, hush puppies ( a small fried ball of dough, usually fed to fractious puppies), tatter tots and cajun fries, it was washed down with local brew, Amber Bock and American football on the TV. Sheer Southern bliss.

Trisha, Beth-Ann and Beth tuck in.

In the midst of life's everyday drudgery, God grants us a few days that will live long in the memory and this was one one of them. As I write, Beth is seriously ill and I pray that God grants her a full and speedy recovery so that there will be more days such as this.

Host, Liverpool

2010-01-24T08:23:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year, readers and we at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Global Headquarters, Beijing, wish you all a prosperous 2010- even in these difficult times. To gauge to extent of the downturn, we sent our Manchester agents (Robert Hamilton and Angie Atmadjaja) to Liverpool. Our understanding is that it is an area largely devoid of employment, with only football, the Beatles and the infectious Scouse humour to keep the wolves from the door.
Our agents reported that, although Robert remains immune to the humour, they found both culinary excellence and pockets of culture free from 'fab four'references. At the Bluecoat Gallery they viewed the sound installations of Janek Schaefer, then lunched at a new fusion eatery, Host.

A tasty Indonesian chicken and shrimp rice was preceded by seared tuna and duck gyozas, and on a cold clear day, warmed up with glasses of tea. The interior was clean and modern, the service was as bright and breezy as the day.

Angie commented that some of the fusions didn't quite fuse though we agreed that it flavorsome and filling. We took our leave of the port more cultured and fuller than when we arrived. Certainly better off than than the City fans who arrived as we left.

Ning

2009-12-10T03:39:00.001-08:00

Seasons Greetings, dear readers! As you've no doubt guessed that the feastive season is upon us once again- as if the drunken idiots wearing Santa hats and the anxious ridden faces of shoppers carrying Primark bags didn't alert you (tho the shoppers could be anytime of the year). As ever, the catering industry has moved into cheap but overpriced turkey meals for even drunker office workers mode and we at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Global headquarters, Beijing (Manchester Branch) almost give up on finding a meal without a festive flavour. One such recent exception was a visit to the highly recommended Ning, in the Northern Quarter.

Ning serves great Malaysian and Thai food such as this tasty Mensummun curry, cooled only by a few ice cold Singha beers.

I went with the Chinese Film Forum, UK (Felicia, Ying, Xiaochen and me) and invited guests ( Shivani, Lucia, Dong and Steve) to celebrate our first Christmas as a group- watch out for forthcoming events!! It was a great evening and thanks to Felicia for organising it. It also marked the first of what I hope to be many CFFUK celebrations (hey, it worked for French Connection) and the first of many festive parties to follow...Merry Christmas to one and all.

Zouk

2009-11-15T07:00:00.001-08:00

It's been a busy month for us at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Global Headquarters, Beijing (Manchester Branch). We offer a Gold Standard Cultural Ambassador Service to other institutions. As part of the 'Visible Secrets:Hong Kong Women Filmmakers Festival'at the Cornerhouse, I was engaged to provide both my culinary and filmic knowledge to the visiting dignitaries. This meant many galas and premieres as well as the many celebratory dinners that attend such functions. Although, I suspect my actual duties didn't go beyond that of court jester.

One magnificent function was held at 'Zouk', a relatively new Asian restaurant and grill, serving tasty treats such as the succulent Tandoori chops

Jessey and Teresa

The occasion was to honour our esteemed guests from Hong Kong, Ivy Ho, Teresa Kwong and Jessey Shan. Both Ivy and Jessey gave us the pleasure of hosting the western premieres of their new films, "Claustrophobia"(Ivy Ho,2009) and "Lovers on the Road" (Jessey Tsang Tsiu Shan,2009) and both were excellent. Teresa showcased the marvelous 'Hong Kong Short Film Festival' that she runs and which I hope to attend one day.
The festival is now over and our guests have returned home, hopefully with many good memories and many new friendships. To them I say 'Ng Gui', you were 'Jan!!'.I ,too, returned home to find a strange fire breathing dragon in my kitchen- then I remembered, it was a cooker.

Eat Goody

2009-10-08T02:42:00.001-07:00

Dear readers, as you will no doubt gather if you venture out to Oxford road, that the academic year has started. The congestion has only been added to by those pesky Tories, who have been heard loudly complaining about the lack of decent restaurants in our great, non-tory city. Not followers of 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' then. They scurry back to whatever God forsaken holes they crawled out of today, hopefully never to darken our doorsteps again.
I have to say that around the University, they are nearly right. There is little in the way of good eats ('haochi' as they say in China). So I was happily surprised when I happened upon 'Eat Goody' on my very doorstep. Not a cannibalistic tribute to the late, sainted Jade, but a Korean fusion cafe. Though given the peccadilloes of Kim Il Jung, I'm always a little nervous when I see the words 'Korean' and 'fusion' in the same sentence.

As it turned out 'Eat Goody' is an excellent eatery, serving Korean goodies not normally found in Manchester. Such as the tasty chicken chili stew you see above, also beef bulgugi, bibimbaps, dupbaps and kimchi juns to a discerning University clientele seeking sanctuary from the usual pizza and kebab joints the infest the area.

I went with my colleague and 'hanyu laoshi', Qi (Chinese teacher), who appeared to enjoy her chicken ramen with gusto. We both agreed it was indeed 'haochi, hen haochi!'.

Azad Manzil

2009-09-10T01:40:00.000-07:00

Despite a strict code of conduct here at 'ATWIED' Global Headquarters, Beijing, our worldwide network of highly paid operatives (application form on request) are only human and as such, have been known to commit the odd sin. Unlike our overpaid, underworked and corrupt MPs, 'ATWIED' agents have their expences examined to the point of torture but ,as mentioned in the last post, we are guilty of minor sins like omission and now another, the sin of return! While some of our more religious readers might be choking on their communion wine, we are aware that 'return' isn't even an eleventh comandment. However, during a minute audit and review of policies and procedures after customer complaints about 'ATWIED's failure to deliver a reliable and regular service, we found that this systemic failure was down to one factor. Put simply, our operatives (you know who you are- Robert Hamilton) have been returning, time and time again, to restaurants already crossed off our global list of eateries.To managment's horror, it was even found that they returned to restaurants not on the list or to countries already 'red-dotted'. Such as Manzil's of Chorlton. During an interrogation (tough enough to make the CIA blush) our Manchester agent confessed to going back to Manzil's having discovered their Wednesday night 'Bangladeshi Tapas' menu (6-9pm). After several hours under the spotlight, he broke down in pain and tears admitting the the short tapas menu of reasonably priced Chicken Desi or Bangdladesi Fish Aloo too good to resist.

We at 'ATWIED' Global Headquarters, Beijing, shall endeavour to ensure that this disreputable practice ceases to continue, despite the excellence of the food and staff of unscrupulous restaurants like Manzil. It will be added to our list of proscribed establishments such as Red Chilli, Tai Wu, Al Jazera, Turkish Deilght, Samsi, Aladdin, Great Kathmandu.....

Yadgar Cafe

2009-08-20T04:45:00.001-07:00

Of the seven deadly sins, the sin of omission is not there. I mention this as I was planting my red dot on Syria to mark my 50th meal (see previous post) there was no such dot on Pakistan. Given the ubuquity of the food from the sub-continent in Manchester, such an omission is a sin indeed. To make up for this grievous oversight, we at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners Global Enterprises (Beijing) PLC' will bring you 2 reports from Pakistan with no expence spared. The first is from the Yadgar Cafe, a rememant from the ragtrade in the increasingly trendy Northern Quarter. I have been going to the Yadgar for more years than I care to remember for the authentic taste of Asia, as the Curry mile catered for Anglo-Indian (usually drunk) palates.

I always have the Aloo Gobi, as genuine a dish you'll find this side of Lahore and a firm favourite with us at 'ATWIED'(Beijing) PLC. My next visit is to an upmarket joint in the 'Mile' that too claims Pakistani authenticity. To be continued.....

50th Meal Celebration Commemorative Edition

2009-08-20T03:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome, valued readers, to the '50th Meal Celebration Commemorative Edition'. It's been two years since the founding of 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners Global Enterprises (Beijing) PLC' and we have reached a milestone, our fiftieth meal. To mark such a momentous occasion, I took the entire staff to 'Moonlight' in Rusholme for a celebratory ice cream. Mmmmm!

While not as romantic as Lindy's on Route 66, we had a wonderful time and look forward to continuing our exploration of the culinary landscape of Manchester and beyond until we reach the magic '80'. We also continue to lose pounds (£) and gain a few (lbs).

Around the World in 50 dinners

2009-07-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Alladin

2009-07-22T03:51:00.001-07:00

Once again, good readers, I must thank you for your patience as I have finally reached 50 restaurants. We at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Global Headquarters (Beijing) realise that after getting half way last year, it has taken the best part of a year to crawl through the next 10. All will be explained in the forthcoming '50th Meal Celebration Edition' (signed limited edition available). To mark this momentous occasion I invited 'The Blonde' to celebrate at Alladin in Withington.

Alladin is a hidden gem of a Sryian eatery, serving exquisite Middle-Eastern food to Manchester's great and good for many years (Dev from Corrie was there!). We ate Kibbeh, fathoosh, tabbouleh and fayatar wth a fruity BYO white and a sweet Turkish coffee with a heavy hint of cardamon. A feast worthy of the occasion.

'The Blonde' is a relative newcomer to our great city and the newist member of 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners Exclusive Dining Club, (invitation only). She is fantastic company and the perfect companion on such a special event. 'Dev from Corrie' signed a menu, which is now availble as a limited edition '50th Meal Celebration' porcelain plate (price on request).

Zorba's

2009-07-15T03:20:00.000-07:00

On my way to the cinema to see 'Blood, the Last Vampire', which according to the Guardian was 'Japanese school girls with swords fight vampires', the hunger struck. I stopped at a newish Greek Cypriot stall at the Arndale Food hall called 'Zorba's'. Now I'm old enough to remember the film with Anthony Quinn and Alan Bates, and that famous dance on the beach.

While lazily grazing on kefthes and rice (and wondering if there was a Turkish Cypriot restaurant- answers on a postcard), I realised this was a rare thing for a film historian and food lover, a film\food franchise. The only others I could think of were 'Tampopo' and a small take-away in north Manchester, 'The Omar Shariff'. I began to think of possible others-'Good bye Mister Chips', a health-conscience chippie or 'Hamberger Hill', a war themed fast food place with staff dressed as Rambo or, my personal favourite, '101 Dalmations', a Korean bosinting (dog stew) chain.

Someone said that life was all disappointment then you die-well there was only one school girl with a sword and Zorba was from Crete.

Restaurante O'Refugio, nr Lisbon

2009-07-13T03:34:00.000-07:00

I took a short break from all the end-of-term madness at MMU to go to June and Rowena's joint birthday party in Valado da Santa Quiteria, a small village about an hour from Lisbon. It was a great party with all the trimmings- and it went on for two days, at least that's what I remember! Outside of that though, two culinary highlights stand out.

Firstly, a fabulous lunch at the Restaurante O'Refugio as a thank you to Maria. I stayed on Maria's farm with the goats, rabbits and chickens-I ain't afraid of no goats. The lunch was long and leisurely washed down with a rustic White and a few glasses of Port, the kind of delight that only the Europeans know how to indulge.

The second was an afternoon spent helping Maria make 'pasteis de Bacalhau', croquettes of salt cod, potatoes, egg and parsley and as fine a thing ever to come out of a frying pan as I've ever tasted. It was an experience I will never forget, I had found an Iberian Ambridge and my very own Clarrie.

Bem Brazil

2009-06-23T03:22:00.001-07:00

Continuing the South American theme, Aureja and I went to 'Bem Brazil' (as in 'esta bem'-'its OK') on a rare sunny afternoon in early June. As you can see it's been some time lingering in my mind as the last few weeks have been taken up with grading papers and exams (over a million words!). All of which leaves me with a kind of word phobia that I'm only now getting over ,for example, I can read a newspaper without the overwhelming desire to mark it. So, my patient readers, you can see the prospect of putting pen to paper has been a daunting one. Thankfully this does not extend to reading menus.

'Bem Brazil' is a 'rodizio' restaurant. This means it serves a never-ending succession of succulent grilled meats to which one can add greens, salads, potatoes and rice (it caters for the rare Brazilian vegetarian as well) It was delicious as it was exotic.

It proved to be a warm and tasteful afternoon in the company of the sultry Aureja, and I hope there are a few more before she inevitabley sails away on a summer breeze.

The Gaucho Grill

2009-05-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have been saving the Argentinian 'Gaucho' for a special occasion for quite some time, almost since 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' began. Well just such an occasion arose last week, it was Maxine's birthday. I have sometimes talked of my old pal Serendipity before and once again she paid me an unexpected visit a few weeks ago. At an opening of a photography show, I spotted Maxine, who I had seen at many of these do's before but had never had to courage to say 'hi'. Serendipity waved her magic wand of fate and before you could say 'Chablis', we were chatting away over a few glasses of chilled white wine. Of all the openings in all the world...

I invited Maxine to spend a small part of her celebrations with me over a splendid steak lunch at this well appointed South American eatery. We ate heartly and after several glasses of good wine, well and truely tangoed!

I sincerely hope Maxine had as good an evening as I did and never has Serendipity been so kind....I am reminded of the immortal words of Claude Rains "This could be the start of a beautiful friendship".

Little Samsi

2009-05-12T03:22:00.001-07:00

Dear readers, it has come to my attention that things at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Global Headquarters, Beijing have been a little slow of late (thank you, Jenny and Paul) Due to the infringement of other commitments (ie my real job) and the global economic downturn (ie my real job- unlike MPs, I can't claim it on expenses). Despite a heavy round of redundancies in Beijing, we at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Inc. are fully committed to the glorious quest of our great leader and world culinary domination. To this end, I took my good friends, Aureja and Maria, aka the Cornerhouse gals, to the Little Samsi in Withington.

The Little Samsi is one of the only purveyers of Japans' most popular dish, namely, 'kare' or as we know it in the West, curry. It was brought to the land of the Rising Sun by British sailors from India in the 19th century. It tastes much like curry powders of old and my chicken and veg kare was nolstalgic and comforting.

We enjoyed a fine afternoon's lunching and if I bend the rules a little (like MPs, I made them up), a deserved red dot on the map. As the summer approaches, I do hope that we at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Inc. will endeavour to be more speedy in our delivery of complete customer satisfaction.

Blog of the Week

2009-05-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

After an X Factor style comptition frenzy, 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' won the coveted 'Manchester Evening News/The Mancunian Way' Blog of the Week (22nd April-29th April). I want to thank all my staff at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Inc, Global Headquarters, Beijing, for all their hard work in making this possible and I hope this is the first of many 'BLOSCARS' to come.

After a gala dinner at the Baths Chippie in Chorlton, the party carried on long into the night. Readers can catch up with further reports at blogs.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/themancunianway

The Midland Hotel, Morecombe

2009-04-28T01:50:00.000-07:00

It was the weekend after Easter when I took myself off to Morecombe and the lovingly restored Midland Hotel. God knows, Easter is not my favourite holiday as it always seems like 4 sundays in a row and I tend to spend it marking. So I too was in need of some loving restoration. The hotel is magnificent as it shines like a jewel in the rather shabby crown of the Morecombe seafront. I arranged lunch with Iwona, an old and dear friend from nearby Lancaster.

Lunch was a long affair over the glorious view of Morecombe Bay. I surfed and turfed on Red Snapper and Oxtail on a bed of mustard mash while my companion went for the Rajish curry.

I don't get to see Iwona often so it was good to catch up. The solid foundation of our friendship remains intact but it is always enjoyable to restore it to its former glory over a good lunch and fine company. On our way to walk off our indulgenes on the banks of Silverdale, we passed through Carnforth. It reminded that Iwona is my 'Ceila Johnson' and that our encounters are all too brief.

Artists not to lunch with (part 1)

2009-04-07T02:07:00.000-07:00

Rene Magritte

Around the World in 45 dinners

2009-03-01T04:48:00.000-08:00

Punjab

2009-02-27T01:38:00.000-08:00

It was a rather drab Thursday, toward the end of a rather drab week. As usual I took myself off to see my therapist, which is always uplifting and I feel unburdened of those dark thoughts provoked by these uncertain times. In a happier mood, I went off the the excellent Surrealism show at the Whitworth. Ofcourse, Freudian theory is the life blood of that movement and the gallery is full of uncanny moments and uneasy images. I imagined taking my favourite Surrealist, Rene Magritte to lunch at South Indian eatery, the Punjab, just down the road.

We lunched on Keema dosas and Cobra beer. He told me of the heady days spent making the latent manifest and how much they all hated Dali. They felt the Spaniard was as relevent to the movement as a fish and resent his place in Art History as every school kid's wet dream of a surrealist. That reminded Rene of his fav joke-'How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb? Fish!'. The food was as excellent as the imagined company, but don't tell my therapist.

Rene had the apple for dessert.

(almost) Instant Karma

2009-02-06T01:56:00.000-08:00

Jati, RIP,

Reincarnation, Little Fusion.

The Year of the Ox

2009-01-29T05:10:00.001-08:00

To all our valued readers may we at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Global Headquarters, Beijing, wish you a very Happy Chinese New Year and may the Year of the Ox bring you good luck and good fortune.

XIN NIAN KUAI LE

The Great Kathmandu

2009-01-29T03:52:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or has there always been a schism between Chorlton and Didsbury? I ask only because on a recent outing to the Great Kathmandu in Didsbury I invited Vivienne to lunch as she so kindly offered to show me how to navigate my way from Chorlton to Didsbury by public transportation. A nightmare that would try the patience of Hilary and Tensing.

Which laboured pun allows me to neatly segway to the wonderful Nepalese food served up by the Great Kathmandu. We had Dal Tarka, Aloo Bringal and a fantastic Keema Karahi that was just the right side of moist, aided and abetted by 2 large bottles of Kathmandu beer.

Vivienne and I talked of our disparate histories and how we came to be in Manchester, and how it has made us welcome. And I thought of a small band of Gurkas, refugees and chefs with talent who took that treacherous trek from Nepal to Didsbury and that glutch of excellent restaurants that I have never seen anywhere else. My own hazardous trip by the 47 was but a speck of punyness in comparison

HuNan Cuisine Restaurant

2009-01-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

After the long flight from Beijing and the heavy work load overseeing the building of 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' Global Headquarters, I needed some R and R. I added the HuNan to my list a while ago as Hunan cuisine (Xiang) is one of the 8 recognized regional Chinese styles of cooking. Along with the long established Cantonese (Yue) and the ever expanding Szechuan (Chuan), Xiang is a welcome red dot on my map.

The food was excellent, but remember to ask for the Hunan menu and you will not be disappointed. Aided by the ever charming Ling, we had Hunan chicken in Green chilli, cabbage in vinegar and chilli, as well as 'Ants Climbing Trees', a dish of mince, bean thread noodles and yes, more chillis. Hunan cooking is hot and dry but not as 'mala' (hot and numbing) as Szechuan and very tasty. It was also the favourite of Mao Zedong, a Hunanese 'oldboy'.

Lucia was content to play 'Lady Vengeance' (see the poster for Park Chan-wook's movie) and scare the other customers, some who left without ordering! Be afraid.

Seasons Greetings from Beijing

2008-12-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings from downtown Beijing, where I'm overseeing the building of the new 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' global headquarters. This is in responce to the outbreak of recent challenges to the "Aroundtheworldin80.......' franchise (copyright: J. Verne). I nearly choked on my dim sum when I saw the BBC advertising an 'Aroundtheworldin80faiths' programme, hosted by some hippie knob in a cheesecloth shirt and beaded necklace. Not to mention the publication of an 'Around the world in 80 dinners' travel and cook book by another pair of knobs who did it the easy way by actually going around the world! And don't get me started on the return of the Hairy Wankers. Still, it is the season of goodwill, so may all of us at 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners Global Headquarters' wish y'all a Happy Christmas and a great 2009!

(card available exclusively from: r_hamilton54@yahoo.com)
The 'Aroundtheworldin80dinners' brand is proving to be as popular as Mao (copyright:J.Lennon) among the local population. I'm hoping that this ambitious expansion of my brand, even at a time of financial crisis, will bring the culinary wit and wisdom of "the Great Helmsman" to an even wider readership and eventual world domination.

Sheng dan kuai le!

St. John Bread and Wine, London

2008-12-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Some of you will have noticed that my age has changed on my profile, meaning that it was my birthday and another year older. To celebrate I met my good friend, Mel, in London for a long lunch at St. John's. It is the kind of place where you would find Tracey Emin or some such other East End hipster at the next table. And lo, there she was at the next table. Being too cool to ask for an autograph or worse, have my photo taken with her, you will have to take my word for it- or ask Mel.

We had the Mallard and red cabbage with a fine bottle of dry white, followed by freshly baked madeleines. The duck was pink, tender and moist, and the petit cakes awash with memories.

It was a memorable meal, long and slow. What better way to usher in another year. I have been asked recently if I am a father or a grandfather by pretty strangers,so I'm not sure how many more I can take. Still, to Mel and all to others who helped me mark the occasion, you made an old man very happy.

New Samsi

2008-11-23T03:54:00.000-08:00

On a bleak Friday night, an early winter chill blows through the mean streets of Manchester carrying Aureja and myself to a pre-theatre meal at the New Samsi. I'm not much of a one for the pleasures of Thespia, not enough car chases for my taste, but Stella was starring as the Sixties icon 'Nico' at the Lowry and I had promised to go. Aureja had volenteered to accompany on such a rare and potentially hazardous cultural outing and as such deserved an early bird treat. I know I've done Japan twice but Samsi sells Tokyo street food such as yakimono skewers as well as all the standards.

The food was excellent as was the conversation and company, followed by Stella's moving performance as the tragic German
singer.

After the theatre, we warmed ourseleves with mulled wine at, given the weather, the aptedly named North Pole. This has been relocated next to Urbis for, I can only guess, seasonal convenience. To my companion on such a cultured evening I would like to say, 'Sveikata'.

King Cobra

2008-10-25T09:12:00.001-07:00

How y'all doin'? Well, I'm back in Blighty and talkin' like a native Arkansasian. I had a wonderful time and ate some great food, of which more later. I saw my first College Football game (Go Reddies!), which included a pre-game ritual, 'Tailgating' where I drank good Southern beer, even better Southern Bourbon and ate a delicious Louisanan 'Dirty Rice' in 75 degree sunshine.
To try and assuage my post-USA blues, I took myself off to Rushomle and the Sri Lankan delights of King Cobra. I had a hot "Fish Chilli' and rice.

While it blunted my depression, it was the Cobra beer that really took the edge off. I will leave you with a view of Arkadelphia and and the B&B I stayed at.

Captain Hendersons' House, Arkadelphia, ARK

B&B seems such an inadequate term for such a magnificent building and just look at that sky. The breakfasts weren't too bad either, courtesty of Miss Vicky. And thankfully, not a sign of Stephen Fry anywhere.

Ted's Montana Grill, Atlanta

2008-10-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well, chums, it's been some time since my last post and this is only a taster in that I'm still stuck on number 40. I've moved flat, started a new term and am preparing another visit across the pond, this time to Arkansas. Reports of this on my return no doubt. On my last trip I had an unscheduled stopover in Atlanta due to an act of God. According to Delta check-in, this meant I could bill he-who-art-in-heaven for my hotel. He also blessed me with the travelling companion from hell for the duration of my enforced stay in what is, normally, a fantastic city. Discretion (and my therapist) prevents me from giving out any futher details.
Ted's is part of the Ted Turner empire, which includes CNN, the Atlanta Braves and a heavy investment in large parts of Jane Fonda (which failed to turn a descent profit). He also owns a large ranch where he breeds Bison- which leads me neatly to the food at his Montana Grill.

I lunched on a moist Bison meatloaf and washed it down with several glasses of a fine New World pinot noir to ease the pain of the unwanted company of the witch sat across the table. Back at the Airport, I fled to a waiting connection to Paris, leaving the witch demanding immediate transportation direct to Manchester. They should have given her a broomstick.

Half Way

2008-09-11T05:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to mark the half way point of my epic quest. 40 restaurants in a year isn't bad going and I've had some great comments, as well as press interest ( see South Manchester Reporter 7/8/08 pg8). My aim of reaching 80 is looking wildly ambitious so I will post restaurants of interest without adding to my list, but when the opportunity arises, I will grab it with both hands.
So, good readers, keep reading, keep commenting and above all, keep eating. Remember,

FOOD IS SEXY

Around the World in 40 dinners

2008-08-20T04:30:00.001-07:00

Loch Fyne at Ye Olde Cock Inn

2008-08-20T03:35:00.001-07:00

To celebrate the half way point in my culinary quest, a jet-setting Lucia joined me at the newish Loch Fyne fish restaurant at the Olde Cock Inn at Didsbury before flying off to Rome.

While Lucia toyed with the remains of her first course, we toyed with the funny side of eating at the Olde Cock Inn and I thought of what Sid James or Kenneth Williams would have done with the smutty innuendos so neatly served up just waiting for the arrival of the punchline. My train of thought was broken by the arrival, not of a suitable punchline, but a succulent plaice. A tender and tasty fish if ever I saw one.

Now, Loch Fyne is in Scotland and allows me to put a red dot on that fine nation. I have been to the original Loch Fyne cafe on my way to Inveraray. On the shores of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is the ancestoral home of the Dukes of Argyll. The most infamous Duke was the 11th, who divorced his wife, Margaret, in 1963, citing her infidelity with 88 men. The most shocking piece of evidence was an early polaroid of a naked Margaret fellating a man, later identified as Douglas Fairbanks Jr. And there's the punchline, the most famous daughter of Loch Fyne photographed with ye olde cock inn.

St. Petersburg

2008-08-04T01:40:00.000-07:00

It all started innocently enough, a chat to Lawrence over a late night drink. Lawrence is the editor of the South Manchester Reporter and ever the news hound, showed interest in the blog. So an interview was arranged with Susannah, who agreed to experience the full deal and accompany me to the new Russian eatery on Sackville St, St. Petersburg. My initial nerves were assuaged on meeting Susannah, who proved to be an engaging, intelligent and entertaining dining companion.

We gorged our way through Borsch, Derevensky, Gorodskiye and Miasnie Kotlety as well as the odd vodka. The food, I have to say, was excellent and I will return.

We swopped histories, stories and enough jokes to fill an entertaining evening at the Leningrad Empire. And I hope Susannah got enough copy to win a Pulitzer.

The Modern at Urbis

2008-07-25T05:23:00.001-07:00

All you sophisticates out there will know that the Modern was reviewed in last Sundays' Observer by that giant of restaurant reviewers, Jay Rayner, who voted it a resounding success. In no way wishing to follow in that great man's wake, I had arranged to lunch there with two of my favourite sophisticated women, Hilary and Sharon (aka the Cheeky Girls), before Jay's piece appeared. While the food at the Modern is predominately British and does not merit a red dot on my 'aroundtheworldin80dinners' map, it is worthy of a mention and praise. I ate, quite possibly, one of the best plates of fish, chips and mushy peas I have had the pleasure to taste.

Ably assisted by the lovely Lizzie, we ate and drank our way through the afternoon in fine style. This was complemented by the wonderous view of Manchester's skyline afforded by the well appointed and positioned Modern.

In short, it was an afternoon to remember. However, after three bottles of rose at the 'Hanging Ditch' wine merchants, the rest of the day proved to be a bit fuzzy.

Ikea

2008-07-13T06:22:00.001-07:00

I know, from the sublime to the ridiculous, but it still counts-Ikea is Swedish and thus, merits a red spot on the 'aroundtheworldin80dinners' map. Aware of the impending end of the Ikea summer sale, Jenny, Lucia and I took ourselves off to Aston-under-Lyne for late night knick-knack shopping and some tea. We made a hearty selection of salads, potatoes and of course, meatballs which proved to be surprisingly cheap, cheerful and tasty.

While I finished mine, Jenny and Lucia amused themselves with an ingenious game of 'cats cradle' using Swedish liquorice laces.

Given that the centres of our towns and cities on any Friday night are a sea of binge drinking, vomit and death by kniving, Ikea provided a safe haven where we could shop till we drop and sterotype other shoppers without fear (note:avoid the kitchen dept while sterotyping in case of culture-putdown rage in the vicinity of readily available knives). Tummies full and with bags of sale priced goodies, we went home singing Ikea-themed show tunes-'She'll be coming on a meatball when she comes', 'I could have shopped all night' and who could forget, 'I just met a shop called Ikea'.

Koreana

2008-07-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

Under a canopy of scaffolding lies a Korean gem, Koreana. I remember it being above the Siam Orchid on Portland Sreet some 15 years ago, but I'm also informed that has always been on King Street West. A mystery indeed.I mention this as my memory might not be as it was, but I lunched with an old friend, Lisa, who added the extra piquancy of a friendship renewed to a fine meal.

Along with tasty starters and soups, we had Chicken Gang Jung and a Dolsot Bibim Bab, a glorious pot of prawns, vegetables, egg and rice with chilli sauce to taste. Jasmine tea and Bek Se Ju, a rice wine flavoured with ginger and gingseng helped it all go down.

When I got home, a rare North Korean cookbook in my possession reminded me that "you will fully feel the nostalgia whenever you enjoy the Korean dishes not only on the festive days but usually with your friends".

Habesha

2008-07-11T02:41:00.000-07:00

Immigration would seem to be the staple diet of certain tabloid newspapers,keeping the great swathe of barely educated middle England fuelled with their daily bile. I loved to poke a stick at their prejudice by telling them that their beloved fish and chips was historically a mixture of Jewish and French cooking brought on the tide of 19th century immigration. And you will have noticed that this very blog is built on the continuing flood of welcome immigrants, the latest hailing from Ethiopia.
Pal Lucia and I had a pre-movie lunch at Habesha, an Ethiopian eatery on Sackville Street. We had Chicken Firfir, a lamb dish called Derek Tibs (which I half expected to say 'they call me Mr Tibs') on a bed of spongy Injera bread and, in another moment of nationalistic irony, washed down with an Ethopian beer called 'St George'.

Fully fed, we strolled down to the Cornerhouse to digest 'The Vistor', a sensitive and thoughtful essay on Immigration and post-9/11 America. I know that food is only part of a culture but bring me your poor huddled masses as they can only add to the wealth of nations.

Around the World in 35 dinners

2008-06-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

Fuji Hiro, Leeds

2008-06-06T02:33:00.001-07:00

And so to another gem t'other side t'it Pennines- 'Fuji Hiro' in Leeds. FH is a family run and homely Japanese cafe that Manchester so lacks. We seem to be stuck in the post-industial food factories like 'Wagamma' or sets from a Kurosawa historical drama, 'Fuji Hiro' is small, ergonomic and cosy providing bowls of ramen, plates of rice and a sweet plum wine that I need to find. On our way from Bradford and after a quick visit to the Henry Moore Institute for some refreshing glasses of Rose, Di and I stopped into FH for a tasty snack of goyzas, miso soup and tea.

Still full from lunch at the Kashmir, we struggled but stuck to our task with a determination that boarded on the reckless like Tensing and Hillary. There is a mountain metaphor struggling to get out here but like Randuph bloody Fiennes, I can't make it to the top so a simile will have to do.

Di and I finished as best we could, headed down the hill to the station and back across the Pennines to the warm embrace of the Red Rose County.

The Kashmir, Bradford

2008-06-03T04:21:00.000-07:00

Kashmir is the disputed boarder region between India and Pakistan, oft in the news and deemed to be 'most likely' spot for the beginning of nuclear armageddon. Perhaps fearing the worst, a few left the region in the 1950s to work in the dark satanic mills of Bradford. In 1958, lovelorn and homesick, they opened 'The Kashmir' to provide comfort and a descent homecooked meal for their fellow Asians. 50 years on, it's still there. On a visit to the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibit at the National Media Museum, Di and I lunched there on the best Shami kebabs and Kheema Madras in the land.

As a regular visitor for 30 years or more, I have never tasted better. But then again, it is flavoured with memories.

Buzzrocks

2008-05-21T01:50:00.001-07:00

With the academic year drawing to a close I've been marking for what seems like an eternity. I can't even read a newspaper without marking it! To escape the torrent of words that I feel swamped by, I made my way into Hulme and to the Carribean delights of 'Buzzrocks'. After starting in a van, 'Buzzrocks' has established itself in the post-modern new builds in post-Corbusier Hulme, serving the multicultural denizens of that parish, not to mention the visitors from far and wide to sample some great West Indian food. I opted for the Jerk Chicken special with rice and peas.

Fed and watered (great grape soda!), I waded my way back to the sea of words that awaited me. Thank heaven for the small islands of culinary culture that surrounds the dead sea of the University and the thousands of scrolls that struggle to be translated into numbers.

Tampopo

2008-04-24T02:50:00.001-07:00

As a film historian, Tampopo has a special place in my heart. This pan-Asian noodle bar is named after the 1986 Juzo Itami film, 'Tampopo', an extraordinary Zen hymn to soup and sex. To those of you who haven't seen it, see it; to those of you who have seen it, see it again! Sorry, I digress. I went to Tampopo in search of the ever elusive bowl of Pho. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup usually associated with breakfast, but is , as they say, a movable feast. Anthony Bourdain asked "Is there anything better to eat on this planet than a properly made bowl of Pho?". I can't answer that as there is precious little to compare it with in Manchester, which is notoriously short of Vietnamese restaurants. This Pho was wonderful.

It was fragrent, soothing and restorative, and just what I needed after an encounter with the pure Kurtzian evil that manifests itself as my boss. Manchester....I'm still only in Manchester!

Earth

2008-04-02T06:00:00.001-07:00

With Tibet in the news, I had a brainstorm and headed to the Manchester Buddhist Centre in search of sustenance, if not enlightenment. I know Tibet is not a country but it is 'an ethnic autonomous region' and that's close enough, as is the Buddhist Centre being its representative in Manchester. The attached cafe is called 'Earth' and sells reasonable vegetarian food at reasonable prices. Not being of the Buddhist or vegetarian faith, I felt like the Devil taking Mass and ordered the Lentil and Veg stew.

If the Chinese Authorities recently described the protesting monks as 'the scum of Buddhism', then the stew could equally be described as 'the gruel of Buddhism'. If I had to eat this everyday, I would protest too. It was as bland as Kundun. No wonder I once witnessed a Buddhist monk, in his full robes, tuck into a hearty plateful of roast beef and yorkshire pud.

Around the World in 30 dinners

2008-03-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

Barburrito

2008-03-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

When I came to visit Manchester in 1977 the first place I saw was Piccadilly Gardens. It was as if God had gathered all the signs of Armageddon in one place and it still haunts me to this day. So the thought of going there for lunch, albeit in the service of this post, filled me with dread. The gardens have had several facelifts but the ghosts of '77 still linger. Also, Manchester and Mexican food have never had a happy relationship, how 'El Macho' has lasted this long defies reason. So it came as a surprise to come across Barburrito Mexican Grill nestling in amoung the Kros, Rices and Neros. I had a Chicken Burrito with nachos and an over sweet fizzy drink.

Another surprise was that it was, if not authentic, tasty. For true authenticity, I can recommend the Church St Cafe in Old Town, Albuquerque.

But it's a long way to go for a pre 'payday Fopp blowout' snack. Until Church St becomes a chain, which I hope is never, Barburrito will have to do.

Turkish Delight

2008-03-02T05:04:00.001-08:00

After 23 years of 'evenings only', the Turkish Delight has opened its doors for the discerning Chorlton lunchtime trade. Trying to get over the delights of Albuquerque, it proved to be a welcome diversion from my weekly search for that elusive free-range bird [see the French poulet from 'Out of the Blue']. On a dark, dank Saturday, I was warmed with Sis Kofte, tabbouleh and a bracing Turkish coffee.

It was filling and surprising good value, certainly enough to be a regular post-shopping treat. So, with bird in't hand and an early Easter approaching, I went home a happy bunny. I hope the Turkish Delight keeps its lunchtime doors open long enough to dissuade the maitre'd wishing every customer "Good Evening".

Kellys, Albuquerque

2008-02-24T10:25:00.000-08:00

Before I went to New Mexico, a friend commented that if I found a British pub there would it count towards my 80 dinners. The answer was, of course, no; but I did find a pub, Kellys on Route 66. The bright desert sun filled the large diner with light and smiles as we ordered a variety of burgers, sandwiches and drinks. Kellys is a microbrewery and I had an IPA so tasty that it would make a beardy, pipe smoking, CND supporting, card carrying communist, member of CAMRA wince with embarassment. My Philly Steak sandwich was equally as tasty.

I was accompanied on my sojourn by Amelia, Amanda, Dana, Beth and Kathryn, who were a symphony of Southern charm, wit and intelligence
.
To them, a simple 'thank y'all'. Now I'm back in Blighty, so onwards to that magic 80. But Albuquerque, with all its fine
restaurants and sweet company, will linger long in the memory.

Uluru

2008-01-27T12:29:00.001-08:00

Shopping on a Sunday in Chorlton can be a chore at the best of times, but imagine my horror to find that it had become a free-range-chicken-free zone. Thanks, I suspect, in no small measure to Hugh Foppery-Witlessstool and his recent tirade against foul fowl farming. I couldn't find a bird that had led a blameless life for love nor money, talk about virgins and Nevada whorehouses. To get over the shock, I went to see what Uluru had to offer.Uluru is an Australian bar and grill, and it being the day after Australia Day, very little was the answer. The menu was as rare as a convent girl at a picnic at Hanging Rock. Not for the first time, I had to seek solice at the bottom of a bottle and ordered the last Tooheys from a very hungover barman-it was the day after Australia Day after all.

And very refreshing it was too as I forgot the chicken and contemplated what to have for Sunday tea. I will return to Uluru but, I suspect, it is more billabong than bushtucker.

Persia

2008-01-20T10:54:00.001-08:00

The Lord of Food moves in mysterious ways. I was e-mailing Beth in Texas, telling her what a fine institution Sunday lunch is and at the same time, realising that the Official British Army Fitness Programme [see last weeks Guardian] said that thou shall not rest on the 7th day but take a 'brisk' 30 minute walk. I calculated that Persia [just down the road from Coriander] was that distance from my rumbling [and protruding] tummy. So to vanquish hunger and further the cause of fitness, there I headed at a 'brisk' pace.. Persia is a wonderful and well-appointed Iranian restarauant that is thankfully open all Sunday afternoon and evening. Madi showed me to my table.

We talked of many things over the course of my visit, including her admiration of her fellow countryman, Arsenal's Adebayor, her love of United and showed an interest in my journey. If you read this, Madi, thank you.The food was equally delightful as I feasted on Chicken Baghali Polo, Salad Shirazi and a minty Persian tea.

I walked home at a less than brisk pace.

Coriander

2008-01-13T14:10:00.001-08:00

Forgive me readers, it has been some time since my last post. Well, you know how it is- post holiday blues, health kicks, credit crunches and that god awful return to work all combined to make me a a little billy-stay-at-home. For my first visit of 2008, I ventured out to the Gothic netherlands of Southern Cemetery and the Coriander Restaurant. It is an authentic Bangladeshi eatery with a homely feel to it serving fresh Bengali dishes such as the rare 'Grand Mother's Beef', which I had with onion and coriander rice washed down with a pint of Cobra-so much for the health kick.

Let me wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. Stay tuned for more adventures as I head for the half way mark plus a special overseas report from Albuquerque in February. Hot dogs and jumping frogs!

Sandbar [part 3]

2007-12-17T03:31:00.000-08:00

Well, faithful readers, you've probably noticed that Christmas is upon us once again. For your tireless reporter, this means that many of my potential posts have been thwarted by the seemingly ubiquitious 'Christmas Menu' and for the most part, we all know that this is not a good thing. How many times have we paid £20 a head for a limp slice of Bernard Matthews, a few of those weird tasting roasties and a rock hard mince pie? Not this year for I went to the Sandbar Luncheon Club Christmas Luncheon where Wisia treated us to a Polish festive feast. It was fabulous as it included Pierogis and concluded with Piernik, a delicious Polish honey cake.

An added bonus was the return of Alex [see photo top] who looked after our increasingly Rabelaisian rabble with seasonal good cheer.

To all the good people of the Sandbar, I want to say 'thank you' and to all the members of the Sandbar Luncheon Club, past and present, a very Merry Christmas and see you in the new year.

Around the World in 25 dinners

2007-12-02T06:50:00.001-08:00

Boteco Brazil

2007-12-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

Many years ago in Chorlton there was a Brazilian restaurant called, if memory serves, Latino's. It was a sweet but short lived place where, again if memory serves, I danced badly to Samba until 3 in the morning with Romanna Flores. When it closed so to did Manchester's only South American cafe.
Recent developments have brought us 2 new Brazilian eateries, Pau Brazil on Lever Street and Boteco Brazil in the Arndale food court. I found myself at the latter on Friday, where I was treated to carne moida com batatas,feijao,farofa,more carne and arroz. It was a favela of flavours built on a bed of rice in a bowl
.
The guys were friendly as I asked the names of the dishes and understanding as I explained the madness of my project.As I have returned to Chorlton after a decade away, perhaps the spirit of Latino's has come back too.

European Market

2007-11-25T05:25:00.000-08:00

Well, with the abject failure of the Home countries to make
Euro' 08, it's nice of Europe to come to us in the guise of the now annual Christmas market. While it is dominated by the Baverian party standards- sausages,beer and mulled wines for the office and shopping hoardes- it does provide your intrepid blogger with an opportunity to sample the fare of countries not normally represented. After some extensive research, I found a hearty broth from Switzerland,
potato pancakes from Luxembourg and Dutch waffles.

Strangely, no sign of the Croatian stall.

Sultan

2007-11-11T06:56:00.001-08:00

It's Friday night and, in the the company of the ever gregarious Di, we hit a round of Manchester art previews.First off, a show at the Holden gallery with passable art and drinkable wine, and then onto Bankley Studios in Levenshulme for open house and more drinks. Strolling down Stockport road, my old friend, serendipity, pays a visit and the Sultan appeared before us and invites us in. We ordered falafels,tahini,salad,breads and kosharie, a dish of tomatoes,rice and lentils.

Not only was it good, it was Egyptian. Bingo,it was number 21.The staff were great and the atmosphere was friendly.To complete our North African experience, Di and I shared a shisha before going our seperate ways.

As I waited for a taxi, I could have sworn I saw the Pryamid of Stockport.

Mission Statement

2007-11-11T04:58:00.000-08:00

Greetings friends. The other morning I was listening to the pointless 'Midweek'. Pointless Libby Purvis was interviewing Tamsin Day-Lewis who has just published another pointless book on eating around the world in the company of her nameless boyfriend [he has a name-I couldn't be bothered to remember it]. It reminded me of another pointless duo and anti-inspiration for my journey, the Hairy Bikers. Whereas Tamsin seemed relentlessly and cloyingly nice, the Geordie pair are amateurish,patronising and as funny as PE teachers on a wet Monday morning.After seeing a rerun over the summer, I decided to eat my way around the world staying in one place, use public transport and get a number 3 at the barbers.
For real inspiration I've just re-read Anthony Bourdain's 'A Cook's Tour'. It is sharp,vibrant,witty,cool and as crisp and tasty as the fries at Les Halles. Another summer inspiration was 'Eating up Italy' by Matthew Fort. A gentle,educated and loving trip through that country's tavernas and trattorias on a Vespa. To the Hairy Bikers-read it,get a hair cut,buy a scooter and go back to teaching Home Economics or face extermination!

Around the World in 20 dinners

2007-11-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Jazera

2007-11-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

With another lazee sunday afternoonah rolling by and with no mind to worry,Brian and I were in no mind to cook.We also knew that Jazera in Rusholme sold rather fine rotisserie chickens which would definitly hit the spot.Chicken it was,with Kodeba,salad,
nans,mint sauce and glasses of tea.Spots were indeed hit.

A photo of Jerusalem on the wall told us that Jazera is Palenstinian and enabled me to tick number 20 off my list.I'm a quarter of the way through my journey and it has been a wonder.The sight of a man photographing his food has often been met with amusement but always good natured acceptence.So onwards and as my midriff will testify,outwards.

Kro 2

2007-11-04T05:33:00.000-08:00

For years I thought serendipity was a fictional kiddies character.I can confirm that she's real as she paid me an unexpected visit on Tuesday evening as I perused the menu at Kro2.As I turned to leave, I bumped into Saltz and Nikki. Saltz is an old friend of mine and Nikki is an old friend of Saltz's.She claimed that they met 16 years ago at the Hacienda.I said that unless they were letting primary school kids in at the time that this was not possible.

With fate bringing us together, we celebrated with plates of Frikedellar [Danish meatballs] all round.It was an enjoyable evening of stories,reminiscinces,friendships renewed and made anew.

Serendipity can be magic.

Luso

2007-10-28T07:34:00.001-07:00

I had to face up to it.After a period of denial, I was still in mourning for Mourinho. With a heavy heart, I had to admit that my unrequited affair with the special one was over. To start the healing process, I invited pal Andrea to lunch at newish Portugese eatery, Luso.

With thankfully no discernible interest in football, Andrea is an erudite conversationalist with a European educated palate. We started with Clams Cataplana , Piri Piri chicken livers and academic life, moving on to Lamb Castelo Branco, Piri Piri Chicken, art, film and with no mention of Jose, my admiration of some of Kevin Costners' sports output [Bull Durham and Tin Cup].

It proved to be a restorative encounter and we parted replenished. As for me and Jose, he will always have a place in my heart. But, with the 6-0 gubbing of City, I can finally move on.

Fatoosh

2007-10-28T05:36:00.000-07:00

Of all the crimes Lebanon has had to suffer, the tackiest has to be the Human Leagues' attempt to explain the complexities of that country to bepimpled new romantics, 'Lebanon'.While no apology could ever make up for this cultural insult,I can only say sorry for this even tackier segway to 'Fatoosh',a Lebanese restauarent on the edge of Rusholme. It offers a selection of mezze from which Brian and I chose fatoosh ,tabbouleh,hommos beruity,naqaneq and fatayer as well as refreshing mint tea.

Mezze were made for sharing [ mentioned obliquely by HL as in "life was cheap on bread and wine,and sharing meant no shame".] It could have only been improved by a glass or two of Cheateau Musar, but B and I shared until we could eat no more
.
I can also commend the architecture which served to enhance the food. The downside? The Human League are reforming.

Sandbar [part 2]

2007-10-20T05:16:00.000-07:00

With Oktoberfest over and German food banished from the menu at the Sandbar, Wisia, the superbly talented Polish chef, returned to her roots.At the behest of your correspondent, Wisia recreated what many consider to be her masterpiece, Golabki.Roughly translated as 'little pigeons', golabki are cabbage parcels stuffed with pork and rice and smothered in a rich tomato gravy. Like the Shredded Wheat advert of old, we managed to convince the ever generous Wisia that 3 golabki was too much for anyone.

,

I was joined by my friend and colleague ,Di, for this handsome feast. We came, we saw, we conquered and we were filled.

Around the World in 15 dinners

2007-10-07T05:08:00.001-07:00

Sandbar

2007-10-07T04:17:00.000-07:00

With number 15 coming up, not to mention 14 stone on the scales, the enormity of my task is beginning to weigh heavily on mind and body. So I hope you will forgive me if I cut the odd corner. As in the Sandbar is my favourite lunch-time haunt but usually serves Polish fare [more of this at a later date].To celebrate the arrival of October, they put on a Baverian feast of Bratwurst, warm potato and bacon salad and red cabbage with a free pint of Pavlaner Oktoberfest beer thrown in for good measure.

For those students of modern European history, you have to imagine the Sandbar as the Danzig of Manchester cafe/bars and it was annexed by German food for the day. Jan even dressed the part.

Jati

2007-09-30T05:39:00.000-07:00

With the leaves turning and Autumn truly here, I went in search of warmer climes and found it tucked behind MMU-a two mniute walk away from work -'Jati' Malay [and Thai] Cafe. It serves a wide variety of Malaysian and Thai dishes in a warm and homely setting. Tea is the drink of the day and it is sweetly served in dimpled pint mugs. I never drink non-alcoholic drinks after 11 00 when the Sun is well over the yard arm in my book and 'Jati' being 100% halal, I stuck to water [yes I know what fish do in it].

I had a lunch special, Malaysian Chicken Curry with crunchy curried veg and rice. The meat fell from the bone-juicy and tender in the mouth. I was transported from that dark and dull day in a moment.
The staff were as welcoming as a South China Sea breeze and the girls bade me a sunny Malay farewell as I left in search of Mr Peroni.

Lounge Ten

2007-09-20T02:30:00.000-07:00

On a wet Wednesday afternoon I went in search of some comforting sustenance French-style to Lounge Ten on Tib Lane. In recent years Manchester has lost some of its finest French restaurants, Le Mont and Brasserie St Pierre to name but two and gained others- mainly chains and in hotels it has to be said. In contrast, Lounge Ten has a decadent air to it.It is dark and adorned with lustful frescoes that gives lunch a pre liason frill.
A 10@10 menu gives you 2 courses for £10 and a choice of 3 starters and mains as well as a short list of desserts.With the mysterious disappearence of half-bottles from the wine lists of Manchester [the true sign of the serious lone luncher], I consoled myself with a glass of decent house red. The food was as succulent and sexy as the setting, especially the pan fried chicken with a rich tomato sauce and cous-cous that came wtih more than a hint of North Africa.

The service was efficient and came with a ready smile [thanks Rachel].If I was in Paris I would have left for an assignation but on a wet Wednesday in Manchester, I went back to work.

Kurdistan

2007-09-10T02:33:00.000-07:00

The search for exotic experiences continues and with another lazy Sunday afternoon in view, Brian and I set off for pastures new. We found our way to the 'Kurdistan Restaurant' on Grandale Street, Rusholme. We ordered 'Chicken Quzi','Kebab Mahshee' with nan, rice and salad. They came with a hot aubergine stew and a harissa broth to moisten the grilled meats, breads and rice.

It was a feast.Rich ,succulent and filling, we did our best to clear the heaving table but left defeated and happy.

Here's the thing, Kurdistan is not a country.It's a 'traditional ethnographic region' that includes Iran,Iraq,Syria,Turkey,Azerbaijan and Armenia.However, for my purpose it will count as one.And for the Kurds who gave us as such a warm and friendly welcome, it should be. Free Kurdistan!

Bar Lorenzo

2007-09-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

In my youth, my knowledge of food was ,to say the least, limited. My idea of a fine dining experience was a Vesta Paella for two and a bottle of Mateus Rose. Well, I've grown up and moved on - to Bar Lorenzo to be precise.Situated on Beech Road,it is decked out in the colours of Spain and sells Iberian treats from a short tapas menu.
In memory of my lost and misguided youth,I had a small bowl of paella,some whitebait and a glass of dry [Spanish] Rosado.

I bumped into Morgan who helped me finnish the whitebait and celebrate number 11 on my journey.

Around the World in 10 dinners

2007-08-30T03:50:00.001-07:00

Al Quds

2007-08-30T03:15:00.001-07:00

Rusholme is literally flagposted as "The Curry Mile" . I've not been for years as I prefer the delights of the Northern Quarter Asian restaurants. In the minds of many , Rusholme had become tainted , serving only the dulled taste buds of drunks.When the old 'Shezan' closed that was the end for me.
On a recent visit I found out that it had that it has become a mecca for new Middle-Eastern restaurants and cafes. A godsend for my food quest. On Wednesday, Di , Dan and me ventured out after work to the highly recommended 'Al Quds' kebab house. It is Afghani and sells , as everyone told me, the best kobeda kebabs in town. They weren't wrong!

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

2007-08-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

One of the great frustrations of living in England is the unavailability of something approaching a decent hamburger. God knows I've eaten things that dare to call themselves by that illustrious name . I like burgers and I've travelled some mighty distances to get my hands on one. I've even been to one of the claimants to have given birth to the hamburger, Louis' Lunch Box in New Haven, Connecticut - a fine vertically grilled pattie on toast with just a slice of tomato and onion, ketchup is strictly forbidden.
For all you true burger cultists ,the Gourmet Burger Kitchen has come to town [well,Spinningfields which even Jacques Tati would have rejected as soulless]. While Hardens' overstretched themselves by claiming them to be" the best burgers on the planet", they are pretty damn good. I like the retro ketchup bottles [ which would have Louis turning in his grave]

Belgian Belly

2007-08-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Another day and another country.And still in the parish of Chorlton. 'Belgian Belly' is an oasis of lowland culture serving sandwiches, great chocolates and a raft of choice Belgian beers as well as coffee and waffles .
With not a moule or frite in sight, it's a good and homely place to play '10 Famous Belgians'. I had a rib-warming cup of rich hot chocolate and contemplated the Guardian Quickie- just what is 'descriptive of a church window'[7,5]'

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Canada Grill

2007-08-16T06:52:00.001-07:00

Is there an authentic Canadian cuisine? According to the menu at the Canada Grill, it consists of burgers, fried chicken and pizza. In what the Quebecois would call "un grand scandal de Bleu Pierre" , my friend Paul pointed out that I had not actually ventured into 'Canada Grill' and therefore, was a cheat. Quite right. In order to rectify this indiscretion I went in the other day and had a burger and fries , which they wrapped quaintly in a paper bag for the short journey home.

I have to report that , unlike Miss Lawson, the burger was flat , rubbery and tasteless. I am writing a strongly worded letter to the Canadian Ambassador.

Thai Spice

2007-08-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

There is a certain Thai flavour to Manchester at the moment. I read that Thaksin Shinawatra is a wanted man and it is unsafe for him to return to Thailand. Should he feel home sick and in the need of some home cooking he need go no further than 'Thai Spice' on Beech Road. Purely by coincidence and on the evening of Citys' first home win under Sven, Sophia and I visited 'Thai Spice'. And very tasty it was too.

We had Yum Neua [beef salad] and Gaeng Penang [red chicken curry] as well as Thai spring rolls and prawn crackers. A lively and spicy addition to culinary Chorlton.

Around the World in 5 dinners

2007-08-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

Palmiro

2007-08-13T08:40:00.001-07:00

Sunday lunch and off to Palmiro's,a rightly famous Italian eatery of the parish, with Steve and Ashley of Sandbar fame [more of their Polish menu later] As you can see ,on a sunny Sunday ,you will often find a lamb being roasted for the great lunch that the restaurent puts on every sabbath.
The menu offers you a classic 4 course structure. 1 Antipasto 2 Primo piatto 3 Secondo piatto 4 Dolce.As Italy is the home of the Slow food movement, it was fitting that after sitting down to lunch at 1ish ,we arose ,full and happy, sometime near 5.

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Red Chilli

2007-08-12T04:13:00.000-07:00

Ni hao. To complete my visit to the Far East I stopped into Red Chilli on Friday with my guru of all things Chinese , Sophia. Red Chilli is a purveyor of Szechuan and Beijing cooking and represents mainland China . As the name suggests , it is hot and firey and a thousand miles away from the blandness of most Cantonese food.
We had Spiced Braised Beef , which is a house speciality, an incandescent Tofu and Minced beef, and Beijing Aubergine for sweetness and balance. Sophia says the the food is even better than the restaurants she visited on a recent trip to Beijing and Red Chilli was voted the 4th best Chinese in Britain by the Observer Food magazine. I also get to practice my nascent Mandarin on a bewilered staff. Zaijian. For Alison-it's on Portland Street.

Out of the Blue

2007-08-10T05:42:00.000-07:00

'Out of the Blue' is a fishmonger in Chorlton and might seem an odd choice for me to tick Japan off my list ,at least as far as sushi is concerned. However, OTB employ their own sushi chef on sight to ensure that it is as fresh as possible.
Will ,the Sushi Chef

You can also watch Will create his little masterpieces.The sushi, sashimi and nigiri are lovingly presented in take-away boxes and are utterly delicious.Each box comes with soy sauce,wasabi and pickled ginger to add to the flavour. Wash it down with the miso soup.Go along and watch an artist at work.Out of the Blue also doubles as a great fishmonger

Pi [2]

2007-08-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

Pi

2007-08-09T07:25:00.001-07:00

Pi is a new addition to Chorlton's growing cafe culture and occupies the spot where Idaho used to be.It's across Manchester Road from that unique purveyor of vegan piety, Unicorn. Pi does what it says on the tin and sells pies-as well as mash,peas and gravy.
I would call Pi solid English fare but some of the pies do have European flavour [see the Matador] as do the wide range of beers.As far as I know it's the only place that sells 'Menabrea' a great Italian beer. I went on Tuesday with Gary and Mick.Coming from Wigan,Mick is born to judge pies. Gary, while not a native pie-eater,is a cultured foodie and all-round good egg.

We tried a selection of Pi's pies ;beef,lamb and veggie with all the trimmings. The only testimony they need is Mick's plate as I know of no higher praise.

Tai Wu

2007-08-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Tai Wu on Oxford Street is one of my favourite places for lunch.It is particularly good for Dim Sum especially between 12 and 4 when they are half-price.It's not the oldest [it's curiously underneath a modern carpark] , it's not the most famous [that honour goes to the Yang Sing] and it's not the prettiest [did I tell you it's underneath a carpark-a multi-storey carpark].But, in terms of taste and value, it is great.
I was first taken there by Sophia Hao,an emerging and talented artist,writer and curator, who introduced me to the delights of "Whelks in Yellow Bean Sauce" as well as "Chickens Feet" and "Cheung Fun". I try to go every week if not more.When I decided to start this blog I knew the Tai Wu would be my first post.
30/7/07-Scallop Cheung Fun,Vegetable Spring Rolls,Steamed Beef Dumplings,Prawn Wontons and Custard Buns all washed down with Green Tea!

Stick to the ground floor and the Dim Sum-it sounds, feels and looks as I imagine Hong Kong to be.

Welcome

2007-08-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

The Idea-"Around the World in 80 Dinners [while staying in the same place] is a journal and food diary for reluctant tourists and lazy foodies like me.The idea developed out of a chance remark I made to a friend last year.Friend"where did you go on your holidays?" Me "lunch".So, the concept is that I eat in as many restaurants and cafes from different countries while staying more or less in the same city. Which is Manchester. I say more or less in the same place as even a quick glance at 'City Life Food and Drink,Greater Manchester,2007 revised and updated' will tell you that there are no where near 80 countries represented culinary-wise. I am allowed to stray beyond the city limits in search of exotic experiences.For example,there is a Chilean restaurant in Liverpool which is on my list [and a Brazilian] whereas Manchester can only boast of an Argentinian. Regional differences also count as in Cantonese and Sichuan.
This is also a journey in a metaphoric sense so my final destination is not important.80 is a fairly random number in that it only tips a nod to Jules Verne [how did he choose 80 days?] so I intend to enjoy the trip as I will no doubt die of an obesity related heart disease or explode like the man at the end of that Python movie before I get close to 80 dinners.
I do not intend for this to be a guide or a review of the restaurants as I am neither a tour guide or a food critic. Rather ,it will be a record [with photos] of what I and my friends eat ,the places we go and the experiences we have. All of which I hope will be of some interest.......

2007-08-07T04:43:00.000-07:00