I've been back to
The French three times recently, taking photos for them which I must say has been a huge honour for me. On the the first occasion I shot the new interior which has been expanded slightly and booths added in the middle of the room and who doesn't love a booth? This elegant space and shimmering chandeliers never lose their magic. The lighting is not exactly conducive to great food photography though as I found out.
Because of this I elected to return to photograph some more dishes but this time utilizing the natural light of
Mr Cooper's. On the final session I shot some of the new courses on the taster menu and we got to taste them at the end too.
I must say these were the most impressive dishes from head chef
Adam Reid we've the pleasure to eat here. They're pushing for a star and if you are judging it by the food alone, (which
is apparently Michelin's main criteria), I think they
will get one in 2016. The hake and the suckling pig (from
Holker Farm near Cartmel) especially are astonishing in quality, as good as anything we've ever had this year or any year.
Ox in Coal Oil. I photographed this twice so was lucky enough to eat the 'model' post shoot. This dish always knocks me back, how truly exquisite it is, no matter how many times I taste it.
Crispy trotter and belly, hay emulsion Beenleigh Blue cream, beetroot and linseeds.
Buttered corn and smoked maran yolk, Wiltshire truffle, corn broth.
Smoked eel in cultured cream, potatoes, lovage , sea herbs.
Hake poached in pine oil, artichokes, mushrooms and sprouted onions. I love hake and this was absolutely stunning.
Holker farm suckling pig, barbecued beets, chard leaf with wild cherries.
Pears cooked in marigold, yoghurt mouse, preserved gooseberries and toasted oats.
Wines.
Stellenrust Chenin Blanc Barrel Fermented Stellenbosch, South Africa 2014.
Pinot Blanc, Stopham Estate, West Sussex, England, 2013
Savennieres, Les Viex Clos Nicolas joly Anjou Saumur, Loire Valley France 2013.
Mondeuse Domaine Giachino Savoie, France 2013.
Gewurztraminer, Vendanges Tar dives, Trimbach, Alsace France 2007.
I've said it before on this website and I'll repeat it here, this is Manchester's best restaurant by some distance and it's only getting better. Once more, I'm predicting a Michelin Star next year. But next time I think I'll be right.
Below. The best FOH in Manchester.
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