Taste 10

★★★★

Taste1100

TheECHOguidetothebestrestaurants inandaroundthecity

Taste1100


Taste1100


Taste1100


Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10

Pages 4 to 11Contemporary cuisine

Page 12Middle Eastern andMediterranean cuisine

Page 13French cuisine

Page 14Mediterranean cuisine

Pages 15 to 17Italian cuisine

Pages 18 and 19Indian cuisine

Pages 20 and 21Pan Asian and Chinese cuisine

Pages 22 and 23The Americas

Pages 24 to 27Wirral restaurants

Pages 28 and 29West Lancashire restaurants

Page 30Restaurant index

Page 31Expert tips for the perfectChristmas party

LIVERPOOL ECHOEDITOR: Alastair MachrayTASTE 10 EDITOR JadeWrightDESIGNER: Cheryl MullinPHOTOGRAPHY: TrinityMirror photographers● If you would like to advertiseyour restaurant in the ECHOcall 0151 330 5045 for details.

Taste 10 is our celebration of a fabulous year of food anddrink here on Merseyside. With new restaurants galore, andmore awards than we can possibly list, it’s a 32-page guide tosome of our favourite places to eat in the area.

Merseyside’s food and drink scene is the envy of the northwest. With superb local produce and some of the best chefs inthe country, our reputation continues to thrive.

But that means that choosing exactly where to eat can betough, particularly at this time of year.

Yes, it’s that time when many of us have to organise ourChristmas parties, and finding somewhere good thateveryone will like can be a thankless task.

So, with this guide we’ve aimed to take the hassle out ofthinking about just where you’d like to go, and also give yousome ideas about places you may not have thought of. We’veincluded a selection of Christmas menus from some of themost popular party venues. If you can’t see what you’relooking for, give the venues a call and they’ll give you all thedetails.

If you’re still struggling for ideas, we’ve asked chefs,sommeliers and party planners for their top tips – see themall at the back of this guide.

And keep an eye out for all the latest restaurant reviewsand chefs’ secret recipes in every Thursday’s LiverpoolECHO. There’s never been a better excuse to eat, drink andbe merry.

Welcome

Jade WrightWriter Taste 10

Special Offer for October/November50% off Tapas!Beat the winter blues and get 50% off our fresh, authentic Tapas for a

limited time ONLY! (October / November)Simply present this voucher at either of our city centre or Waterloo

restaurants when you dine with us.

Name: ....................................................................................

Email: .....................................................................................Terms & Conditions: Available from Sunday - Friday until 30/11/10 on any tapas from the CoastalTapas, Spanish Village Tapas, Countryside Tapas & House Specialty sections of our menu. Onevoucher is only valid for every 4 customers on your table only.

Tapas Tapas (City Centre), 14 Back Colquitt Street, (Behind FACT Cinema), Liverpool, L1 4DE • 0151 709 0999Tapas Tapas (Waterloo), 23 South Road,Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 5PE • 0151 949 1151 • www.tapastapas.co.uk

ma), Liverpool, LL11 4444DDDDDDEEEEEEEE • 0

Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste

Book servesup true tasteof the regionA NEW cookery book celebrates the bestof the city’s restaurants.

The Liverpool Cook Book has all theingredients of a modern recipe book, butserves up so much more, whetting theappetite with a real taste of the vibrancythat has shaped the city as a diversemulti-cultural hotpot of flavours.

From the farmers’ markets, generationsof potted shrimpers, chocolatiers, andkeepers of legendary home-made icecream recipes to the Michelin starred chefsand the feeders of princes and primeministers, there are dishes for everypalette.

Also drawing inspiration from the latestdelis and the trendiest foodies in town, thebook celebrates a world in one city.

Featuring exclusive recipes from JamieOliver, Marco Pierre White and Liverpoolcelebrities including the 2009 BBCMasterchef winner Liz McClarnon, thebook explores how readerscan get their hands on thedelicious home grownproduce that feeds the toprestaurants, to use in theirown dishes.

“Merseyside is a fabulousplace with an indelible link tointernational trade and aneclectic flavour of thepersonalities to match,” saysMarco. “The dining scenehere is thriving, with a handfulof fine restaurants servingvery good food, as well as avariety of top classproducers.”

The Liverpool CookBook is £14.99, order bycalling 0845 143 0001 or goto www.merseyshop.com

Marco Pierre White hascontributed recipes to theLiverpool Cook Book

TV chef James Martin withthe Liverpool Cook Book

Delifonseca, on Stanley Street,Liverpool, was recognised withthe award for Best Value forMoney award

Restaurants have recipe for successA RECORD number of restaurants inMerseyside have been recognised bythe respected Which Good FoodGuide 2011.

Delifonseca, on Stanley Street,Liverpool, was recognised with theaward for Best Value for Money.

New entry is Peninsula DiningRoom in New Brighton, which wasselected as this year’s Readers’Favourite.

Another top performer is Italianrestaurant Da Piero in Irby, celebratingits second year in the guide. Last year itwas listed as Best New Entry for the

whole country.Wirral’s Michelin-starred restaurant

Fraiche also returns to the guide,described as having “mind-bogglingfood and sense-tingling thrills”.

The Oxton eaterie has been listedas number 20 of the best restaurants inthe country – one of only two in theNorth West to make the top 20.

South Liverpool’s Spire Restaurantretained its ranking, too.

60 Hope Street is praised for its“skilful cooking and bang-on service.”Gary Manning, partner at 60 HopeStreet, said: “We are delighted to be

recognised.”.Similarly, The London Carriage

Works, on Hope Street, was singledout for “satisfying menus, thick withlocal produce” and Side Door as a“welcoming, good-value little bistro”.

Panoramic, the UK’s highestrestaurant on the 34th floor of WestTower, was praised as a “foodiebutton-pusher with views”.

Michael’s of Birkdale washonoured for its “gently upbeatcooking”, while Marc Veritewas singled out for “rustic food with bigflavours” at Bistro Verite in Birkdale.

● FOOD fans fromacross the north west

have been flocking to theWirral to mark its Year ofFood and Drink.

With a busy programme ofgourmet events, and a hugegrowth in the foodcommunity on the peninsula,it seems that fine diners justcan’t keep away.

Restaurants and foodproducers have teamed upwith Wirral Council to launchthe 12-month celebration ofthe borough’s food sector.

Events have includedspecial weeks and evenings tomark Valentine’s Day,National Honey Week andBonfire Night.

The Fine Food NorthwestAwards named Ceri Newton,

the baker behind Bebingtoncafe Gorge’ Us and the PortSunlight tea rooms, as top ofthe best cakes category withher Victoria sponge.

“I am absolutely over themoon,” said Ceri, whoopened her small shop inBebington Village in 2007.

The year will culminate in aGourmet Christmas Food Fairat Port Sunlight in December.

Expect stalls laden withfestive treats, from tastycheeses and cakes andconfectionery to deliciouspreserves and puddings.

The Port SunlightChristmas food fayre runsfrom December 3-5,beginning with a festivelantern parade through thevillage on December 3.

Ceri Newton’sdivine cakes

4 LIVERPOOL ROAD, MAGHULL, MERSEYSIDE, L31 2PN.

TEL: 0151 531 864045 SOUTH ROADWATERLOO, L22 5PE.

TEL: 0151 293 3229A S K A B O U T O U R G R E E K N I G H T S !

EARLY EVENING MENU£12.95 PER PERSON FOR STARTER&MAIN COURSE

Early Evening Menuis available ALL NIGHT MON/TUES/WEDS/

and 5 till 7pm THURS/FRI/SUNNot available on Saturdays/Bank Holidays or throughout December

Book for now for Christmas and New Year

Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary

The London Carriage Works,40 Hope Street, L1 9DA.Call: 0151 705 2222Visit: thelondoncarriageworks.co.uk

SITUATED in the Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool’sGeorgian Quarter, in just a few years the LondonCarriage Works has established itself as one of thecity’s finest restaurants.

Chef patron Paul Askew has won numerousawards including Best Chef at the 25thanniversary Hi-Life Dining Awards.

His insistence on the use of high quality,seasonal and locally sourced products whereverpossible has become central to the identity ofthe restaurant.

In 2007, his support for the region’s localproduce wasrewarded byhisappointmentas MerseysidePatron for theNorth WestFine Foods,leading to hiscommitmentto HomeGrown, abookcelebratingthe region’s growers, suppliers andchefs.

In 2006 Paul was invited to become a memberof the Academy of the Culinary Arts alongsidelifelong heroes Raymond Blanc, Anton Edelmanand the Roux brothers.

The beautifully designed modern restauranthas a brasserie and an area for fine dining.

Celebrity diners include Ringo Starr, NoelGallagher had a birthday party here andKanye West popped in when the MTV awardscame to town.

60 Hope Street, Liverpool.Call: 0151 707 6060Visit: www.60hopestreet.com

HOPE springs eternal at the heart of the city’sgourmet scene.

The building, which is steeped in over 200years of history, is in the city’s creative quarterand is divided into three areas; the downstairsbistro, the restaurant and the intimate privatedining room.

60 Hope Street is one of Liverpool’s finestfoodie havens. Head chef Sarah Kershaw does adivine deep fried jam sandwich with Carnationmilk ice cream (£6.50), which must be tasted tobe believed.

Drinkers will adore the Brandy Alexander,Cognac, Dark Chocolate, Crème de Cacao,milk, cream and freshly grated nutmeg (£6.75).

Opened by chef Gary Manning and his brotherColin they have built on the success of awardwinning Number 60 to open a second venue, theQuarter which offerspasta and pizza andthen Pan Asianrestaurant HoSt, justopposite, in 2008.

It’s a favourite withcelebrity diners –Robert Downey Jr,Ken Loach, Jude Lawand Rolf Harris haveall been spottedenjoying its fine fayre.

The restaurantseats 100, and theBistro 35, so bookearly, especially atbusy times.

STARTERSCranberry Eccles Cake and GoatsCheese with Cumberland Sauce.

Home Cured Salmon Pastrami with RyeBread and Sauce Gribiche.

Soft Cooked Duck egg with Confit DuckRoulade, Sour Dough Fingers andCelery Salt.

Smoked Ham Hock and Parsley Terrinewith Homemade Piccalilli.

MAIN COURSESRoast Fillet of Salted Hake with Spinach,Saffron Potatoes and Hake Scotch Egg.

Slow Roast Belly of Pork with Braised

Lentils, Black pudding and Apple.

Braised Beef in Beer, HorseradishDumplings and Soft Herbs with Mash.

Roast Breast of Goosnargh Chicken,Chestnut Stuffing with Sage and OnionRisotto

PUDDINGSLancashire Cheeses with Beetroot Cake.

Bread and Butter Pudding with DrunkenFruits and Vanilla Ice Cream.

Chocolate and Cherry Muffin withKirsch Sorbet.

Liquorice Brûlée with Jersey Butter andCoconut Macaroon.

60 Hope StreetChristmas Menu

£25 per person

The London Carriage Works is in the Hope Street Hotel

Chef Paul Askew has won numerousawards including Best Chef at the 25thanniversary Hi-Life Dining Awards.

Chef GaryManning with the‘jam sandwich’

60 Hope Street isone of Liverpool’sfinest foodie havens

THESTRAND

Merton Road

Park St

Washington

Parade

ST ANLEYROAD

YASMIN

211 Stanley Road, Bootle L20 3DY

0151 933 5543 • 0151 922 3370Open Monday-Sunday • www.yaseminbistrorestaurant.co.uk

THE PLACE EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT!Come and experience our first class cuisine and elegant surroundings

Book your Christmas PartyBook your Christmas Partyat the Yasemin Restaurant

£22.00pp£22.00pp(Free Bottle of Wine per booking for 4 persons)

£10 deposit needed.Dates: 5th-24th December

LunchtimeMenu

11am-4pm2 Main

Courses foronly

£6.95

HomemadeBeef

Burgerwith

Chips only

£3.50

Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine

The Quarter,7 Falkner Street, Liverpool.Call: 0151 707 1965Visit: www.thequarteruk.com

JUST over the road, The Quarter, and the newaccompanying deli, The Quarter Kitchen is ahang-out for the Liverpool creative set – expect tobump into artists, actors etc.

Xabi Alonso, Dominic West, David Gest andJamie Carragher have all fallen under the spell ofits casual, rustic charm in a cosy and artisticsetting. Even Yoko Ono has visited for a pizza. Inthe summer, The Quarter is in the sun all day –the best place to get a tan in the city.

A meeting place all day long, The Quarter’sunique atmosphere attracts a variety of guestsfrom businessmen to bohemians. Try thefantastic Cabernet Sauvignon La Deliza (£11.95).

Puschka,16 Rodney Street, Liverpool.Call: 0151 708 8698Visit: www.puschka.co.uk

SANDWICHED between some of the area’s finesthouses on Liverpool’s Rodney Street, Puschkaprides itself on offering the best of modern Britishcuisine, albeit served alongside some colourfulMediterranean offerings.

Now in its tenth year, it has built up quite areputation over the years for serving great foodin a friendly, welcoming environment. Much of

the food is not only British, but sourced aslocally as possible, making the most of what theseasons have to offer.

I would kill and die for their butternut squashand sweet potato soup (£5.50), with a wedge oflime served alongside. Their tapenade, artichoke,parmesan and crusty bread (£5.50) is similarlysublime, and meat-eaters will love the olive oilmash and braised fennel resting against the slowroast belly of pork (£13.50). On the excellentwine list, the velvety Montepuciano stands out.

But book early – Puschka is devilishly popular– and rightly so.

The Quarter’s unique atmosphere attracts guests from businessmen to bohemians

The Quarter, and the new accompanying deli, The Quarter Kitchen is a hang-out forthe Liverpool creative set

Puschka has built up quite a reputation for serving great food in a friendly environment

Puschka prides itself on offering the best of modern British cuisine

The Quarter’s

CabernetMUST TRY

Sauvignon La

Deliza, £11.95 a

bottle

Puschka’s butternutsquash and sweet

MUST TRYpotato soup, £5.50,with a wedge oflime onthe side

27 – 35 Berry StreetLIVERPOOL

L1 9DFTel: 0151 708 5999

e-mail: [email protected]

OPENING HOURS:-Sun 11.00 – 22.00Mon – Thurs 12.00 – 23.30Fri – Sat 12.00 – 0.00 midnightKaraoke rooms open till 03.00

SPECIALITIES:- SOUTHERN & NORTHERN CHINESE NOODLES, SZECHUAN & CANTONESE CUISINE,ROAST DUCK, DIM SUM, SELECTION OF HOT POTS.

The most luxurious authent i c Chinese res taurant in Liverpool Chinatown.Deluxe Karaoke rooms with superior audiovisual facilities and all the latest songs.

Newly equipped hi-tech Karaoke rooms are available for private hiring.

IIIESESES::-:- SSSOOUOUTHTHERERNN &&& NNONORTRTHEHERNRNN CCCCHIHIHINENENESESESE NNNOOOOOODLDLDLESESES,, SZSZSZECECHUHUANAN &&& CCCANANTOTONENESESE CCCCUIUIUISISISINENENE,,ROROROASASTT DDUDUCKCK,, DDIDIMM SSUSUMM,M, SSSSELELELECECECTITITIONONON OOOFFF HOHOHOTT POPOPOTSTS..

ts ts t llluxuxururiioiousus aaututhhehehentntnt i ci ci c CCChih ih inenesese rrese s tatataururanantt iinin LLLiivivererpopo lo lo lo l CCChih ih ih inanatototownwn.

NEW CHINA RESTAURANTNEW CHINA RESTAURANT


The Clove Hitch,23, Hope Street, Liverpool.Call: 0151 708 6644

OCCUPYING the site of the formerEl Macho, on Hope Street, the CloveHitch is a world away from the oldMexican restaurant.

Gone are the rustic yellow walls,and in their place is a cool andrefined decor, with a bar area, frontdining room, a big conservatoryand a garden terrace at the back –complete with Victorian-stylelamps and a winding steel staircase.

Their ethos is good food,cooked well – they source theirproduce locally, with fruit and vegfrom Edge Lane, cheese from theLiverpool Cheese Company andClove Hitch ales from theLiverpool One Brewing Company.

Their swordfish with chimichurriand orange glazed carrots (£9.95)is a real treat, or for the sweettooths out there, don’t miss thebanoffee pie (£3.95).

They’re also open for breakfast,and their homemade hash brownsare to die for.

Bluecoat,School Lane, Liverpool citycentre, Call: 0151 702 5324Visit: www.thebluecoat.org.uk

AN OLD favourite, BluecoatChambers was reborn in 2008 asThe Bluecoat after a £12m revampand with it came a new restaurant.

Upstairs at the Bluecoat issituated on the first floor of thishistoric building, and sits 80 dinerswith an adjacent bar.

With contemporary local artadorning the walls complementedby an up to the minute menu andstrong wine list, it’s a good place toeat in the heart of culturalLiverpool.

Its menu prides itself onlocally sourced ingredients.

They also have a specialchildren's menu, withsmaller portions ofour adult mealsand creativechildren'sactivitiesavailable,makingit anattractivedestination for allthose little explorers.

The Clove Hitch, Hope Street

The Clove Hitch’s

Swordfish withMUST TRY

Schimichurri and

orange glazed

carrots, £9.95

The Monro’s head chef Leigh Harvey

Milk chocolate and whitechocolate torte withraspberry coulis

The Monro,92 Duke Street, Liverpool.Call: 0151 707 9933Visit: www.themonro.com

THE Monro does great comfort food.Treat yourself to fish and chips, or codloin with beer butter and homemadechips and tartar sauce, in their new luxurydining room upstairs, or enjoy a pint ofCross Buttock real ale and Jennings SneckLifter, their tasty dark beer derived fromthe use of coloured malts. It’s a realwinter treat, with a cosy, homely feel andlots of roaring fires.

Pete Doherty was spotted downingpints of Guinness with double shots ofport mixed in, but normally the clienteleis a little more refined.

Head Chef Leigh Harvey started hiscareer working in his local pub but wasfar more interested in what the chefswere doing over the other side of the

kitchen. He says: “I’m a quick learnerand before long I knew how to make abasic roux for a sauce, how to make areally good stock, and how to add thatlittle bit extra by observing inspirationalhead chefs at work.

“I had a real passion for food andcooking, and I felt I had a talent forputting ingredients and flavourstogether, so before long I had learnt allthe basic skills and managed to secure aposition as a junior sous chef in arestaurant.”

Over the next 15 years he worked hisway up to head chef.

“I love the satisfaction of tellingpeople where I work and getting somegreat feedback about the food.

“My family say I treat The Monro likemy own business because of my pride inmy work,” he says.

“This is my dream job as I have somuch freedom with what I do.”

Fillet steak with potato fondantand veal casserole

Rabbit and ham hock terrine withprune chutney and butternutsquash coulis

A true Italian experience

Bar ItaliaTHE BEST IN ITALIAN FOODBar Italia Restaurant is situated at48a Castle Street in the heart of Liverpool.Open daily for lunch and dinner -until 11pm on Saturdays

(selection and payment within seven days prior to date of booking) £5 per person deposit required

• Opening TimesBar Italia is open six days of the week:Monday-Friday: 11.30am to 3.00pmTuesday-Saturday: 5.30pm to 11.00pm

• Party BookingsBar Italia also offers the option ofbooking tables for parties from 10 upto 50 people. If you are interested inbooking a party then please contact:[email protected]

CHRISTMAS FAYRELUNCH

EGG MAYONNAISEOR

HOME MADE VEGETABLE SOUP

ROAST TURKEYOR LASAGNE

ORSALMON SAMBUCA

SEASONAL VEGETABLES

CHOICE OF SWEETS

£19.95COFFEE & MINTS £2.10 EXTRA

CHRISTMAS

FAYREDINNER

SEAFOOD COCKTAILOR EGG MAYONAISSE

ORHOME MADE VEGETABLE SOUP

ROAST TURKEYSALMON SAMBUCA

ENTRECOTE STEAK CHASSEUROR ANY PASTA OF YOUR

CHOICESEASONAL VEGETABLES

CHOICE OF SWEETS

£22.95COFFEE & MINTS£2.10 EXTRA


The Side Door,29a Hope Street, LiverpoolCall: 0151 707 7888Visit: www.thesidedoor.co.uk

AT the heart of Liverpool’stheatreland, The Side Door hasbecome an ideal stop for apre or post-show meal.

Decorated in creamand deep red toneswith polished woodenfloors, this is a classybistro which prides itselfon fresh, seasonal dishes.

As well as set theatre menus

it has an a la carte menu, whichchanges weekly, and daily specialswith plenty of fresh fish on offer.

Owners Sean Miller and SheilaBenson make use of localproducers wherever possible.

Our ECHO taste testerloved the Moroccan

spiced cod cakes withpickled chillies fromthe a la carte menuand pan-fried squidwith teriyaki noodlesSean is also well

known for his homemadeEnglish puddings.

Everyman Bistro and Bar,5-9 Hope Street, L1 9BH.Call: 0151 708 9545Visit: www.everyman.co.uk

THE Everyman Bistro was foundedin 1970 years ago by Paddy Byrneand Dave Scott – later to be joinedby Tim Byrne .

In the basement of the old‘Hope Hall’ with little more than adomestic cooker and a trestletable or two Paddy and Daveturned out fresh food made withprime ingredients at low prices.

Forty years on, they’re

going strong, still beneath thefamous Everyman Theatre,feeding an eclectic mix ofstudents, professors, media typesand theatregoers.

A typical menu offers threefantastic courses – all with largeportions – for about £15.

Everything is cooked fromscratch on the premises –including their famous puddings.They also have a wide selection ofvegetarian and gluten-free dishes.

We can’t get enough of theirbaked aubergine with sunblush

tomato tapenade (£7.50)and Thai spinach and

mushroom curry withrice (£7.50).

For somethingsweeter, tryfarmhouse gingerslice in lemon syrup

(£1.95) or the fabulouswinter warmer,

chocolate chip and whiskeypudding, with bramble compote.

Look out for their supperclubs, which offer an evening ofgastronomy at reasonable prices.

The Side Door

The James Monro,69 Tithebarn Street, Liverpool.Call: 0151 236 9700

THE James Monro on Tithebarn Street isnamed after the merchant vessel of thesame name, which was the first everscheduled passenger service fromLiverpool to the Americas.

Sourcing produce locally is high on itslist of priorities, as is the quality of itsreal ales – Cumbria’s Jennings Bitter is afavourite – and a dedicated cellarman isretained to ensure that.

Try the Sweet Chariot or one of theirsingle cask malt whiskeys. Or sample

cask number 1.4 from 1978 (£3.87) andenjoy a smooth, dreamy 32-year-oldspeciality.

Kim Cattrall was spotted there, so itseems to have the Sex and the Citystamp of approval.

If you’re feeling peckish, it’s agastropub too.

Chef Leigh Harvey does a BullfightersPie, with free range British beef,chorizo, olives, tomato, a dash of sherryand butter beans (£10.50) and a 12ozRibeye steak topped with prawns and abéarnaise sauce, served with homemadechips (£16.50).

Sous chef Paul Guest grows organic

vegetables for the menu on hisallotment.

Sample his beetroot, lettuce,sweetcorn, potatoes and tomatoes to allhis own herbs, depending on the season.

“I’ve been growing my own for nearlyfour years now and what I love about itis the connection between planting aseed in the ground, and then using it tocreate a beautiful dish on the menuabout a month or so later," says Paul.

“For me it’s about quality control. Allmy vegetables are organically grown andI tend to them whenever I can in myspare time so I know they’re going totaste fantastic.”

The James Monro’sBullfighters Pie,

MUST TRYwith chorizo, olives,tomato, a dash ofsherry andbutter beans,£10.50

The EverymanBistro’s Baked

MUST TRYAubergine with

sunblush tomatotapenade,

£7.50

The EverymanBistro’s head chefTom Gill

The James Monro prides itself on sourcing produce locally and on the quality of its real ales

The James Monro's nutroast and deliciousStaten Island Stack

Moroccan spicedcod cakes with

MUST TRYpickled chillies

Bookings now being takenCall 0151 709 4002 for further details

Bookings now being taken

££3300 RReewwaarrdd VVoouucchheerrffoorr CChhrriissttmmaass

PPaarrttyy BBooookkiinnggsswww.ilforno.co.uk

T & C's: For Christmas party bookings of 10 or more, the party organiser will receive a £30 Reward Voucher to dine with us in January 2011.Bookings must be confirmed and deposits paid by 31 October 2010.

The £30 Reward Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer.

Panoramic,West Tower, Liverpool, L3 9PJ.Call: 0151 236 5534Email: [email protected]

THE UK’s highest restaurant was praised as a“foodie button-pusher with views” in this year’sWhich Good Food Guide, and it continues toattract gourmet diners with its challenging menusand stunning views.

Situated 300ft above ground, Panoramic is onthe 34th floor of Beetham’s West Tower, withbreathtaking vistas across the city and out to sea.On a good day you can see Snowdon.

But this restaurant is not just about the views –the menu is also a cut above the rest.

For a start, the cocktails certainly give a lift.At around £10 a go, they’re not going to fly

under the radar of the thrifty wallet-watcher, butthe gin and elderflower liqueur with lime, servedin a tall glass, is sweet and fresh, while thebourbon and grapefruit cocktail is bitter, butcertainly gets the juices flowing.

For starters, the Shetland scallops with celeriac,guava and rosemary (£13) are an indulgent treat,and on the main menu, chestnut mushroom tartwith mushroom puree, truffle and a fried duck egg(£17.95) is equally delicious.

If you’re feeling flush, go for the tasting menu(£55), or the tasting menu paired with wines(£80), which offers six delicious courses.

Restaurant manager Oliver Hawthorne serveseverything with meticulous attention to detail andreal flair – ask him about any dish on the menuand he’ll proudly give you the entire provenenceof the ingredients, along with some excellentrecommendations on wines to pair it with.

Panoramic may not be the cheapest restaurantin the world, but even if the prices bring youdown to earth with a bump, the experience willleave you walking on air.


Panoramic – a room with a view

STARTERSRoast squash soup

Duck terrine

Smoked haddock

MAIN COURSESHoney and port glazed ham

Turkey, chestnuts, cabbage, stuffing

Hake, barigoule vegetables,artichokes

PUDDINGSLemon cheesecake, cranberrysorbet, mint syrup

Spiced plum cake, apricot icecream

Cheese trolley, celery, grapes,fruitcake, walnut bread

Panoramic’sChristmas Lunch Menu

Available Noon to 2.15pm.£27.50 a head for a

selection of threedishes from the menu

two courses for £21.50

Panoramic’s Greymullet with

MUST TRYbarigoulevegetables, radishand navets£23.50

Blake’s at Hard Day’s Night,North John Street,Liverpool.Call: 0151 243 2121.Email: [email protected]

BLAKE’S restaurant is a must forBeatles fans.

Nestling in the four star,Hard Days Night Hotel at theheart of the Beatles Quarter,it’s named after the celebratedpop artist Sir Peter Blake whocreated the artwork for the SgtPeppers album cover.

Earlier this year, Sir Peterpaid a visit to the restaurant.

Sir Peter, 78, said: “It is veryflattering and exciting to eat ina restaurant named after you.”

The hotel is impressive,complete with top-hatteddoormen (but no Plasticineporters with looking glass ties, Imight add).

Blakes Restaurant itself, withits high ceilings, spacious layoutand tasteful furniture, is amagnificent setting in which toeat, with wall-to-wall originalBeatles artwork, and wasrecently selected by theWhich? Good Food Guide.

Head Chef Andrew Scott has

devised a sophisticatedmodern European menu,serving dishes such as fillet ofseabass with potato, hummusand coriander scone,cauliflower puree and a mintand onion salad, and slow

braised pork bellywith fondantpotato, creamedspinach and redwine essence.

As Beatle fansknow, food playeda big part in anumber of songs– Honey Pie,Strawberry Fields,, even Yesterdaywas given theworking title of‘Scrambled Eggs’,and in SavoyTruffle, GeorgeHarrison wrote anentire song abouta box of GoodNews chocolates,inspired by hissweet-toothedfriend EricClapton.

Blake’sRestaurant isopen to residentsand non-residents

alike and caters for parties ofup to 22 guests on Tuesday toSaturday for breakfast, lunchand dinner, opening forbreakfast only on Sunday andMonday.

Andy Scott, Executive Head Chef,serves up a treat

Egg Cafe,Top Floor,16-18 NewingtonStreet, off Bold Street,Liverpool.Call: 0151 707 2755

THE Egg Cafe off RenshawStreet, has long been a Meccafor Liverpool's trendy intellectualcrowd.

Hand-painted flowers on thewalls charm as you climb thecreaky staircase to be greetedby the friendliest staff youcould wish to meet on enteringthe roomy yet cosy, Bohemianvegetarian cafe.

There’s a mixture ofmedieval banqueting tables andsmaller intimate corners, with amezzanine level that looksdown over the rest.

The decor is in the finesttradition of old-schoolvegetarian restaurants –original features painted withflowers, and a great view overthe city.

At night there’s normally jazzmusic playing softly and candlestwinkling on every table.

Hot and cold dishes ondisplay at the counter are allvegetarian, and most are vegantoo.

Egg is a Godsendfor vegetarians whowant choice – andones with anappetite that a saladwon't satisfy.

There's usuallyfour or fivedelicious-looking savourydishes, plus five orsix desserts.

Our tastersadored the hearty,wintry, dishes onoffer, includinghomemade burger,rather than a fresh-from-the-freezer beanburger,and huge doorstopsof quiche – anenormous chunkwith heavenly moistfilling and deliciouscrisp pastry, servedwith a variety ofsalads includinglovely lemon pastatwirls. Best of all, they do anall-inclusive deal, with soup, amain course, a pudding and teaor coffee for under a tenner.

You can't buy wine but youcan bring your own and be

charged £1 corkage.It is a wonderful sanctuary

and, while it doesn’t have thepolish of fancier places, it has ahomely feel that just can’t bereplicated.

A selection of veggie dishes at TheEgg Cafe

HoSt31 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9HX.Call: 0151 708 5831Visit: www.ho-st.co.uk

IT would be easy to sell HoSt as anupmarket Wagamama and on somelevels it is but under the guidance of 60Hope Street and The Quarter ownersGary and Colin Manning HoSt hasbecome one the city’s coolestrestaurants.

This East-meets-West Pan-Asianfusion restaurant may have somethingof a utiliatarian feel to it with the hardbenches and minimal décor but thatonly ensures all the focus is on thefood.

And it is worth focusing on. Themenu is large with almost 20 smallplates and the same number of mainsand as you might expect it is made upof rice, noodle, soup and fish dishes

from the likes of China, Thailand,Malaysia and Japan.

Small plates range from £3 to £5while main courses come in at around

the £9 mark.Our testers loved the duck gyozo

dumplings (£3.50) and the red currywith duck and rice (£9.50).

HoSt is on Hope Street

HoSt’s decor is minimalist, but all the attention is focused on the food

The Living Room Liverpool,15 Victoria Street, Liverpool,L2 5QS.Call: 0151 236 1999Visit: www.thelivingroom.co.uk

RECENTLY refurbished, The Living Roomon Victoria Street is chic, upbeat andwelcoming with a newly revamped privatedining room.

It has a guest list other restaurantswould die for –Katie Price, AlexGerrard, Coleen and Wayne Rooney,Westlife, Rio Ferdinand, Dirk Kuyt,Abbey Clancy and Sheree Murphy haveall been spotted there, and PaoloNutini, Chris De Burgh, Jamie Cullum,Blake and China Crisis have allplayed there.

Try the delicious Bramblecocktail (£5.85), which includes


STARTERSGame terrine with a cranberryCumberland style sauce

Oven roasted flat mushroom filledwith caramelised leeks and Stilton

Spiced roast parsnip soup withcaramelised apple croutons

Smoked salmon with a green apple,fennel and crème fraîche coleslaw

MAIN COURSESFillet of beef medallions with aporcini mushroom, port and thymejus, rosemary and garlic roastpotatoes and glazed vegetables

Traditional roast turkey, with apricotand chestnut stuffing

Grilled seabass fillet with a tomatofondue, rosemary and garlic roast

Roast sweet Romero pepper filledwith roast pumpkin, red pepper rice,camembert and rocket leaves

PUDDINGSOrange and date pudding and cream

Forest fruits Eton mess

Chocolate brownie, mascarpone

Christmas pudding, brandy sauce

The Living RoomChristmas Menu

Bombay Sapphire gin with BriottetCreme de Mure and lemon juice,balanced with gomme, or Basil Grande(£7.85), the quintessential Living Roomclassic – strawberries, basil, cranberryjuice, Grand Marnier and Chambordwith a twist of black pepper

In the restaurant, try the fillet of beefmedallions with a porcini mushroom,thyme and port jus or smoked salmonwith a green apple and fennel crèmefraiche coleslaw.

An extensive a la carte menu issupplemented by Head Chef RussellCroston’s daily specials and monthlychef’s plates – regionally inspired dishescreated from local produce or with local

Evening menu,Three courses £27.50pp

significance. With comfortable, stylishrestaurant spaces and flexible barareas, The Living Room is designed tomake you feel at home at any time of theday be it a light lunch, family meal orprivate party.

The bar and restaurant remain openfrom midday until late and if you arriveat the right time, you’ll get the chance tolisten to resident musicians perform livemusic from the baby grand piano whilstspotting some of the city’s coolestcelebrities.

Oh, and the club below The LivingRoom, Mosquito, used to be the famousSHE club.

What higher pedigree do you need?

The Living Room’s head chefRussell Croston

Chicken and MascarponeTortilla Wrap

Raspberry and MulledWine Jelly

Liverpool Marina Bar & Grill,Coburg Wharf, SeftonStreet, Liverpool L3 4BP.Call: 0151 707 6888Visit: www.liverpoolmarina.com

IDEALLY situated less than a milefrom the heart of the city centreand open to the public seven daysa week, Liverpool Marina offersthe type of unique tranquilsurroundings that are rare in thenormal hustle and bustle of a city.

The Bar & Grill overlooks themarina, and serves meals dailyfrom 10am to 9pm,including theirfamousSundaycarvery withlive musicserved from12pm-6pm.

Dishes, allof which are

freshly prepared and made onthe premises by the Bar &Grill's chefs, range from Thaicurry to the more traditionalfish and chips, and 8oz sirloinsteak (£12.95), served withhand cut chips, grilled tomatoand flat mushroom, ensuringthere is something to tempteveryone.

The vegetable Thai curry

(£7.50) is a real highlight – amedium curry, served withbasmati rice and cashew nuts.

There’s also an outside patioarea adding to the ambiance,setting the ideal stage for alfresco drinks, dining andsocialising in good weather.

A good selection of food isavailable to suit every pocket.Early morning coffee, full

Englishbreakfastandtraditionaldishes areserved freshand daily, andthere’s anexcellentChristmaspackage toparty thenight away instunningsurroundings.

Leaf Tea Shop and Bar,27 Parliament Street,Liverpool L8 5RN.Call: 0151 707 7747Visit www.thisisleaf.co.uk

OPENEDa couple of years ago,the Leaf Tea Shop and Bar is a‘punk tea shop’ in the heart ofLiverpool.

Set on the groundfloor of theElevatorwarehousespace, it’scheek-by-jowlwith therehearsalrooms used byThe Zutons,The Rascals andHot Club de Paris.

Hosting a friendly café inthe day the delicious menu iscomplete with home madescones, cakes and snacks alongwith a mouthwatering array of

more than 22 teainfusions from allover the world.

But after dark,Leaf transforms itself

into an alternative livemusic venue,

showcasing DJs, bands,gallery space, films, art,

knitting groups and anythingelse that takes their fancy.

For real tea aficionados – orthose who’d like to be – there’s

a tea tasting master class,exploring tea from around theworld.

Leaf’s resident tea expert ison hand to offer advice andin-depth information on thebenefits and history of tea.

The venue was founded byyoung entrepreneur NatalieHayward, from Otterspool,who previously workedpromoting Alma de Cuba andBabyCream.

Liverpool Marina Bar & Grill is a perfectparty venue

Leaf ’s founder Natalie HaywoodLeaf’s luxury

afternoon tea. All

MUST TRYthe trimmings, plusstrawberries dipped

in chocolate anda glass of

Champagne£19.95Vegetable

thai curry with

MUST TRYbasmati rice and

cashew nuts£7.50

New Years’EveCelebrationswithLiverpoolMarinaBar & Grill

Homemade Game Terrine served with Apricot & Walnut Loaf & Dressed LeavesAsparagus Soup with a Truffle Cream

***************************Fillet Steak Encroute with Sprinkles of Pancetta and a Port Wine ReductionFillet of Sole Stuffed with Prawn & Crab Mouse served with a Pernod Veloute

Sun Blushed Tomato Risotto with Toasted Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese & RocketAll Served with Roasted New Potatoes and a Selection of Vegetables

***************************Champagne & Strawberry Syllabub with Homemade Shortbread

***************************Selection of World Cheeses with Biscuits & Homemade Chutney

Ticket price includes champagne reception, 3 course meal, wine, live entertainment & DJTickets £49.95

Malmaison,William Jessop Way, Princes Dock,Liverpool, L3 1QZ.Call: 0151 229 5000Visit: www.malmaison-liverpool.com

A STONE’S throw from the city centre andthe Albert Dock, the Malmaison is perfectlyplaced for a business lunch, or a full blowndinner.

Hotel restaurants sometimes disappointin atmosphere as well as the food but theMalmaison brasserie bucks the trend.

One of the brassiere’s highlights is itsstrong design.

Natural light floods in from the hugewindows. Tables are not crammed together,yet there's an air of intimacy.

The service is welcoming. Thewaiting-on is prompt and thoughtful.

The menu takes in upmarket,stylishly done favourites – pizzas,pastas, fish and chips – and themore adventurous – blackpudding spring rolls, chickenliver parfait and toasted briochewith grape chutney.

Our tasters loved the localbuttered asparagus and black puddingspring rolls starters with pineapple andchilli salsa.

Local is a word you see a lot on the Malmenu – they make a real effort to ensurethat they source everything from as nearbyas possible. The food tastes all the better forit, whether it’s local mushrooms or theirown pigs, reared on a farm especially.

But in a league of its own is thetwo-foot-long pizza, which isn’t for the fainthearted, or the small stomached. It’s huge,but you’ll eat every mouthful as it’s just sotasty.

With food this good you could beforgiven for forgetting they do rooms too.

Segura Wine Bar & Bistro95 County Road, Walton,Liverpool, L4 3QDCall: 0151 525 2811

SIT back and enjoy the relaxingsurroundings at Segura, one ofthe newest additions toMerseyside’s burgeoning foodcommunity.

More than just a bistro ...with a warm, friendly andtranquil atmosphere to matchtheir freshly prepared foodSegura will leave you wantingto come back for more.

Food on offer rangesfrom a selection of tapasto national andinternationalcuisines.

They also have aselection of finewines and draughtsto choose from.

There is a wideselection of tapas, light

bites, pastas, gourmetburgers, best ofBritish, a selectionof toastedsandwiches, salads,desserts, selection

of freshly groundlattes, cappuccinos,

espressos and cold

drinks, wines, draughts andbottles beers.

A newly converted site, 95County Road had been a banksince early 1950s.

As Segura food is producedin the old safe vault, it isperhaps quite fitting that Segurais Spanish for a safe.

Segura is more than just a bistro


Malmaison’s MalFeast two foot long

pizza withpepperoni, parmaham and chicken

£16.95

MUST TRY

STARTERSLightly curried parsnip soup, minted yoghurt

Leek and stilton cheese tart

Parfait of chicken livers, toasted brioche

MAIN COURSESBallottine of free range turkey, prosciuttowrapped turkey, filled with minced leg, pancettabacon, savoy cabbage, with chipolatas, breadsauce and cranberry compôte

Char-grilled onglet steak “au poivre”

Pumpkin and parmesan ravioli, sage and toastedpine nuts

PUDDINGSClassic Christmas pudding, pedro ximenez cream

Grand Marnier parfait with clementinesmarmalade

Yule log chocolate génoise sponge, valhronachocolate ganache and chantilly cream

Available from 22nd Novemberto 15th December.

Two courses £15 ppThree courses £20 pp

Early Bird BrasserieCelebration Menu

The Malmaison’stake on Scouse

Dine in comfort and style

Exchange at Hilton Hotel,3 Thomas Steers Way,Liverpool One.Call: 0151 708 4200Visit: www.hilton.co.uk/liverpool

THE venue for the officialMOBO aftershow last week,the Hilton hotel specialises inmarvellous mojitos, beautifulBellinis and cracking caipirinhas.

There’s live music and DJsevery Thursday, Friday andSaturday and their bar snacksare to die for. Casanova caviar(£90) offers blinis, souredcream, chopped egg andBelvedere vodka.

And if you’re looking forsomewhere stylish to eat,look no further than TheExchange restaurant on theground floor.

Exec chef Matthew Burnshas sourced the menu from a

40 mile radius, offering thefinest north west cuisine.The cotton trade, which hadits foundations in the site,was home to the CustomsHouse of the old Port ofLiverpool and is theinspiration for naming therestaurant The Exchange.

The restaurant seats 140,and we love the Goosnarghchicken breast, crispy legwith creamed cabbage,Formby mushroom andshallot sauce (£14.95).

As you would expect,Hilton has an extensivewine list to please alltastes. The cocktailmenu is serviced byPima Bar, whosespeciality is theMartini Flight, a trioof martinis servedon a slate which justoozes style.

Goosnargh chickenbreast, crispy leg

MUST TRYwith creamed

cabbage, Formbymushroom and

shallot sauce£14.95

ExecchefMatthewBurns

Segura’s stickyspanish ribs,

MUST TRYtapas £4.95,main £8.95


The Restaurant Bar & Grill,Halifax House, BrunswickStreet, Liverpool, L2 0UU.Call: 0151 236 6703Visit: www.therestaurantbarandgrill.co.uk

HOUSED in a former bank inthe heart of the busy commercialdistrict, on Brunswick Street, the

swish Restaurant Bar & Grill isimpressive as soon as you walkthrough the doors.

A spacious venue with astriking cocktail bar in itscentre and dining booths andtables either side, it is popularwith the post-work crowd.

It has a mid-priced menuwith starters from £4.85, mains

upwards of £10 and anextensive choice of pasta, fishand meat dishes.

Great food and excellentservice, this is a favourite withECHO taste testers,particularly the delicious Thaigreen curry, which has to betasted to be believed.

Delicious.

Delifonseca,12 Stanley Street, Liverpool, L1 6AF.Call: 0151 255 0808Visit: www.delifonseca.co.uk

IN the four years since it opened Delifonseca hasmore than made its mark on Liverpool’s diningscene.

The brainchild of Bury-born Candice Fonseca,it combines the best deli offerings with anexcellent restaurant and has garnered a clutch ofawards, including best value restaurant in thisyear’s Which Good Food Guide.

It was also named “Best small or mediumsized business” at last year’s North West FoodAwards and beat competition from the likes of60 Hope Street and the Gulshan to be namedRestaurant of Excellence at the 2009 LiverpoolFood and Drink Festival.

It even merits a mention in the prestigiousHardens Food Guide, described as: “A busy andpleasant bistro which inhabits a simply furnisheddining room over a super deli... A quality foodieventure with great value Latino/Italian dishesmany of which are brilliant”.

Among the dozens of mouth-watering meatsat the deli counter are Cheshire Smokehouse’sair dried prosciutto, pastrami and Kassler, alongwith their award winning bacons, pancetta,smoked duck and chicken.

Cheese fans will delight at the sight of StinkingBishop, Colston Bassett Stilton and SnowdonianBlack Bomber among others and local favouriteslike Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire, Mrs Appleby’sCloth Wrapped Cheshire and DelamereMature Farmhouse Goats Cheese.

It’s become so popular thatthere’s now a sister branch up pastthe ECHO Arena.

Much of what is on saledownstairs makes its way into therestaurant upstairs. There, headchef Martin Cooper, who has spenttwo decades at the forefront ofLiverpool’s dining scene, oversees amenu which includes everything from light

bites to sandwiches and salads.There is also a blackboard of dishes which

changes daily, depending on the seasonsand the produce available, however you

may find such delights as filé gumbo –traditional Cajun spicy stew of ham,sausage, chicken and okra – orbaked fillet of sea trout served withasparagus and potato cake, and asaffron cream sauce, among them.

Vegetarians are also superblycatered for at Delifonseca and the

lentil and potato moussaka is one of therestaurant’s signature dishes.

Delifonseca’s founder Candice Fonseca

Delifonseca’schicken ciabatta –

MUST TRYlemon and thymeroasted chicken

thighs and chunkychips £7.25

Chef Saul O'Reilly makes up a picnic

Amber Wine Bar & Bistro,193-195 Rose Lane, MossleyHill, Liverpool.Call: 0151 724 5169Visit: www.amberwinebar.com

IT MAY be tucked away in theLiverpool suburbs but Amberhas all the class of an upmarketcity centre venue.

Situated on Rose Lane, thiswine bar and bistro hasbecome quite a magnet for the

well-heeled of this affluentneighbourhood.

And it is easy to see why.Amber is simply but sexilyfurnished in dark woods, withlots of chandeliers, damaskwallpaper and clever use oflarge mirrors to enhance whatis essentially a smallish two-tierdining area.

But there’s an immediatewarmth about the place whichisn’t generated by decor, but byfellow diners and staff.

In the daytime the ladieswho lunch crowd are right athome with Amber’s coffee andpastries, gourmet sandwichesand bistro food.

Then in the evening takeyour pick from the wide rangeof dishes that are on offer fromseabass or lamb shank to aseafood bento box with pricesfor mains from £8.95.

For those who like a lazyweekend, it’s hard to beat theAmber Sunday brunch menu.

Amber is simply, but stylishly, decorated

The stylish Restaurant Bar and Grill

Forgotten to book your Christmas Party?Fear not there is still space at Ha Ha Bar & Grill, with stunning docksideviews and prices to suit everyone, we are looking forward to making your

Christmas a simply perfect experience.

New Year’s Eve becoming more stress than style…Why not bring in the New Year at one of Liverpool’s top 3 Best Restaurants as

voted for by you in the Juice FM Style Awards?

A Stunning 5 Course menu for £39.95 or a delicious selection of canapés and achampagne cocktail on arrival for £20. You can also dance the night away in our

cool Ice Bar with guest DJ and instrumental accompaniments.

Ha Ha Bar & GrillAtlantic Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool

Tel: 0151 7077877 • [email protected]

Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Mediterranean & Middle Eastern MeditBacchus Taverna,14 Waterloo Rd, LiverpoolCall: 0151 255 1661Visit: www.bacchustaverna.co.uk

BACCHUS may be off thebeaten track, tucked betweenLiverpool’s convertedwarehouses but sitting undervines, looking at the seascapesand listening to the sound ofbazoukis in the background, youwill feel like you have beentransported away to Athens.

The menu is a love song toGreek national dishes and theyare done very well. Sit back atowner Diamantis Vegienoscooks you up a feast fit for aGreek god.

Our taster loved the Gairdesskordates (£6) to start, theseare king prawns sauteed inbutter, garlic, parsley and redpepper, flambed with whitewine and as plentiful as they aredelicious.

Follow them with kleftikopsito, a house speciality ofWelsh shoulder of lamb,

slow-cooked for three hourswith herbs and served withrice, roast potatoes and greenbeans (£13.50). Or, if you wantto be more traditional, themoussaka (£13.50) is a heartyceramic dishful of mince,

potatoes, courgettes,aubergines and cheese ismoreish and epic.

And don’t leave withouttrying the Baclava cake – nowthat really would be a Greektragedy...

Zorbas,1 Leece Street, Liverpool.Call: 0151 709 0190Visit: www.zorbasrestaurant.co.uk

OWNER Michael Haralambosopened Zorbas more than 30years ago.

He started with a capacity of20 and over the years, afternumerous extensions, it nowseats 100.

Michael and his family arestill in charge and he knowsmost of his customers byname. They pride themselveson giving diners a big fat Greekwelcome.

You can enjoy the finestGreek cuisine at Zorbas as wellas a selection of Englishdishes.

You will find thelikes of Spanakopita– a spinach piewith feta cheese(£4) among thedozen or sovegetarian startersand Tsoutsoukakia

(meatballs) for themeat lovers out there.

As the namesuggests, therestaurant is themedon the movie Zorba

The Greek – everywall has a still from the

film and the bar is designed toresemble a Greek building.Lattices covered with vineshang from the ceiling tocomplete the effect. Andthere’s no plate smashing insight, so you can be sure of aquiet night among friends.

Greek Taverna45 South Road,Waterloo, Liverpool,L22 5PE.Call: 0151 293 3229Visit: www.greek-taverna.net

GREEK Taverna pridesitself on a warmatmosphere and qualityfood. Dishes are traditionalhome-cooked Greek fareand you will find all thefavourites like kleftiko –lamb roasted on the bonein wine sauce, moussakaand stifado – tender beefcooked slowly in tomatoand red wine sauce amongthe main courses.

There is also a goodselection of kebabs andvegetarians are wellcatered for too.

Eureka,7 Myrtle Parade, Liverpool.Call: 0151 709 7225Visit: www.eurekarestaurant.co.uk

YOU know those painfully stylishrestaurants that are all strippedwood and chrome furniture?

The ones at which the foodjust isn't as important as who'sseen with who? Where youneed a second mortgage if youfancy anything more substantialthan the soup?

Well, think one of those andthen think of the exactopposite – now you've gotEureka.

This gem of a restaurant istucked away in Myrtle Parade inLiverpool 8, at the top of HopeStreet, and is about as unflashy,unfussy and unpretentious asyou can get.

The tables are covered ingingham cloths and the wallsare adorned with half thecontents of a Greek souvenirshop.

But don't be fooled. This

place is one of Liverpool's bestkept culinary secrets.

Greek chef-owner GeorgeIakovakis is a stickler for doingthings properly. Everything ismade from scratch in-house,with dishes such as themeltingly tender kleftiko –slow-cooked, on-the-bone lambshoulder, seasoned with

oregano and rosemary.Bring your own wine for a

Corkage of £2.50 per person,no matter how much you wantto drink.

This is not a restaurant forthe faint-hearted – the portionsare huge and the food is sodelicious it is near impossibleto stop eating. Enjoy...

Christakis Greek Taverna,7 York Street, Liverpool.Call: 0151 708 7377Visit: www.christakisgreektaverna.com

CHRISTAKIS Georgiou mayonly have been in Liverpool for13 years, but he is the heir to acity dining tradition going backdecades.

And as both owner andhead chef of his Greek Tavernain York Street, he is a positionto keep up that standards thathave made his place, originallynamed Renos, a favourite forLiverpool diners since the1970s.

It’s been afamilybusinessin

the proper sense of theworld. Renos Vasilianiswas a leader of theGreek Cypriotcommunity in Liverpoolwho made his namefirst at Zorba’s in LeeceStreet, before branchingout on his own, settingup Renos in YorkStreet.

Renos sold thebusiness and retired toCyprus, but hisson-in-law Christakisbought it back in the1990s to re-establishthe family link.

Christakis pridesitself on its friendly

service (Chrishimself is

alwaysthere togreetyou) and itsexcellent Greekcuisine.

Expect greatfood and fun at

Christakis, ideal for

Bacchus Taverna is a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit

Zorba’s traditionalmousaka is a

MUST TRYreal treat £12

Moussakais a realspecialityatChristakis

Chef ChristakisGeorgiou preparesthe delicious meals

Eureka Greek restaurant

Greek Taverna prides itself on a warm atmosphere

Zorbas prides itself on giving diners a big Greek welcome

Wise men special: Pork in wineSanta's Moussaka: aubergines,courgettes, Potatoes with bechamelNorth pole kebab: pork, grilled cubesHo! Ho! Ho! Kebab: Cubes of chickenbreast, grilledSnowman's pride: Pork and chickenkebabChristmas greetings: Grilled sirloinsteak with mushrooms and onionsAll served with Rice, Potatoes, Salad

DESSERTSCheesecake.Chocolate Cake.Baclava (Filo pastry, nuts and honey).Ice Cream.

Served 1pm to 5pm throughoutDecember £17.50/£19.95

STARTERSSanta's fix: Greek saladElf's special: Garlic mushroomsJingle balls: Meatballs in tomato sauceHolly leaves: Stuffed vine leavesNoel houmus dipFalling snow: Yoghurt dipAngel's delight: Creamed cod's roeSeasonal icicles: Shrimps in sauceAll starters include bread

MAIN COURSESElf's surprise:Slices of lamb in tomatosauce casseroleReindeer's feast: Lamb on the bone.

ChristakisChristmas Lunch Menu

celebrations and get-togethersit specialises in traditionalGreek food and offersentertainment too.

Christakis keeps a book ofbirthdays, and diners get greatdeals on their special days.

Starters range from £2 – £4and main courses from £8 –£12 and there are also plentyof fish dishes and vegetarianoptions.

At weekends they offerGreek dancing, plate smashing

and bellydancing with aDJ until 2amand various partybanquet options. It’sa place to eat, drink and bemerry.

French Cuisine French Cuisine French Cuisine French Cuisine French CuisineBistro Pierre,Cavern Quarter, 14 ButtonSt, Liverpool, L2 6PS.Call: 0151 227 2577Visit: www.bistropierre.com

CANDLELIT and intimate, thisButton Street bolthole is perfectfor lovers. Like many a Frenchbistro the walls are adorned withToulouse-Lautrec artworkand the tables arecovered with redgingham clothsplus there’s thewax-ladenbottles.

So far sounoriginal youmay say butwhat’s wrongwith that?

The menu is as youwould expect, with a hinttowards modern English ratherthan pure classic French. Aselection of duck, chicken, fish,lamb and beef sit alongside thevegetarian options, allreasonably priced.

The a la carte menu changesmonthly to take advantage ofseasonal produce.

If you are watching thepennies check out their great

value 'Lunch Rapide' menu,three courses for £7.95(12-4.30pm), or the earlybird menu which offers athree course dinner forjust £10.95.

From the outsidelooking in, peering throughthe windows, it gives offthe impression of a nice

romantic bolt-hole.But the amountof groups and

families going inthrough theheavy frontdoor tells adifferentstory.

For this is aplace where

couples andgroups can dine and

yet both be in their ownlittle worlds.

In a highly competitivemarket, the “Bistro” chain(including Bistros Francand Jacques) is carvingitself out a nice niche andeven as others look totighten the belt to ward offthe recession, its family ofthree is thriving. Long mayit continue.

Cafe Rouge,14 Paradise Street,Liverpool One, L1 8JF.Call: 0151 709 8657

37 Upper Floor Level,The Met Quarter,Liverpool, L1 6AU.Call: 0151 258 1879Visit: www.caferouge.co.uk

CAFÉ Rouge is an old faithful –one of those dependable chains

where you always know you’regoing to get a good meal.

Diners now have two CaféRouges to choose from withthe opening of the LiverpoolOne venue two years ago tocomplement the restaurant inthe Metquarter.

Inside both restaurants thedecor is formulaic but it works.There is music in thebackground with a brasseriefeel to the place.

The menu is constant at CaféRouge, although the specials dochange, and it has somethingfor everyone.

When our reviewer visited arequest for a jug of water and alit tealight were dealt withquickly and the waiter poppedback regularly tocheck food was okay, which isoften more than you can hopefor with a meal in France, whena Gallic shrug seems to suffice.

STARTERS(v) Homemade Spiced Sweet PotatoSoup, finished with parsnip crisps

Classic Duck Liver Pâté served simplywith an orange & cranberry relish

(v) Glazed Goats Cheese & CaramelisedPeach Served on a toasted garlic croûteand drizzled with an aged balsamic

Chicken, Smoked Bacon & ButtonMushroom Fricassée served in a creamygarlic and white wine sauce

Grilled Brittany Sardinesserved on a bed of mixed leaves anddressed with a light lemon & chilli butter

MAIN COURSESSeabass "à la Basquaise"; Panfried filletsof seabass served on a bed of roastpeppers, onions & olives, finished with arich tomato & oregano sauce

Ovenbaked Chicken Suprême; Wrappedwith pancetta and served with a whitewine and tarragon sauce

Roast Fillet of Pork; carved onto a bedof carrot and swede purée,

Winter Vegetable and Mixed BeanCassoulet; Roast butternut squash,finished with a herb dumpling

Crèpe Parisiènne; Crèpe stuffed withsautéed leek, courgette and wildmushrooms, served with a traditionalmornay sauce, glazed with mozzarella

Tagliatelli Pasta; Tossed with chargrilledturkey, button mushrooms & petit poisin a creamy garlic and parsley sauce

Steak "au Poivre"; Chargrilled 8oz ribeyesteak served with a classic pinkpeppercorn & brandy sauce

DESSERTSSee the blackboards in the restaurant

Bistro FrancChristmas Menu

Three Courses £20.95pp

Bistro Franc,1 Hanover Street, Liverpool,L1 3DW.Call: 0151 708 9993Visit: www.bistrofranc.com

THIS restaurant which opened inMay last year is the latest fromthe North West RestaurantGroup, who already run BistroPierre, on Button Street in theCavern Quarter, and BistroJacques on Hardman Street.

Over £200,000 was spent

transforming the old offices ofthe Bishop of Liverpool intoBistro Franc and they havesplashed the cash well turningthe restaurant into a greatplace for romantic dinners butalso somewhere that can copewith large groups of diners.

The menu isn’t exactlypurist French but you will find agood selection of duck,chicken, fish, lamb and beefdishes alongside a number ofvegetarian options.

Our taster enjoyed the roastpidgeon breast, carved onto abed of caramelised red onionsalad, dressed with a port andred wine reduction (£4.75)and the classic chicken caesarsalad – a salad of baby gemlettuce, parmesan cheese,croûtons, anchovies & baconlardons served with warmchicken dish of cracked bulgarwheat and roast vegetablesserved with mint crème fraîche(£3.95).

Bistro Franc is exceptionally popular with diners Bistro Franc

Bistro Pierre’sMoules Bretonne

MUST TRYserved with wilted

cabbage and smokedbacon in a creamywhite wine sauce

£4.25

Bistro Pierre

Cafe Rouge in Liverpool One

CHRISTAKISGREEK TAVERNA

7 York Street (off Duke Street) Liverpool L1 5BN

Become a VIP member and dine for free onyour birthday and get all the benefits of beingVIP member. See our website for further detailswww.chtistakisgreektaverna.com

Greek Dancing, Plate Smashing,Belly Dancing and DJ till 2amCelebrate your Birthday or Hen Do!Opa yiamas, well played Andréas!!!

Just £15 per person ncluding half a litreof House wine FREEBook early on 0151 708 7377

LADIES NIGHTS Every ThursdayGreek Dancing, PlateSmashing, Belly Dancingand DJ till 2amEVERY WEEKEND

Book your ChristmasParty at Christakis

dinner & dancing£17.50per person

from

Sofrito,51/53 White Chapel,Liverpool, L1 6DT.Call: 0151 236 0411Visit: www.sofritol1.co.uk

WITH so many differentrestaurants to choose fromthese days it is often difficultto pick one that suits everypalate and pocket.

Sofrito, however, hassomething foreveryone.

Being underthe banner of‘Mediterraneancuisine’ meansthat they cantake the bestfrom every typeof food aroundthe lovely, warmsea.

The property the newowners have taken over aformer Indian restaurant, onWhitechapel, retaining therestaurant’s airy, spaciousfeel as well as putting theirown personal touch on theplace with cosy olivecoloured walls, black andwhite prints and largedecorative mirrors.

The menu has adecent selection ofappetisers and startersincluding Tuscanmeatballs, calamari andspicy fishcake – allpriced at a reasonable£5.50 as well asDolcelatte mushrooms(£4.94) and chickenliver parfait (£4.95).

Our tasters lovedthe shared

Mediterraneanboards –Italian,Spanishand Greekand allreasonably

priced at£9.95.They came

back to the officeraving about the lambkleftiko (£14.95) and porkfillet (£13.95) stuffed withapricot and chilli, wrapped inSeranno ham and carvedover mashed potato with amustard shallot creamsauce. Delicious.

Mediterranean Cuisine Mediterranean Cuisine Mediterranean Cuisine MediterraneanSalt House TapasHanover Street, Liverpool 1.Call: 0151 706 0092Visit: www.salthousetapas.co.uk

SALT House has only been opena few months, but there’s alreadyan excited buzz about the place.

Its location helps – on a wideHanover Street corner, wherethe Church of England Dioceseof Liverpool was once housed.

And then there’s thereputation which wentbefore it. OwnerPatrick Smith hasworked at five-starrestaurants inBermuda,Grenada, Russiaand Switzerlandso knows what ittakes to keep eventhe most exacting ofcustomers satisfied.

Head Chef Martin Renshawwhips up a tasty array ofMediterranean food at itssimple, beautiful best.

Billed as tapas “with anauthentic twist”, the menu issplit into nibbly intros, breads,charcuteria, tapas – fish, veggieand meat – and salads.

Main tapas dishesare priced between

£3.50, for fried potatoeswith brava sauce, and

£8.95 for seared scallops withpeas and crispy Serrano ham.

Our favourites include panfried sea bass with samphiremushrooms and shallots(£5.90) and roasted butternutsquash, goats curd, rocket andspiced almond crumbs (£4.75).

There’s also a great offer onat the moment – with three

tapas plates from a selectionand Libbys Sourdough breadfor just £8.90. Be sure tosample the delicious Dry PedroJimenez (£3.75), or Marquescalado (£4.70, for a 250mlglass, and £13.25 for a bottle).

Our tasters loved the hot,crispy and sweet morcels, andthe deliciously indulgent dippingchocolate.

There’s also an excellentChristmas menu at £14.50 forlunch and £19.50 for dinner.

Lunya,18–20 College Lane,Liverpool One, Liverpool,L1 3DS.Call: 0151 706 9770Visit: www.lunya.co.uk

LUNYA is another new additionto the Liverpool restaurantscene. Touted as the country'sfirst 'Catalonian fusion deli andrestaurant', it’s been busy fromthe outset.

Maybe it's the welter ofSpanish footballers currentlystarring for Liverpool andEverton that has convinced thecompany to try out itsseductive wiles on Merseyside.

The venue is ensconced inCollege Lane, at the top end ofLiverpool One, away from therestaurants on the well-visitedtop terrace.

This converted 19th centurywarehouse triples as a deli,restaurant and bar, with aselection of a la carte and tapasfood to choose from, or evensmall snacks to dabble withwhile enjoying a drink.

And it's the drink whereLunya really comes into itsown. The lager brigade won'tfind a home here, but anyone

with an appreciation of wine,or even a fine sherry, will fitright in.

From whites, to roses, reds,cavas, sherries and sweetdessert wines, there's pagesand pages of choice. They'renearly all Spanish, which Lunyatells us, are rarely seen outsideof Spain but offer customersreal value for money.

The ground floor, locatednext to the deli, has a morefunctional rustic look, while theupper level is perhaps a more

comfortable place to sit andwhile away a few hours with acouple of bottles.

The walls show off theexposed brickwork withCatalan paintings and artworksupplied from colleges acrossMerseyside providingdecoration. The restaurant maybe new, but The People’sFavourite award at this year’sLiverpool Food and DrinkFestival went to Lunya, so itseems it’s already made a namefor themselves.

Sofrito may be new, but it’s already made aname for itself with its excellent menu

Sofrito’s Moroccansalmon with

MUST TRYcouscous andmango salsa

(£12.95)

Salt House Tapas

Lunya describes itself as the UK's first Catalonian fusiondeli and restaurant

Salt House’sChurros doughnuts

MUST TRYwith hot dippingchocolate £4.55

Sofrito’s luxury diningarea

Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine ItalianGusto Liverpool,22 Edward Pavilion, Albert Dock,Liverpool, L3 4AF.Call: 0151 708 6969Visit: www.gustorestaurants.uk.com

GUSTO Liverpool is situated at the gateway toThe Albert Dock, overlooking the Tate Galleryand nestling in one of Europe’s finestheritage sites.

Its statement “Con Amici” table(roughly translated as “eatingwith friends”), is perfect forlarge parties seating up to 40people (on just one table!)making it the perfect location

for a celebration.A successful Italian chain it has a

reputation for superb food in lovelysurroundings.

Simply furnished in dark woods withsubtle white globe lighting, the restaurant isdesigned to generate a buzz without feelingas if you’re crammed on top of adjoiningtables.

David Sye, senior sous chef, makes divinetagliatelle arrabbiata, with tomato, chilli,mozarrella and pepperoni and the warmscallop and pancetta salad with fresh avocadois always a popular choice.

Gusto’s senior sous chef David Sye, serves up adelicious pork belly with buttered crushed potato,homemade apple sauce, and red wine jus

STARTERSTomato and Borlotti beans soupwith mozzarella slivers (v)

Winter leaves salad, with crumbledgoat’s cheese and roast figs (v)

Portobello mushroom, baked on puffpastry with creamed leeks (v)

MAIN COURSESSupreme of organic salmon, roastedwith oregano crumbs

Turkey escalope, wrapped withcured ham and sage served with

marinated aubergine and whitewine reduction

Sirloin steak, shallot and pancettaconfit and masala wine sauce

Sweet red pepper, baby leek andGorgonzola cannelloni, served ontomato fondue (v)

PUDDINGSFlorentine tart, traditional Christmasfruit tart with cherries, almonds,walnuts and pistachio ice cream

Chocolate and raspberry torte withwhite chocolate sauce

Cappuccino panna cotta with toffeefondant cream

Gusto LiverpoolChristmas Menu

£25.95 per person

Staff are enthusiastic without beingoverbearing and the menu isreasonably priced, with freshlyprepared classic and contemporaryItalian dishes featuring an excellentrange of pizza, pasta, seafood andmeats.

The cocktail list is endless, and theGusto Cherry Manhattan

(£6.95), Woodford ReserveBourbon, Cherry Marnierand a little Campari toround it all off, is a realhighlight.Gusto Liverpool’s

CherryMUST TRY

Manhattan

cocktail, £6.95Dine in comfortand style atGusto Liverpool

Tagliatelle arrabbiata,with tomato, chilli,mozarrella and pepperoni

The Olive Press,25-27 Castle Street,Liverpool, L2 4TA.Call: 0151 227 2242Visit: www.heathcotes.co.uk/olivepress

OPENED in 2004 by celebritychef Paul Heathcote this modernItalian is aimed at the lunch timebusiness market and families withchildren rather than top end finedining.

But that doesn’t mean anyscrimping on quality or taste.This is a fine Italian withdelicious down-to-earth dishessuch as pizza, pasta and grills.

The light décor is a smartcombination of rustic Italianand modern style, much likethe Olive Press’s menu. Freshingredients go into classic andinnovative Italian dishes, likeOlive Press lasagne, thefantastic burgers on focaccia,the stone-baked pizzas and the

special lobster dishes.It’s very family

friendly: children enjoya healthy kids menuand can even maketheir own pizzas.

Moderate pricesand a fun atmospheremake this a localfavourite.

Jamie’s Italian,45 Paradise St Liverpool,Merseyside L1 3DNCall: 0151 559 9830Visit: www.jamieoliver.com

CELEBRITY chef and foodcrusader Jamie Oliver hasexpanded his business empirewith a new restaurant atLiverpool One.

The 35-year-old, who wasjust a teenager when he shot tofame in the Naked Chef back inthe late 1990s, opened his 11thJamie’s Italian in Paradise Placein June, and it’s been popularever since.

The restaurant focuses onrustic Italian food inspired byJamie’s mentor GennaroContaldo – possibly betterknown as the holder ofSaturday Kitchen’s omelettechallenge. Jamie says: “Whenpeople eat at a Jamie’s Italian Iwant them to really get into

the food, maybe try somethingthey wouldn’t normally try, butalways be safe in the knowledgethat they’re eating good stuff,prepared with love.

“The Jamie’s Italian menu isdriven by what you’d findordinary people eating in Italy.”

Main courses range from a£10.95 chicken caesar salad to

a £15.95 Fish in a Bag – aselection of sea bass, Cornishmussels and clams.

A good selection of wine isserved by the bottle, glass, and500ml carafe with the mostexpensive Billecart Salmon NVBrut Rose Champagne comingin at £65, if you’re feeling flush.Mamma mia...

Caramelisedbutternut squashsalad Jamie Oliver has brought his signature dishes to the city

Paul Heathcote

Il Forno132 Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 5AG.Call: 0151 709 4002Visit: www.ilforno.co.uk

DUKE Street has undergone something ofa revival in the last four years and Il Fornois a firm favourite among the newrestaurants that have sprung up there.

A large, bustling Italian with a hugereal flame pizza oven, it has become a hitwith celebrities and Premiershipfootballers alike.

Not to mention visiting Italians whowant a real taste of home.

Il Forno has won numerous awardsincluding a Taste Liverpool HighestQuality Assured accreditation and aMade in the North West award for usingand promoting locally sourced produce.

It has an extensive menu offering

Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian C

The Fat Italian,60 Coronation Road, Crosby,L23 5RC.Call: 0151 924 8842

A POPULAR restaurant in Crosbyyou do need to book toguarantee a table, even midweek.

It’s not just the foodthat makes this one ofthe best eateriesaround but theexcellent, friendlyservice that has peoplecoming back for moreagain and again.

Situated in a row of shops, TheFat Italian makes the most of asmall shop front space with a lightmodern interior – cream and darkwalls – clever use of mirrors and asmall bar at the back.

Despite the name above thedoor the dishes offer anunchallenging amble round all ofthe Med, from goat’s cheese saladsand gambas pil pil to feta lamb,

mushroom stroganoff, fajitas andan impressive selection of

steaks. Pizza and pastainclude a tried andtested selection offavourites, like lasagne,meatballs andvegetarian cannelloni(£4.95 a dish on Sunday

before 6.30pm) and aspecials board changes

daily.The Fat Italian’s charms are the

freshness of its ingredients, a lighthand on flavours and polishedpresentation and most of all awelcome warm enough to rivalanything the Med could offer.

Zeligs of Little Italy,Thomas Steers Way,Liverpool One.Call: 0151 709 7097Visit: www.zeligs.co.uk

ZELIGS of Little Italy, situated at theheart of Liverpool ONE, is the city’slargest fresh food Italian restaurantserving delicious, authentic dishesthat celebrate traditional cuisinefrom all over the sun-kissed region.

Drawing on the Mediterraneanpassion for flavour, substance, andprovenance, Zeligs sources itsproduce from top quality suppliers.

The restaurant has an extensivemenu that includes an excellentselection of pizza, pasta, fish andmeat including the signature 32ozBistecca al Forno with grilledPortobello mushrooms, plumtomatoes and sautéed potatoes,perfect for sharing. Zeligs’comprehensive wine list capturesthe essence of the main wineproducing regions.

Head Chef Lee Evans sources allItalian produce from pizza flour andolive oil to mozzarella and freshpasta from an Italian food specialist

to ensure that everything tastes asauthentic as possible.

As well as seating 250 in themain restaurant, Zeligs has twoprivate dining areas and one privatebar, which can be hired out forfunctions, and business lunches.

The restaurant itself is availablefor large-scale events, weddingsand conferences and has alreadyplayed host to aftershow parties,award ceremonies and productlaunches for some national brands.

The bar area, supervised byaward-winning mixologist and barmanager Nick Skillicorn, specialisesin serving a wide-range of cocktailsincluding the house specialMidnight Sun.

From November 24 toDecember 24, they will be servinga selection of delicious, Italian-inspired yuletide dishes includingthe famed Italian Christmas trifle,Zuppa Inglese and the mulledValpolcella wine with winter fruit.

Christmas Dinner optionsinclude ham hock terrine with awarm Italian pickle and rustic breadalong with goats cheese salad withfigs, wild rocket and Serrano ham.

The Fat Italian’sMediterranean

MUST TRYRoast Dinner, £8.95.

But be warned,when it’s gone

it’s gone!

The Fat Italian is extremely popular with Crosby diners

authentic Italian dishes.Head chef Paolo Cillo makes yummy

gamberoni all’aglio’ – tiger prawns panfried in garlic, olive oil, chill and tomato(£8.95).

They have an extensive pizza menu,made in the infamous fire breathing oven– prices start £5.85 for a marinara.

Paolo grew up surrounded by thetastes, smells and sounds of greatcooking.

He was born inthe picturesquetown ofPotenza, insouthernItaly,where hediscoveredhis love for

cooking at the tender age of 11.And, thanks to his culinary prowess, Il

Forno was named one of the Top 10 UKauthentic Italian restaurants by a topnewspaper magazine and has alsoattracted rave reviews from, amongothers, Taste Italia magazine.

It has also received a gold award inrecognition of its high standards by ThePizza, Pasta & Italian Food Association.

Il Forno is a favourite of celebritydiners including Jennifer Ellison,

Dirk Kuyt, Henry Winklerand Marouane Fellaini,

but the friendly staffgive everyone the redcarpet treatment.

They’re especiallygood with families,

making even the littlestdiners feel at home.

Owner Rosaria Crolla with co-owner and head chef Maurizio Pellegrini

MAIN COURSESPetto di Tacchino Ripieno: Ovenbaked breast of turkey filled withpancetta, sage and garlic

Lasagna Vegetariana (v): Ovenbaked layers of pasta withmushrooms, asparagus, carrots

Grilled fillet of seabass servedwith lemon risotto

Lasagna al Forno

Home made ravioli filled withsalmon, served with a dill sauce

Home-made ferretti pasta servedwith wild boar and mushrooms

Braised lamb shank served with ashallot and red wine sauce

Grilled beef fillet mignon servedwith brandy and mushroomsauce, roast potatoes, spinachand carrots (beef medium)

Risotto with pumpkin served in aparmesan basket

DESSERTSTortino Di Pandoro con Ricottae Cioccolato Amaro: A classicpandoro filled with creamedricotta cheese and chocolate

Strudel di Mele con Gelato alFior di Latte: Warm apple strudelwith fior di latte ice cream

Il Forno Gelati Misti: Il Fornohomemade ice cream

Il Forno’sChristmas Menu

STARTERSZuppa di Legumi Con Polpettine:A traditional soup

Caprino alla Griglia Servito conVerdure Grigliate (v); Grilledgoats cheese and vegetables

Cannellone di Melanzana allaMessinese: Parcels of auberginefilled with swordfish

Gamberoni Alla Mediterranea:King prawns with lemon zest

Tagliere Tradizionale: Italiancured meats and cheeses £35 per person

Braciola Pizzaiola

Zeligs serves traditional favourites with a twist

Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian

San Carlo41 Castle St, Liverpool L2 9SH.Call: 0151 236 0073Visit: www.sancarlo.co.uk/liverpool

SAN Carlo opened late last year andit’s already become a popular choice.Walk past on a Friday or Saturdaynight and it’s always bustling.

The old bank building has beentransformed – it’s now all whitespace with red and blackfurnishings, decorated withwine bottles.

The huge windowsgive it a light and airyfeel and the walls arecovered withphotographs, artworkand mirrors. Only thetacky photo wall of celebritydiners lets it down, but it’s asmall quibble in the otherwiseexcellent decor.

Thankfully, it has managed toescape the worst ravages of being achain restaurant – if you didn’tknow about its sister restaurants inManchester, Birmingham, Bristoland Leicester, you wouldn’t guess it

isn’t an independent restaurant.The menu – or should I say

menus – are extensive. Withdozens of dishes to choose from,the main one feels like reading aDickens novel. I’m sure I read BleakHouse in less time than it took toget from the antipasto to pizza.

If that wasn’t enough, there is aseparate specials menu boasting 20or so dishes, and another specials

board on the wall, whichappeared to have yet

more choices.Our testers

enjoyed the PizzaVegetariana (£8.95)and a San CarloSalad (£4.50), and the

Corvo Rosso (£15.95)is excellent for the

price, with a dry, velvetyfeel and a lovely ruby red

colour, with garnet red highlights atthe edge.

If you’re more of a lager lover,there’s Peroni – including draught –but make no mistake, this is acocktail lounge style space forladies to natter and sip cocktails ora lovely big glass of Italian red wine.

Piccolino,14a Cook St, Liverpool, L2 9RF.Call: 0151 236 2555Visit: www.piccolinorestaurants.co.uk

RIGHT in the heart of the Liverpoolbusiness quarter, this is the sort ofrestaurant where contacts are madeand deals are done.

But you don’t have to behaving a working lunch totake advantage of thisestablished restaurant,part of a nationwidechain, serving awonderfulcombination of bothmodern and classicItalian dishes.

Stretching over twofloors and with its stylishdark wood and plump red leatherseats, it works as both an idealvenue for an intimate meal for two

or a large party celebration.Our tester loved the roast lamb

rump, gnocchi, peas, broad beans &mint (£16.95), and said theantipasto misto (£13.95 to share)with cured ham and melon, olivesand artichokes is a great way tobegin.

The seafood risotto with kingprawns, squid and mussels with

saffron also makes a deliciousmain course. Pasta options

are plentiful with all theusual favourites anddesserts include thedelicious baked vanillacheesecake with citrusblueberries.

Look out for a dailyspecials menu designed

by new head chefFrancesco Guarracino

exclusive to Liverpool Piccolinoand a new menu del giorno whichis served from 12pm every day.

l Forno chef Paola Cilla and his heart shaped pizza

The Italian Club and Italian Club Fish,Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4JA.Call: 0151 707 2110Visit: www.theitalianclubliverpool.co.uk

OPENED by the Crolla family, who also own deliThe Italian Club, further along Bold Street, thisrestaurant combines proprietor Rosaria Crolla’sItalian heritage with her Scottish roots with a menuthat twins high quality UK fish and chips withItalian-style shellfish, oysters and pasta dishes.

Like its sister venue it offers a cosy andrelaxed environment with lovely beech-woodflooring, wooden furniture and walls decked withItalian scenes.

“I've found, personally, that it's quite hard toget good fish and chips in Liverpool, and there’sno fish restaurants,” she says.

“I wanted to take that ethos of theItalian Club and Italian cuisine tocreate something of a marriagebetween British fish and chipsand Italian specialities.

“It's very difficult to find aniche in the restaurant marketbecause everything's been done.

“But this is fun fish, young foodand not pretentious at all.”

Rosario, whose family originatesfrom the village of Picinisco, 90 miles south ofRome, moved to Liverpool from Glasgow to helpher cousin set up the Il Forno restaurant, onDuke Street, before opening her own cafe withher partner and head chef Maurizio Pellegrini.

The original Italian Club opened two yearsago, inspired by Ms Crolla’s late father – whoturned his hand from fine dining to fish and chips– and her mother, sister and other relatives cannow be found pitching in at both venues.

“We're a very close family and I couldn't havedone it without them,” Rosario says.

“For me, the Italian Club philosophy is in myfather’s memory.

“He believed in keeping it simple, using thebest ingredients, keeping it fresh and he believedin the family, and this is a combination of allthose things.”

Fish and Chips,Oysters, MarinatedOlives and Mussels

Piccolino’s PizzaRustica, with roast

MUST TRYmediterranean

vegetables, goat’scheese, rocket and

parmesan£10.25

Piccolino is in the heart of Liverpool’s business quarterThe Italian Club’s

Italian Club

MUST TRYSandwich, chicken,

pancetta, egg,mayonnaise and

lettuce £5,50.

The Italian Club

San Carlo’sPizza

Vegetariana£8.95

MUST TRY

San Carlo is provingvery popular

Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian

The stylish dining area of the Gulshan in Aigburth

The Samrat37 Renshaw Street,Liverpool city centre.Call: 0151 702 9060

THE Samrat, next to theBarcelona Bar on Renshaw Street,pushes to stand out in a corner ofthe city packed with competition.

Besides the traditional fare,this curry house also specialisesin south Indian cuisine, mostlyfrom the Kerala region.

Staff recommend the Kashmirirogan josh – a dish that is bothtasty and pretty with its swirls ofdark and light orange (£7.95).

The hyderabadi dum biryaniis also popular – a lamb andrice dish with delicatespiced yoghurt (£9.95).

The alcohol offering isvaried here and includesa pint of Cobra ondraught for £3 and bottlesof wine from around £12.

The Samrat on Renshaw Street

Red Fort,15-21 Lark Lane,Aigburth, Liverpool.Call: 0151 728 9728Visit: www.redfortlarklane.com

RED Fort is the perfect place toenjoy an evening of goodcompany and fine authenticIndian cuisine.

With an extensive selectionof traditional andcontemporary Indian dishes,every taste is catered for.Indulge in the freshestingredients, cooked toperfection by their experiencedgourmet chefs.

Try their Red Fort Special(£11.95), it is packed withdelicious tomatoes, fenugreekleaves and medium blend ofspices and herbs cooked withTandoori chicken, chicken tikka,lamb tikka and king prawntikka.

Based out of the city centrein the trendy Lark Lane, therestaurant provides an exotichideaway from the world and adifferent environment to any ofthe other Liverpoolrestaurants, but is also wellsituated to benefit from thebuzz of the street.

The first thing thatimpressed our tester was, quitesimply, the extent of the dishes

available. Old favourites werethere alongside some moreunusual combinations andlisted next to the currieswere less spicy options too,to suit all palates andpreferences.

So whether you're looking tocelebrate with friends andfamily or book a romanticevening for two, look nofurther than the Red Fort.

Red Fort is an exotic hideaway from the world

The Samrat’schicken lollipop

MUST TRY(£3.95), a spicedchicken starterwith tasty dips

The Gulshan,544-548 Aigburth Road,Aigburth, Liverpool.Call: 0151 427 2273Visit: www.gulshan-liverpool.com

TIME was, not all that long ago, when theonly drink you’d order with a curry was anice cold pint of lager.

But now, as we become more familiarwith different types of wine, anincreasing number of people are lookingto drink it with all kinds of cuisine.

A big growth area is restaurantspairing fine wine with Indian and South

Asian cuisine.The Gulshan has been teaming up

with wine experts Vinea on the AlbertDock, so now its staff can tell youexactly which bottle will go with yourbhuna. Any local curry aficionado worthhis poppadums will have been to TheGulshan at some stage.

An award-winning restaurant and apopular out-of-town haunt withcelebrities visiting here, this Indianestablishment has built up quite areputation.

Founded by Mustafa and SalinaRahman in 1986 it has won numerous

plaudits and has just been short listed atthe Oscars of the Curry industry, TheBritish Curry Awards 2009.

Recently, the Gulshan has undergonesomething of a transformation with thedownstairs restaurant getting a stylishmakeover, and there’s been a tapas andcocktail bar added upstairs too.

Expect to see many curry favouriteson the menu but also a host ofexcellent chef specials and a good rangeof vegetarian options. It’s very goodvalue with most mains between £7 to£10 although you are likely to up the billwith the tempting side dishes.

The upstairs bar area Expect to see a host of excellent specials

15-21 Lark Lane • Reservations: 0151 728 9728 •Website www.redfortlarklane.com

Indian RestaurantFriendly atmosphere

Great foodBOOKINGSNOW BEINGTAKEN FORCHRISTMAS

Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian cuisine

The Spice Lounge,Atlantic Pavilion, AlbertDock, Liverpool city centre.Call: 0151 707 2202Visit: www.spicelounge.uk.com

THE city’s glorious Albert Dockis a lovely place to wine and dineand Spice Lounge is anotherexcellent reason to visit.

You can feel owner AliNoor’s passion in everycorner.

You won’t findkorma, tikka massalaor madras on themenus here – insteadyou will find an array ofcarefully chosen dishescooked in those all-importantcharcoal-fired tandoori ovens.

For authenticity, Ali importsspices every two months directfrom India, which he grinds androasts every day. His four chefswere also imported, directfrom the kitchens of thesub-continent, to cook overauthentic charcoal-firedTandoori ovens.

The interior of the SpiceLounge is utterly sumptuous. Itwas inspired by a 1938 templejust outside the city of Delhi.

Spice Lounge’s darkwood and rich crimson interiorand yes, those are real goldfishswimming beneath the glasstables in the waiting area.

Customers here pay a littlemore – think £3.50 for apoppadum – but keep goingback. You could try the tastylamb jasalmare (£13.90) or themurgh makhan for £11.90. Apint of Kingfisher will cost you£3.80 and wine starts around£13 a bottle.

Sometimes in life you reallydo get what you pay for. The Spice Lounge’s

sumptuous interior

Passage To India76 Bold St, Liverpool,L1 4HRCall: 0151 709 6441

LONDON and Manchester aretwo of our greatest rivals andsadly, when it comes todedicated curry havens – theyappear to have the upper hand.

But anyone drawn to eastLondon’s Brick Lane recentlywill have endured an energeticturf war. Curry touts there areso eager to tempt you insidethey will often cheekily shoutexcellent discounts – which failto materialise on your bill.

Similarly Manchester’s CurryMile – that gaudy stripcrammed into Rusholme – isstruggling to keep pace with itsown success. A third of itsrestaurants now serve MiddleEastern cuisine and somejokingly call the street ‘kebabmile’.

Perhaps it’s time forLiverpool to step into thebreach.

We may only have a handfulof Indian restaurants in theRenshaw Street/Bold Streetzone but they are all friendly,cosy and good value.

Passage to India has a lovelyintimate feel and an extensivemenu, which will satisfy most.

It is competitively priced andcan get busy at the weekendswith people popping in on theirway to a night out in town, soget in early, or book your tableif you are planning on taking agroup.

The most popular dishes are

the chicken tikka massala andlamb curry, but our testerssuggest you ask the friendlystaff for their recommendations– they can’t do enough to help,and are always keen toencourage customers to trysomething new.

And the name? it comesfrom EM Forster’s 1924 novelset in the last days of the Raj.

Passage to India can get busy at the weekends

The interior is very stylish with Villeroy & Boch glasses

The Spice Lounge’smurgh makhan

MUST TRY£11.90

The Spice Lounge is set inthe Albert Dock

Mayur130 Duke Street, LiverpoolCall: 0151 709 9955

THERE’S tough gastrocompetition on Duke Street, butMayur has earned its placeamong its rivals on Liverpool’srestaurant row.

The service is first class fromthe moment you walk throughthe double set of glass doors.

Courteous and attentive staff

usher you to your table andyou never have to flag anyonedown to get a top-up on yourdrink, your plates cleared orthe bill.

The interior is very stylishwith Villeroy & Boch glassesand snow-white tableware.

The decor has had noexpense spared and the foodmore than lives up to thefabulous design.

Opened by a family of

doctors, the ethos is one ofhigh-quality food served in ahealthy way.

A large part of the menufocuses on cuisine using theTandoor oven, where bread,fish, meat and game are allcooked in the authentic NorthWest Indian style which is lowin oils and fat.

There are also curries andcreative chef’s specials.

Mayur’s ultra stylish dining areaChef Uday Seth with one ofhis tasty creations

Brussels& BrugesChristmas Markets26 November 2010

For further info and a FREE brochure

Call: 0151 227 5987BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALESWITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.

Bookings: www.newmarket.travel/lpe15030

readertravelholidays.com

from£129.95for 3 days

from£99.95ppfor 2 days


For further informationand a FREE brochure call:

0151 227 5987BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALESIN CONJUNCTION WITH: OMEGA HOLIDAYS. ABTA V4782.SINGLE SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

Departing4 December 2010

DurhamChristmas Festival & York






GrassingtonDickensian Christmas Fair& Christmas at Castle Howard

Pan Asian & Chinese Pan Asian & Chinese Pan Asian & Chinese PanSapporo Teppanyaki134 Duke Street, East Village,Liverpool, L1 5AG.Call: 0151 705 3005Visit: www.sapporo.co.uk

SINCE it opened in 2003 SapporoTeppanyaki has been packing them in,guests enticed by exquisite cookingand a fantastic atmosphere. AtSapporo you don’t just get a meal,you get gastronomic theatre.

Although there are also plenty ofsushi and noodle dishes on offer,the teppanyaki grill is what it’s allabout here as chefs chop, fry andjuggle your food on the flaminghot-plate right before your eyes.

If you do want sushi they have itall from beginner disheslike Nigiri sushi – a fingerof rice topped with fish orseafood and served withradish, pickled ginger andwasabi – to moreelaborate concoctionsincluding the aptly titledLiverpool Roll: thin slicesof smoked salmon withcream cheese and ricerolled in flying fish roe.

If you do fancy trying Matou Pan Asian Restaurant,2nd Floor, Mersey Ferry TerminalBuilding, Georges Parade, PierHead, Liverpool, L3 1BY.Call: 0151 236 2928Visit: www.matou.co.uk

WHO could have guessed that going fordinner at the ferry terminal would be sucha stylish affair?

Since it opened in March this year innew Mersey ferry Terminal Building,Matou has become a destination diningexperience.

It’s not hard to see why – it has oneof the best views in the city and itsPan-Asian menu is hard to beat.

The restaurant is a sizeable spacefeaturing lots of dark wood, white walls,and fabulous flower arrangements inbright bursts of colour.

The river side of the venue is one bigwall of glass allowing you to gaze out toWirral as you enjoy your pad thai.

The other side of the restaurant –which looks out onto the Liver Building– is home to Matou’s cocktail bar andfeatures the sort of terrace youregularly find in Mediterraneanrestaurants but rarely see inthe UK.

Prices are reasonable withstarters between £5 and£10, and mains from £8.95to £21.95.

Our testers adored thecrispy fragrant duck (£7.95).

For a main course, try the Thaigreen curry (£8.95), steamed seabasswith ginger and spring onion (£14.95),or, if you’re feeling really hungry the

chargrilled fillet steak with shreddedonions and black pepper sauce (£16.95).

Sweet tooths will adore the chocolatespring rolls (£5.95), yummy deep fried

spring rolls layered withchocolate and a dollop of ice

cream. Naughty but very nice.Overall, it’s a real treat –

good food, attentiveservice and the everchanging vista of the Mersey

to watch while you enjoyyour meal. Talk about a room

with a view...

Matou’s stunning location at the city’s Pier Head

Matou’s location means diners havestunning views across the Mersey

Matou’s salt andpepper ribs (£6.95)

MUST TRYand Pad Thai

(£8.95).

In the summer months, there iseven a roof terrace for al frescodining

New China Restaurant27 – 35 Berry Street,Liverpool, L1 9DFCall: 0151 708 5999.Email: [email protected]

NEW China may have only beenopen a few weeks, but the BerryStreet eaterie is already provingpopular.

Opened by Dong Yang, a Londonrestaurateur, following an extensiverefurbishment, it offers authenticcuisine at reasonable prices.

Some of the UK’s top Chinesechefs are employed to prepare thedishes in New China Restaurant,using rare authentic ingredients.

The menu lists specialities frommany different Chinese cuisines,including Cantonese, dim sums,Sichuan and Northern Chinesecooking.

There are also deluxe karaokerooms with superior audiovisualfacilities and all the latest songs,so it’s the perfect place for anoffice Christmas party to really gowith a swing.

the teppanyaki experience – wherediners sit in large groups aroundthe grill – the easiest way to do it iswith one of their set combinations.

These start from £25 for theNinja featuring Namasu salad, misowakame soup, tuna maki rolls,chicken teriyaki, grilled vegetables,fried rice, potatoes and fruit salad.

If you really feel like going wildtry the Emperor at £40 for aminimum of six people.

The best of the menu you geteverything in the Ninja banquetplus smoked chicken rolls,barbecue spare ribs, duck roll,chicken with asparagus, lobster tail,scallops with ginger and sesameand jumbo prawns.

Sapporo Teppanyakistylish interior

New China Restaurant is already proving very popular

Asian & Chinese Pan Asian & Chinese Pan Asian & Chinese Pan Asian

City RendezvousColumbus Quay, Riverside Drive,Liverpool, L3 4DB.Call: 0151 726 8191

IF you want spectacular views andfantastic food, then look no further thanCity Rendezvous.

Way on down the dock road, atColumbus quay, this popular Chineserestaurant boasts amongst its customersPaul McCartney and Cherie Blair, bothlooking for somewhere off the beatentrack to enjoy.

Formerly the Chung Ku, therestaurant is stunning. It boasts 270degree views of the river, which feels soclose you could easily be at the helm ofa giant liner.

The menu is equally impressive, withpages of delicious dishes to choosefrom. The wonton soup (£3.50) is a realhighlight, as are the deep friedvegetarian spring rolls (£3.30). Formains, try beef with cashew nuts (£8.70)or the stir-fried bean curd and mangetout (£7.50). Plus, there’s an entiregluten-free menu, to cater for all dietaryrequirements.

Chaophraya,Liverpool One,5/6 Kenyon's StepsCall: 0151 707 6323

ARGUABLY the most popularrestaurant to emerge fromLiverpool One, Chaophraya has acommanding location perched onthe top deck with views of theAlbert Dock.

It’s a huge, stunning-lookingrestaurant with an equallyimpressive and glamorous sisterbar next door, Palm Sugar Lounge– where Kim Catrall hosted heraftershow party for Antony andCleopatra this month.

A hit with the in-crowd there’sa real buzz about the place and

you will need to book in advanceto secure a table.

Chaophraya (pronouncedChow-Pie-A) takes its name fromthe main waterway that runsthrough the central region ofThailand and is regarded as thelifeblood of the Thai people.

Huge chandeliers hang from theceiling and the kitchen isdownstairs in view of diners soyou can watch the chefs cooking.

From tender lamb chops withmango and stir-fried rock lobsterwith black pepper sauce to themore conventional creamyPaneang curry, Chaophraya offersa huge selection to suit all tastesand pockets.

Etsu,25 The Strand,Liverpool, L2 0XJ.Call: 0151 236 7530Visit: www.etsu-restaurant.co.uk

ETSU may be tucked away in asomewhat quiet corner of Liverpoolcity centre but it is definitely worthseeking out.

Opened in late 2007 it is thebaby of two Japanese chefs withover 40 years Japanese culinaryexperience between them whowanted to offer authentic Japanesefood in a cosy and relaxedenvironment.

And with just enough room for46 diners it is certain that. Ourreviewer described the white andpolished wood restaurant as“minimalist with a heart” and it iscertainly stylish.

If you are looking for anintroduction to Japanese food this isa good place to start as it offers thefull range from sushi and sashimi tosteak and chicken dishes viatempura and noodles and they dobento boxes available at lunchtimes.

If you are feeling reallyadventurous you could even try theunagi don – that’s grilled eel to youand me...

The Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, Liverpool One

City Rendezvous’ssui mai, £3.50 and

MUST TRYsliced beef with

cashew nuts,£8.70

STARTERSTurkey and Sweetcorn SoupSpecial Dim Sum PlatterSteamed Sui MaiSkewered Spicy BeefSalt and Pepper Spare RibsDeep Fried Spring RollsCrispy WontonCrispy Seaweed

MAIN COURSESFillet Steak with Cashew Nuts inBarbecued SauceSweet and Sour PorkChar Sui Fried Rice

For Three Persons or More

Sliced Chicken in SzechuanSauce

For Four Persons or MoreMixed Vegetables in Satay Sauce

For Five Persons or MoreSlice Lamb in Black PepperSauce

For Six Person or MoreShredded Pork with Spicy Sauce

PUDDINGSFresh Fruit

City RendesvousChristmas Menu

Special ChristmasBanquet A

£21 per person(minimum 2 persons) Head Chef at Etsu Japanese

Restaurant Tatsuya Ueda

City Rendezvous offersspectacular views andfantastic food

Bookings now being taken!Call 0151 705 3005 for further details

www.sapporo.co.uk

T&C’s: For Christmas bookings of 10 or more, the party organiser will receive a£50 Reward Voucher to dine with us in January 2011.

Note that bookings must be confirmed and deposits paid by 31 October.Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

Quote ‘Daily Post’ at time of booking.

£50 Reward voucherfor ChristmasParty Bookings

Noble HouseHeywood Building,5 Brunswick Street,Liverpool, L2 OUUCall: 0151 236 5346Visit: www.thenoblehouse.co.uk/

OPENED in Decemberlast year, Noble Houseoccupies the GradeII-listed Heywood building,formerly a private bank, inBrunswickStreet.

It’s gotstiffcompe-titionfrom thealreadywellestablishedswishRestaurantBar andGrill butits owners have a goodtrack record, having takenover the very successfulAlma de Cuba in SeelStreet three years ago.

The venue is a large,open plan room with along bar area at one side

and a mix of darkwooden tables andstylish privatebooths with redleather seats in themain restaurantarea. It oozes tasteand understatedelegance.

Named after the socalled ‘Noble’ experimentof banning alcohol acrossAmerica in the 1920s, the

menu andwebsitedescribe itsstyle as “afusing of a1920sspeakeasywith a chicdowntownManhattanrestaurant”.

TheNobleHouse

serves breakfast,sandwichesand burgers during the dayand in the evening has amix of internationaldishes on offerconcentrating on goodquality steaks and fish.

The Americas The Americas The Americas The Americas The Americas

Noble House occupies the Grade II-listed Heywood building

What’s Cooking?,Britannia Pavilion, AlbertDock, Liverpool L3 4ADCall: 0151 707 2023Email: :[email protected]

HEAD to this Albert Dockfavourite for its burgers, steaksand ribs, and you'll also find agreat selection of popular dishesfrom around the world.

While What's Cooking? Isundoubtedly family-friendly –and proud of it – it's not tooboisterous for adult or businessdining. It's all about choice.

The restaurant overlooks thefamous Three Graces on theLiverpool waterfront, withspectacular dock views fromthe comfort of your table.

It also provides a handystopping-off point before tripsto the adjacent ECHO Arena,providing a range of speedy,pre-show offers.

A secluded courtyard at theback of the restaurantoverlooks the Merseywaterfront, offering one of thecity's most picturesque diningspots.

What's Cooking? also cooksup a range of offers in both its

restaurant and bar, includingfree wine Wednesday – buy aglass of wine and they'll top itup for free while you dine.

Monday night is 80s night,with an original menu from

1980, plus 80s music, quizzes,prizes and a live DJ to get theretro party in the groove and,best of all, you only pay the 80sprices, with huge half pounderburgers for £5.50.

What’s Cooking at the Albert Dock

Alma de CubaSt Peter’s Church, SeelStreet, Liverpool, L1 4BH.Call: 0151 702 7394. Visit:Visit: www.alma-de-cuba.com

HOUSED in the former CatholicChurch of St Peter’s Alma deCuba is a fantastic venue.

The church has beenconverted magnificently andretains the grand altar andreligious iconography and whilethe downstairs is given over tothe lengthy bar, the restaurantsits upstairs on the mezzanine.

A favourite hangout for thecity’s glitterati the cuisine is aneclectic mix of Hispanic,Caribbean and South Americanflavours.

Starters include duck confitspring rolls with black plum,tomato and chilli jam andgrilled sardines with wildrocket and are priced from£4.50 to £9.95 for a sharingplatter.

Among the delicious maincourses you will find jerkchicken with coconut rice andpeas, scallions and pea gravyand honey and three pepperbaby-back ribs.

Mains range in price from£9.95 to £17.95.

It’s a real celeb favourite – inbetween courses, keep youreyes peeled for Heidi Range

from the Sugababes, theHollyoaks girls, NatashaHamilton and even Kid Rock,who popped in when he was intown.

Chef Jamie Robertson at Alma de Cuba

Noble House’s blueswimming crab,

MUST TRYclam and sweetcorn

chowder£6.95

Soft herbed goats cheese with vinetomatoes, roast piquillo cream andwild rocket

Crab, Clam andSweetcorn Chowder

www.laparrillarestaurant.co.uk Tel: 0151 949 0310

Open:MON-SAT

5pm-10.30pmSUN

12 noon-9pm

Private Parties & Functions are welcome

36 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 5PQ

EARLY BIRD MENU2 Courses only

£12.95Monday and

Tuesday All NightWed-Fri 5pm-7pm;

Sun 12-6pmSome dates still available toChristmas and New Year!

The Americas The Americas The Americas The Americas The Americas

STARTERSPumpkin & thyme soup [v]

Goose & duck liver pate andClementine chutney

Mushroom and chestnut risotto

Cured salmon, sweet citrusasparagus, dill hollandaise,

MAIN COURSESWelsh fillet steak, bacon and leekrosti, garlic creamed wildmushrooms, butter glazed babyvegetables

Oven roasted turkey breast, wintervegetables, roasted potatoes,

Monkfish tail (wrapped in Parmaham), wilted greens, roasted cherrytomatoes, braised fondant potato

Tortellini Prima Vera [v], peas,carrots, artichokes, courgettes,parsley cream & cheese, parmesan

PUDDINGSTraditional Christmas pudding,

Apple & blackberry pie, plain

Cheese board

PanAm’sChristmas Menu

£27.95 – Thur to Sat£22.95 – Sun to Wed

PanAm,The Albert Dock Liverpool,L3 4AE.Call: 0151 702 5840Visit: www.panam-venue.co.uk

THE PanAm is a mixture of traditionaland contemporary fare, with a varietyof modern British and Europeaninfluences, offering a choice of simpledrinks, a bistro menu, an extensive àla carte menu or a pre-concert menu.

The PanAm on a crisp wintry dayis a fabulous location, especially forlunch or an early dinner, when bluesky canopies the waterfront topicture postcard perfection.

Ask for an upstairs table so youcan look out over the dock as youbrowse the menu, which is dividedinto hot and cold sandwiches,salads, bistro mains, sides anddesserts.

Offering regional Americancuisine with the panache of aParisian bistro and an array of globalcocktails and drinks, it’s a real treat.

Guests can expect a diverseentertainment offering; those optingfor a more relaxingevening can chill outin one of theintimate booths.

Or, bring yourdancing shoesand have fun tosome of theregular live musicon offer.

Plus, if you gobefore or after an ECHOarena show, they'll give you 20% offyour bill. All you need to do is showyour ticket. The PanAm is a very popular venue

La Parrilla36 South Road, Waterloo,Liverpool, L22 5PQCall: 0151 949 0310Visit: www.laparrillarestaurant.co.uk

THEY say the best way to taste acountry’s culture is totaste its traditionaldishes. And you cando that evenwithout visitingMexico at LaParrilla restaurantin Waterloo.

Relaxed andfriendly, it’s alwayspopular, so book yourtable early.

It’s hard to beat the LaParrilla nachos (£6.95), amoreish mountain of crunchytortilla chips stacked on refriedbeans and smothered with agenerous helping of yourchoice of beef chilli, spicy

chicken or vegchilli. Topped with

melted cheese,jalapenos, salsa,

guacamole & sour cream, it’s ameal in itself.

The Taquitos (£4.95) were areal hit too. Choose fromtender strips of chicken orvegetables, covered in fresh

spices and herbs and wrappedin a flour tortilla. They’re thendeep fried and served withsalsa and bbq sauce for dipping.

Don’t forget your sideorders too – their spicy wedges(£1.95) are delicious.

The Banoffee Cream Tarte isheaven itself, or try the stickytoffee pudding (£3.95).

La Parrilla is always popular

Valparaiso,4 Hardman Street,Liverpool, L1 9AX.Call: 0151 708 6036

THIS month wine merchantsnoted a sharp upturn in theamount of Chilean reds theywere selling. It was seen by manyas a gesture of support to thefreed miners, or maybe we justcan’t get enough of big juicy redwines as soon as the coldweather begins.

Either way, it would beinteresting to see what effect ithad had on Liverpool’s onlyChilean restaurant, which wasopened in 1985 by Chileanconsul Julio Arellano and is aromantic little place in theheart of busy Hardman Street.

The menu changes often butis packed with traditionalChilean dishes including spicyand hearty stews and pastel delchoclo – a typical Chilean dish

of minced beef topped withminced sweetcorn.

And while the paella can takeup to 40 minutes to arrive it iswell worth the wait.

Owner Julio is so attentiveto detail that he not only makes

his own chorizo sausagesand tortillas but has beenknown to serve customers thedishes he cooks for his ownfamily.

Expect star treatment, anddelicious food.

Regulars love Valparaiso’s cosy feel and delicious food

La Parrilla’sBanoffee Cream

MUST TRYTarte, with fresh

bananas and vanillapods, covered in

fresh cream £4.50

PanAm’s ‘Phillymelt’, 4 oz rump

MUST TRYsteak, melted jack

cheese,mushrooms,onions £8.95

Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral WirralOver the water, Wirral has a thriving restaurant and bar scene.Everywhere you go, it seems there’s great food just around thecorner, which is one of the reasons why they decided to make thisWirral’s year of food and drink.Here are some of our favourites...

Aiden Byrne at Hillbark,Royden Park, Frankby, CH48 1NP.Call: 0151 625 2400Email: [email protected]

CELEBRITY chefs are 10 a penny these days. Itseems everyone who's ever donned an apron isclaiming A list status.

But Aiden Byrne is the real deal. The Kirkbychef, who cut his teeth at The Dorchester, wasthe youngest chef to get a Michelin star.

This summer he opened his fine diningrestaurant, Aiden Byrne at the Hillbark, inRoyden Park.

“I wanted to come back to Merseyside and dowhat I do best – fine dining,” says Aiden. “I’vebeen looking for somewhere suitable for a while,and the Hillbark is the perfect place.

“It’s the most beautiful location, and we’ve gota great team of people, so I’m really excitedabout it.”

Aiden is working between two kitchens, doingweekdays at the Hillbark and weekends at hisother restaurant in Lymm.

“The Hillbark has a great wedding business atthe weekends, and that takes up theirrestaurant space, so it made sense for meto do fine dining Monday to Friday, and goback to the Church Green at the weekends.

“While I’m away from Lymm, my wifeSarah and my brother Louis are running theplace. Louis is a great chef, and my wiferuns it better than I do, so they’re in goodhands.”

Despite the starry name above the doorthere’s a surprisingly good range of prices.There's the top end – and belt busting –nine course taster menu at £85 a head, andthen there's the Grill Room menu, whichoffers two courses from £18 a head. That'scelebrity chef food in breathtakingsurroundings at gastropub prices.

Aiden Byrne at the Hillbark, in Royden Park opened this summer

Aiden at theHillbark and,inset, servingup somefabulouscuisine

Marc Wilkinson’s Fraiche is Merseyside’s first Michelin starred restaurant

Fraiche,11 Rose Mount, Prenton.Call: 0151-652 2914Visit: www.restaurantfraiche.com

THEY say good things come insmall packages, and Fraiche inOxton certainly proves that.

The seven seat restauranthas a much deserved Michelinstar, and was tipped as number20 in the best restaurants inthe country by the WhichGood Food Guide 2010.

Chef Marc Wilkinson was 15when he got a job in a hotelkitchen to help buy himself amountain bike and the rest ishistory.

He recalls: “I didn’t have aclue. I’d never seen half theingredients, let alone eatenthem. I had no idea whatscampi was and fillet steak wasa mystery.

“One day the chef offeredme a meal in the restaurant totry what I’d been making. Thatwas the beginning for me. Iknew then that I wanted to bea chef.”

For the next 20 years heworked his way up in therestaurant world with stints at

the Michelin-starredWinteringham Fields, thenMidsummer House inCambridge before working inCanada.

The Michelin guide says it isa “smart, intimate restaurantenhanced by modern artworkand coloured glassware” andpraises the chef’s “innovativeflavour combinations andeye-catching presentation”.

It’s wonderfully intimate –almost like eating in someone’sliving room, albeit asophisticated one with discreetlighting, trendy glass wallhangings and cream carpetsthroughout.

It may be a little on the

petite to cater for a largeChristmas party, but book nowfor a treat in a temple to food– where the passion oozesfrom every plate.

Roast cod fillet with seaurchin salad

Marc takessome time out

Bar Loft LoungeThe Wro | Northwest House | Grange Road | West Kirby | Wirral CH48 4DYwww.the-wro.co.uk

email [email protected] telephone 0151 625 2010

West Kirby’s most sophisticated place

to see and be seen while you chill out

with friends, family and colleagues

● Acclaimed Breakfasts

● Light Lunches you’ll love!

● Afternoon Tea in the Orangery

● Casual Dining at its very best!

● Premium Beers & Fabulous Fizz

We are now taking bookingsfor the Christmas period

With live music every

Tuesday and Thursday

and a party vibe every

evening at both venues,

there has never been a

better time to sample the

delights of Merseyside’s

Best Bar 2010!

BEST

BAR

MER

SEYSID

E’S It’s official - we areMerseyside’sBest Bar

Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral

Da Piero,5 Mill Hill Road, Irby, Wirral.Call: 0151 648 7373Visit: www.dapiero.co.uk

DA PIERO, a fantastic Italian restaurant in Irby, isone of the brightest stars of the Merseysiderestaurant scene.

Beloved of Which Good Food (this year theywere tipped for a second year by the guide, lastyear they were recognised as the best new entryin the whole country), this superb 14-seatrestaurant has also been mentioned in the latestMichelin guide.

“It has been a wonderful surprise for us,”smiles Sicilian-born Piero Di Bella, who runs thekitchen with son Alan, while his wife Dawnpresides over front of house.

“We have very loyal customers, the restaurantfeels like an extension to our family, and that isblessing enough. But to have this kind of recogn-ition, that is something we never expected.”

Since the guides were released, the restaurant

has been inundated with bookings.“Last weekend, we had to turn 40 people

away,” says Dawn. “We used to say booking wasadvisable, but now it is essential.” She leafsthrough her reservations book.

“Weekends are busy, but if people are flexibleabout times and days we can usually worksomething out.”

But between new customers from the guideand their loyal regulars, the restaurant is busierthan ever, during what is often a quiet time forthe catering industry. So what is Da Piero’ssecret?

“For me, it’s all about simplicity,” explainsPiero. “But simplicity doesn’t mean easy. Itmeans having respect for flavour and notthrowing everything in together.

“Good cooking doesn’t need dozens of thingsthrown into a pan, it needs three or four reallygood quality ingredients. Quality is everything.”

Da Piero is a real treat – but make sure youbook well in advance, as their reputationproceeds them.

Peninsula Dining Room,3 Grosvenor Road, New Brighton, Wirral,Call: 0151 639 8338Visit: www.peninsula-dining-room.co.uk

PENINSULA Dining Room in New Brighton is arecent addition to the Wirral food scene, but it’salready marked itself out as one to watch.

It’s listed in this year’s Good Food Guide, andRoss Grey won this year’s vegetarian chef of theyear competition, although his meat dishes aretop notch too.

Tucked away on a side street in New Brighton,you have to go looking to find it, but it’sdefinitely worth the trip.

It serves a modern British menu with aMediterranean twist, and the staff take a realpride in making every guest feel at home.

Chef Piero Di Bella, Dawn Di Bella and Alan Di Bella at Da Piero in Irby

DA PIERO, is one ofthe brightest stars ofthe Merseysiderestaurant scene

STARTERSLeek and potato soup – caramelisedonion crème fraiche.

Game terrine – pear, ginger and orangerelish- bitter leaves

Prawn cocktail – rocket leaves, julienneof apple

Air dried ham spiced plums, raisin andapple jelly.

MAIN COURSESRoasted turkey breast: winter vegetable,mash Brussels sprout rosti,kilted sausages, pork stuffing

Roasted sirloin of beef – port, rosemaryand shallot jus daupinoise potatoes

Pan fried seabass: sweet potato pureesweet and sour onions

Butternut squash, aubergine andcourgette smoked paprika infusedtomato ragu

Braised lamb shoulder: carrot, parsnipand potato mash winter greens

PUDDINGSSticky toffee pudding: butterscotchsauce vanilla pod ice cream

“Winter Mess”: whipped cream, crushedmeringue winter berries

Crème brulee

Peanut butter cheesecake: oreo cookiebase winter fruit compote

PeninsulaChristmas Menu

3 courses for £22.50Served: December 7 to 23

Chef Ross Gray from the Peninsula DiningRoom


Germany'sChristmasMarkets2 December 2010

from£145.00for 4 daysFor further info and a FREE brochure

Call: 0151 227 5987BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTIONIN CONJUNCTIONWITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.


JerseyChristmas MarketsThe Festive Fêtedé NouéDecember 2010


Call: 0151 227 5987BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTIONIN CONJUNCTIONWITH: NEWMARKET AIR HOLIDAYS LTD. ABTA V7812. ATOL 2325. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.NEWMARKET AIR HOLIDAYS LTD. ABTA V7812. ATOL 2325. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.

Departing6 November 2010


MPHfeaturing Top Gear Liveat Earls Court, London




New Year inthe BlackForest29 December 2010

For further info and a FREE brochure

Call: 0151 227 5987BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALESWITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.



from£279.00for 5 days

Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral

Gusto Heswall146-148 Telegraph Rd,Heswall, Wirral, CH60 0AHCall: 0151 348 4538Visit: www.gustorestaurants.uk.com

GUSTO Heswall is situated onthe main street of the busy,bustling "top" village, sitting alongside a wide variety of shops andjust a short stroll from thequieter and quaint lower village.

The restaurant and bar has afabulous terrace on which todine or simply sip a chilledbeer to end theday, whilst theinterior issuper-chic,influenced by theglamour of 1950sNew York andfeatures romanticbooths, exposedbrick walls, oldblack and whiteHollywood-stylephotos and creamleather chairs.

There are even200 year old olive treesgrowing through the centre ofthe restaurant – a perfecttalking point if ever there was

one...Frequented by Wirral's local

fashionistas and discerningdiners, favourite dishes atGusto include hake with herb

crust on sundried tagliatelleand warm scallop andpancetta salad with freshavocado.

Staff are enthusiasticwithout being overbearingand the menu is reasonablypriced with most pasta under£10, starters £3.50-£7.95,

main around £12 plus andpuddings around £5.

There’s also a children’smenu, and the staff areexcellent with little diners.

Red Door NeighbourhoodBar and Kitchen,Grange Road, West Kirby, Wirral,CH48 4DY.Call: 0151 929 6380Visit: www.reddoor.uk.com

RED Door neighbourhood bar andkitchen only opened in April this year,but it’s already a firm favourite withWirral diners.

The former funeral Parlour onGrange Road was bought byentrepreneurs Tim Bacon andDavid Hinds in 2009 and hasbeen transformed into a stylishbar in an eclectic hybrid of atraditional pub, which meetscool classic New York loft style.

An extensive wine and cocktailmenu, is complemented by a foodmenu which has been designed forsharing.

Try their Toblerone Tumbler, aheady mix of Frangelico hazelnutliquor, brown cacao milk and creamshaken together. It tastes exactly like aToblerone Chocolate bar, garnishedwith a cheeky chunk of the chocolatebar it’s named after.

A selection of small plates servedtapas style runs alongside top qualityburgers and sandwiches. Head chefMark Johnson makes divine Calamari,and his fillet steak with tomato, friesand a garlic butter sauce has alreadyproved popular.

The chilled vibe from this coolneighbourhood bar and kitchenshould be a welcome addition to theseaside town of West Kirby.

Red Door’s head chef Mark Johnson serves up a traditional Christmas dinner

£19.95 per person

STARTERSTomato and Basil SoupCajun salmon and prawn skewerItalian meatballs in red wine and tomato sauce

MAINSGrilled Seabass with coriander rice and tomato10 oz Rib Eye served with fries and tomato( £2.00 supplement)Roast turkey breast with all the trimmings

DESSERTSSticky Toffee puddingVanilla ice cream, hot fudge and toasted almonds

Red Door’s Christmas Menu

Red Door’sToblerone Tumbler

MUST TRYcocktail

The RiverHill Hotel & RestaurantTalbot Road, Oxton, Birkenhead, Wirral,CH43 2HJCall: 0151 653 3773Email: [email protected]

DINING at the RiverHill Hotel and Restaurant,Oxton, promises to be a memorable occasionwhether you visit with family, friends or businessclients.

They offer friendly service, whether you’reentertaining guests or enjoying a meal with lovedones.

An excellent choice of à la carte and tabled’hôte menus is available, complemented by agood quality wine list.

Our tasters loved the intriguingly titled kingprawn Oscar Wilde, enveloped in a mild currysauce with mixed peppers and a timbale of rice.

Diners can relax before their meal with anaperitif in the cocktail bar and enjoy coffeeafterwards in the comfort of the RiverHilllounge.

The RiverHill, on Talbot Road, is privatelyowned by Nick Burn, who also owns the GroveHouse Hotel and Oak Tree Restaurant on GroveRoad, Wallasey.

The RiverHill, situated in its own grounds in aquiet residential area of Oxton, is convenientlylocated for public transport and is just fiveminutes from Birkenhead Tunnel and the majormotorway network.

The restaurant can cater for up to 75 with anextensive selection of menus and facilities to suitall.

The RiverHill Hotel can cater for all occasions,from business meetings, dinner parties towedding receptions.

The RiverHill Hotel’sowner Nick Burn

Herb crusted hake withsundried tomatotagliatelle

Gusto’s interior isinfluenced by the glamourof 1950s New York

TheRiverHillHOTEL & RESTAURANT, OXTON

19 Talbot Road,Oxton,Birkenhead Tel: 0151 653 3773 www.theriverhill.co.uk

Open every night for dinnerTwo course menu for only£14.95 Monday to Thursday£17.95 Friday and Saturday

A choice from 10 starters and10 main coursesIncluding fresh vegetables andbread selection

The very best Sunday lunchand dinner menu

3 course menu for only £16.95

Wedding Birthday parties

Anniversaries & private parties

Taking Christmas lunch / dinnerbookings now

salmon eggsbenedict to lunchfavouriteshaloumi cheeseand black olivetapenade

sandwiches. Thereare good vegetarian

options, and they’rehappy to chop and change

HomeWoodside Ferry Terminal,Birkenhead, CH41 6DUCall: 0151 330 1475

FROM the team behind Home inOxton Village, Home is partrestaurant, part cafe.

Set in the pretty tea roomsof the original ferry terminal,it’s light and bright and offersgreat views over the river tothe Three Graces, the AlbertDock and the ECHO Arena.

On a bright day, savour thesunshine on their stunningroof terrace, or ifthere’s a chill in theair enjoy a cosywinter meal fromthe comfortableseating inside, gazingthrough the hugewindows.

The service is great,and food ranges frombreakfast dishes like smoked

Cromwell’s,265-267 Wallasey Village, Wallasey.Call: 0151 223 0011Visit: www.cromwellsrestaurant.co.ukTwitter: @cromwellswirral

KAY Featherstone and Kate Allinson madetheir name running Cromwells in Irby, butthe restaurant proved to be so successful,they had to move to new larger premises inWallasey this autumn.

“We’ve more than doubled ourcovers,” says Kay, who looks after front ofhouse. “We loved being in Irby, but therestaurant just wasn’t big enough. Wewere having to turn customers down, soeventually we made the decision to move.

“The new location is fantastic,everyone has been so friendly. Plus nowthat we’re buying in bigger quantities, wecan lower our prices.”

Business is already booming. Kateopened Cromwell's 10 years ago, now sheand Kay are booked up most nights, evenin the new bigger restaurant, so makesure you reserve a spot.

“We’re getting bookings in every day,”says Kay. “We’ve kept our offers going –we offer a free bottle of wine foreveryone who books through Twitter, andthat’s been really popular. Twitter hasmade a huge difference to our business,with people following us along every stepof the new restaurant.”

And they’re keen to attract customfrom both sides of the water.

“We’re right near the train stationhere, so if people can show their traintickets to us, we’ll give them a free glassof wine. It’s reassuring for us to knowthat they’re not getting into the car at theend of the night, plus it encouragespeople to help the environment.”

Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral

Grove House Hotel andRestaurant,Grove Road, Wallasey,Wirral, CH45 3HFCall: 0151 639 3947Visit: www.thegrovehouse.co.uk

WALLASEY’S Grove HouseHotel and Oak Tree Restauranton Grove Road has all the

ingredients to create a perfectChristmas treat.

The eaterie, named by theAA Guide as one of Britain’sbest hotel and restaurants, hasorganised a variety ofChristmas and New Yearevents, plus a stunning lunchand dinner festive menu with achoice of 10 starters and 10main meals, including fresh

turkey.The menu’s highlights include

roasted tomato and butternutsquash soup, tian of prawn andcrab, mushroom and stiltonpot, and red onion andmozzarella tart for starters.

For main meals guests canenjoy food including rumpsteak Diane, game pie, roastCheshire turkey and poachedsalmon and king prawns.

The restaurant has beenrecently been refurbished withnew decor and a cocktail bar.

Nick Burn has been ownerof the restaurant for 21 years.

He said: “We are a verysuccessful small privately-runhotel and restaurant.

“As well as a deliciousChristmas menu, we’re offeringthe best in office Christmasparties, with special ratesavailable for guests requiringovernight accommodation.”

dishes to suit.The portions are on the

generous side and the sidedishes delicious, so if you’replanning a trip for lunch itmight be an idea to skipbreakfast.

And for maximum day outpotential, take a trip on theferry while you’re there.Grove House Hotel’s restaurant has been refurbished

Home offers great views over the Mersey

Cromwell’sChristmas Menu

STARTERSSoup of the day with our ownfreshly baked artisan breadFantail of melon withraspberry coulisTomato, red onion & basilbruschetta

MAIN COURSESTraditional roast turkey withall the trimmings.Homemade salmon andbroccoli fishcakes.Leek, mushroom & blacksticksblue crumble.Braised steak with red wineand shallot sauce

DESSERTSChristmas pudding withbrandy sauceIndividual homemade mixedfruit pavlova.Coffee and mince pies

Before 7pm: 2 courses £12.95After 7pm: 2 courses £13.95

3 courses £15.95Menu runs November 27 untilDecember 24. Christmas menu isavailable Tues – Sat during thisperiod for lunchtime and evening.

Twitter has proved a huge boon for Cromwells, which has relocated to bigger premises

Home’s haloumiand black olive

MUST TRYtapenade sandwich

£5.50

The Grove House Hotel & Oak Tree Restaurant

Grove Road, Wallasey CH45 3HF Tel: 0151 639 3947 www.theriverhill.co.uk

THE VERY BEST IN CHRISTMASLUNCH AND DINNER

In the Restaurant a Christmas 4 Course Mealincluding coffee and mince pies

Christmas Lunch Friday 3rd Dec toFri 24th Dec £22.95

Christmas Dinner from3rd to 24th December

Fridays & Saturdays £27.95Mondays - Thursday £24.95

THE VERY BEST A LA CARTE AND SET MENUSEarly Doors menu Monday - Friday from 6pm - 7pm

2 courses from only £13.95, after 7pm only £15.95

Saturday 2 courses at only £17.95

Privat parties, weddings,christentings, anniversaries, birthdays and funerals

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS

Our function suite offers the best in Christmasparties, catering from 10 to 110 people.

4 course meal with disco, dancing, party hats,novelties, crackers and late bar.

A few dates available from only £19.95

Book your Christmas party night out now

CHRISTMAS HOTLINE

639 3947❆

❆

❆

❆

❆❆

West Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire WestAWAY from the city centre, Merseyside ispacked with great bars, restaurants, musicvenues and clubs. West Lancashire has a thrivingrestaurant scene. We can’t hope to featurethem all here, but here’s a little flavour of somethat you might not have tried.

Michael’s,47 Liverpool Road,Birkdale Village.Call: 01704 550886Visit: www.michaelsbirkdale.co.uk

A COSY candlelitrestaurant in the heartof Birkdale Village,Michael's is the work ofchef patron MichaelWichmann.

The Good FoodGuide, this yearpraised its “Gentlyupbeat cooking”, whileit was singled out forits outstanding foodand friendly service inthe prestigiousHarden's RestaurantGuide.

Therestaurant isearthy, rusticandwelcomingwhile the

menu is a mix ofinternational cuisines.The a la carte menuchanges regularlyreflecting the seasonsand produceavailability.

Typical starters –priced from£4.30-£7.50 – includeLoch fyne smokedsalmon, potatopancakeand warmEnglish

asparagus withhollandaise andpoached free rangeegg. Mains include wildsea bass filletmarinated withwatercress pesto andGoosnargh duck threeways – priced from£10.50 to £21 for an8oz Aberdeen Angusfillet steak.

The Vincent,98 Lord Street, Southport.Call: 01704 883800Visit: www.thevincenthotel.com

SINCE it opened its doors in June2008 The Vincent has become theplace to be seen in Southport.

Situated on fashionable LordStreet, it boasts a luxuriouscontemporary decor.

The V Cafe & Sushi Bar Bar sellsdelicious Japanese dishes and offersa range of gourmet sandwiches,omelettes and salads as well asmore substantial fish and meat

dishes. There’s even a SlimGourmet menu for theweight-conscious fashion crowd.

After 6pm, the V-Cafe & SushiBar turns into an evening venue,with candles, dimmed lights, greatmusic, cool atmosphere and aninternationally-inspired menu. Youcan even dine al fresco in theoutdoor seating area overlookingbuzzing Lord Street.

It has become a regular hauntfor the rich and famous, includingstars from Coronation Street,Hollyoaks and Premiershipfootballers.

The Swan Inn,Springfield Rd, Aughton, Ormskirk.Call: 01695 421450Email: [email protected]

HELL’S Kitchen hascome to Aughton in theshape of The Swan Inn.

Marco Pierre Whitelaunched his gastro pubearlier this year, and it’sbeen a real hit. Thedecor is town meetscountry, with politicalcartoons dottedaround the grey walls,and exposed brickworkalongside modernfurniture.

It is hosting festiveparty nights each Fridayand Saturdaythroughout December.

The menu looks great, but don’texpect to see Marco in his chefs’ whites.The 48-year-old, triple Michelinstarred-chef has hung up his apron andruns The Swan at arms length.

Nevertheless, he’s justifiably proud ofhis Christmas menu.

“I am well aware that people inMerseyside know how to have a goodtime and wanted to ensure we got

festivities off to a funstart at the Swan Inn,”says Marco.

“We have extendedour menu to include aset Christmas lunch anddinner as well as specialparty nights with a buffetoption. All willincorporate seasonalfavourites with a SwanInn twist.

“Christmas is a timefor friends and family tocome together so wehave designed a range ofoptions for our diners toenjoy. The Swan Inn is a

restaurant where people can gather inrelaxed surroundings and enjoy festivecheer with our simple yet exquisite foodand I’m hoping to be able to join dinersover the Christmas period.”

Marco’s Christmasbuffet menu

CHRISTMAS BUFFETMulled wine on arrival,Flaked Poached Salmon,asparagus, mixed leaves,lemon mayonnaiseHomemade sausage rolls,coarse cain mustardReg Johnson Goosnarghchicken pieces, lemonSteak & mushroom pieGarlic & thyme roasted newpotatoes, garlic aioliRoast gammon, orange, honeyand ginger glazeColeslawMixed salad, house dressingTO FINISHMince pies, brandy butter

£35 per person

Marco Pierre White outside The Swan Inn, Aughton

V Cafe at The Vincent Hotel, Southport


Germany'sChristmasMarkets2 December 2010


Call: 0151 227 5987BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTIONIN CONJUNCTIONWITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.


JerseyChristmas MarketsThe Festive Fêtedé NouéDecember 2010


Call: 0151 227 5987BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTIONIN CONJUNCTIONWITH: NEWMARKET AIR HOLIDAYS LTD. ABTA V7812. ATOL 2325. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.NEWMARKET AIR HOLIDAYS LTD. ABTA V7812. ATOL 2325. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.






DurhamChristmas Festival & York






GrassingtonDickensian Christmas Fair& Christmas at Castle Howard

Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire

Warehouse Kitchen+Bar,30 West Street, Southport.Call: 01704 544662Visit: www.warehousekitchenandbar.com

LIVERPOOL FC captain StevenGerrard is the newest restauranteuron the Southport scene.

The England midfielder hasbought into his friend Paul Adams’s(who also owns the Vincent Hotel,

a frequent haunt of Gerrard andwife Alex) WarehouseKitchen+Bar, formerly called theWarehouse Brasserie.

It is Gerrard’s first venture intothe trade. And he is sure they canboost the reputation hotelier MrAdams has built over 14 years.

“I’ve been coming here for about11 years now. This is a newexciting venture for me.”

Bistrot Verite,7 Liverpool Road, Birkdale.Call: 01704 564 199

AFTER years helping to make theWarehouse Brasserie one of the northwest’s premier eateries, chef Marc Veritestruck out on his own to launch hiseponymously-named Bistrot Verite justdown the road in Birkdale.

The business is a return to Marc’sFrench roots – his father Claude owned apatisserie – and Bistrot Verite is verymuch a family business.

Marc’s cooking was singled out for“rustic food with big flavours” in thisyear’s Which Good Food Guide. It is thesecond time since the bistro opened inApril 2009 that it has featured in theguide.

Marc runs the eaterie with wifeMichaela. He studied at Southport Collegebefore learning his trade in top Parisianbistros.

He said: “I am absolutely made up. It islovely that people recommended us.

“ I am very pleased we managed to getin there again.”

The dad-of-three, whose children alsohelp out at the family business, buys fruitand vegetables from his neighbouringgrocers and changes the menu each day.

The look is typical French bistro, simpleand unfussy while the menu changes dailybased firmly upon fresh local produce.

Starters might include musselsmarinere or baked camembert withcaramelised apples and pistachio nutswhile you will find such delights aschateaubriand and grilled venison amongthe main courses.

Warehouse owners Steven Gerrard and Paul Adams

Marc and MichaelaVerite outsideBistrot Verite inBirkdale Village

Volare,613 Lord Street, Southport.Call: 01704 546232Visit: www.italianrestaurantsouthport.co.uk

VOLARE (it means ‘to fly’ in Italian)is very much your traditional Italianrestaurant.

Award-winning chef OnofrioMaimone brings his varied butunpretentious fare all the way fromSicily and the menu, with morethan 50 pizza, pasta and meatdishes to go at, offers a bit ofsomething for everyone.

Opened in November 2007,Volare won the CustomerExcellence Award for Italiancuisine in October last year which

has certainly raised its profilelocally.

In terms of starters, the usualsuspects are all lined up, but there,amongst the minestrone, antipastiand prawn cocktails, are somepleasant surprises. The asparagi epolenta – a plate of poachedasparagus with grilled polenta anda lemon dressing – is light,flavourful and doesn’t weigh youdown like concrete boots ahead ofthe main course.

Pizzas are delicious with thinbases, the toppings light, but thesize of these things needs to beseen to be believed.

A generous 12in pizza in anybook, any one of these, from thecapricosa (ham, artichoke,mushrooms, onions and olives£7.45) to the calzone (foldedpizza with chicken, spinach,garlic, cheese and tomato

sauce, £7.95) could feed theentire Genovese family fivetimes over.

Volare Restaurant, Southport

Volare’s owners OnofrioMaimone and Cinzia Lopalco

Marc’s menuchanges daily,but is firmlybased on freshlocal produce

Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10

Taste 10 Restaurant Index

06 09

15 24

28

27

10

16252322

26

21

05

THE AMERICASAlma de Cuba – P22La Parrilla – P23What’s Cooking – P22Noble House – P22PanAm – P23Valparaiso – P23

CONTEMPORARY CUISINE60 Hope Street – P4Amber Wine Bar and Bistro – P11Blake’s at Hard Day’s Night – P8The Bluecoat – P6The Clove Hitch – P6Delifonseca – P11Egg Cafe – P8The Everyman Bistro – P7Exchange at Hilton Hotel – P10HoSt – P8The James Monro – P7Leaf Tea Shop and Bar – P9Liverpool Marina Bar and Grill – P9The Living Room – P9London Carriage Works – P4Malmaison – P10The Monro – P6Panoramic – P8Puschka – P5The Quarter – P5The Restaurant Bar and Grill – P11Segura Wine Bar & Bistro – P10The Side Door – P7

FRENCHBistro Franc – P13Bistro Pierre – P13Cafe Rouge – P13

ITALIANThe Fat Italian – P16Gusto Liverpool – P15Il Forno – P16The Italian Club and Italian Fish Club – P17Jamie’s Italian – P15The Olive Press – P15Piccolino – P17San Carlo – P17Zeligs of Little Italy – P16

INDIANThe Gulshan – P18Mayur – P19Passage to India – P19Red Fort – P18The Samrat – P18The Spice Lounge – P19

MEDITERRANEAN ANDMIDDLE EASTERN

Bacchus Taverna – P12Christakis Greek Taverna – P12Eureka – P12Greek Taverna – P12Lunya – P14Salt House Tapas – P14Sofrito – P14Zorbas – P12

PAN ASIAN AND CHINESEChaophraya – P21City Rendezvous – P21Etsu – P21Matou – P20New China Restaurant – P 20Sapporo Teppanyaki – P20

WEST LANCASHIREBistrot Verite – p29Michael’s – P28The Swan Inn – P28The Vincent – P28Volare – P29Warehouse Kitchen&Bar – P29

WIRRALAiden Byrne at Hillbark – P24Cromwells – P27Da Piero – P25Fraiche – P24Grove House Hotel and Restaurant – P27Gusto Heswall – P26Home – P27Peninsula Dining Room – P25Red Door – P26The RiverHill Hotel and Restaurant – P26

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 NEWS 31★★★★

Top Party Tips Top Party Tips Top Party Tips Top Party Tips Top Party

Have the perfect Christmas partySTILL looking forinspiration for this year’soffice Christmas party?Here, the experts givetheir top tips...

REMEMBER location, location, location,say Julie Perry and Yvonne Dixon fromRevellers World Events, party planners tothe rich and famous and the teamresponsible for the Rooney wedding inItaly and Coleen Rooney’s 21st birthday.

“It is absolutely crucial that thecorrect choice of venue is made,” saysJulie. “It makes for a better partyatmosphere if everyone is in the sameroom, with the bar, to avoid guestsegregation.

“Beware of over-organising –sometimes it can actually spoil theatmosphere, it can make an event seemsterile and contrived and take away theexcitement and vibrancy.

“One of the most memorable we

organised was Christmas in the Alpswhere the marquee was transformedinto an alpine chalet, ice chandeliers,glistening crystal adorned trees and afantastic ultra violet ice bar – completewith reindeers.

◆ USE yourimagination.Robbie Davison(right), whoruns cookeryschool CanCook, says hisbest Christmaspartyexperience wasa friend’s bashwith a Narniatheme.

“There was a huge fake lion andwitch and you had to walk through thewardrobe to get into the boardroomwhich had been transformed into awinter wonderland,” he laughs. “Interms of food there was Mr Tumnusinspired broth and candy floss forestcake as well as mulled wine and Turkishdelight. To accompany this, the original

Narnia films were screened in thebackground.”

◆ OFTEN the best approach is to keepit simple. Joseph Williams, food andbeverage manager of Blakes at the HardDays Night Hotel, says: “Great, fresh,locally-sourced food combined withexcellent company, service and a smilegoes along way at this time of year. Addto that a generous helping of fine wines,spirits and beers and we will get aconcoction of the festive spirit.

◆ DON’T skimp on the wine saysFranco Mercuri, owner of Pregoristorante, Liverpool ONE.

“A special occasion deserves a specialwine,” he explains. “My top tip forcreating the perfect Christmas party isto invest in some great wine toaccompany your meal. My winerecommendation for turkey would beto go for a good Italian red wine such asthe vino nobile di montepulciano. It willgo beautifully with your meat andtrimmings.”

◆ CHOOSE a venue with a well

stocked bar.Nick Skillicorn(right), BarManager atZeligs of LittleItaly inLiverpool ONEsays: “My toptip for asuccessfulChristmasparty is tomake sure thateveryone has a drink in their hand.Here at Zeligs, we have a ‘cocktail slave’service, where you can hire one of ourtrained mixologists as your dedicatedbarman for the entire evening.

They give you their undividedattention, so there is no waiting at thebar and no thirsty guests, and theymake one heck of a cocktail.”

◆ LOOKING for something a bitdifferent for your Christmas party?How about a group wine tasting?

Daniel Harwood, who specialises inwine education at Vinea suggests anunusual, informal and stylish party

option for anyone who wants to learnmore about their favourite tipple.

“We offer a range of wine tastingexperiences from fine wines and foodto fun tasting games or we can createsomething truly unique for theoccasion,” says Daniel.

“All this within the beautiful andrelaxed surrounds of the Albert Dockby moonlight...”

◆ FANCY going further afield?Garry Manning, co-owner of 60

Hope Street says: “When I worked inJersey the boss took me and the teamon a surprise trip to France for the dayand took us all round a range of Frenchrestaurants and bars sampling foods andwines. We all had a lovely time and itwas a great way of getting to know mycolleagues while trying the best ofFrench food and wine.”

Closer to home, he suggests: “Youcan do something classical by hiring outa restaurant’s private dining room.

“Carol singers can be hired toprovide the music and entertainment.You can then sit back relax and enjoymulled wine and mince pies.”

Paul Heathcotes’ breadand butter pudding

PICTURE: James Maloney

Date post:	23-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	liverpool-post-echo
View:	213 times
Download:	0 times

Taste 10

Documents