Taste 10

Taste

★★★★

100

The ECHO guide to the best restaurants in and around the city

Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR: Alastair Machray TASTE 10 EDITOR Jade Wright DESIGNER: Cheryl Mullin PHOTOGRAPHY: Trinity Mirror photographers ● If you would like to advertise your restaurant in the ECHO call 0151 330 5045 for details.

Pages 4 to 11

Contemporary cuisine

Page 12

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine

Page 13

French cuisine

Page 14

Mediterranean cuisine

Pages 15 to 17

Italian cuisine

Pages 18 and 19

Indian cuisine

Pages 20 and 21

Pan Asian and Chinese cuisine

Pages 22 and 23 The Americas

Pages 24 to 27 Wirral restaurants

Pages 28 and 29

West Lancashire restaurants

Page 30

Restaurant index

Page 31

Welcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

And keep an eye out for all the latest restaurant reviews and chefs’ secret recipes in every Thursday’s Liverpool ECHO. There’s never been a better excuse to eat, drink and be merry.

Jade Wright Writer Taste 10

Expert tips for the perfect Christmas party

Special Offer for October/November

50% 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: ....................................................................................

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

Tapas Tapas (City Centre), 14 Back Colquitt Street, (Behind FACT Cinema), ma), Liverpool, L L1 14 4DE DE • 0 0151 709 0999 Tapas Tapas (Waterloo), 23 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 5PE • 0151 949 1151 • www.tapastapas.co.uk

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

Book serves up true taste of the region

A NEW cookery book celebrates the best of the city’s restaurants.

The Liverpool Cook Book has all the ingredients of a modern recipe book, but serves up so much more, whetting the appetite with a real taste of the vibrancy that has shaped the city as a diverse multi-cultural hotpot of flavours.

From the farmers’ markets, generations of potted shrimpers, chocolatiers, and keepers of legendary home-made ice cream recipes to the Michelin starred chefs and the feeders of princes and prime ministers, there are dishes for every palette.

Also drawing inspiration from the latest delis and the trendiest foodies in town, the book celebrates a world in one city.

Featuring exclusive recipes from Jamie Oliver, Marco Pierre White and Liverpool celebrities including the 2009 BBC Masterchef winner Liz McClarnon, the book explores how readers can get their hands on the delicious home grown produce that feeds the top restaurants, to use in their own dishes.

“Merseyside is a fabulous place with an indelible link to international trade and an eclectic flavour of the personalities to match,” says Marco. “The dining scene here is thriving, with a handful of fine restaurants serving very good food, as well as a variety of top class producers.”

The Liverpool Cook Book is £14.99, order by calling 0845 143 0001 or go to www.merseyshop.com

Delifonseca, on Stanley Street, Liverpool, was recognised with the award for Best Value for Money award

Restaurants have recipe for success

A RECORD number of restaurants in Merseyside have been recognised by the respected Which Good Food Guide 2011.

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

New entry is Peninsula Dining Room in New Brighton, which was selected as this year’s Readers’ Favourite.

Another top performer is Italian restaurant Da Piero in Irby, celebrating its second year in the guide. Last year it was listed as Best New Entry for the

●

Marco Pierre White has contributed recipes to the Liverpool Cook Book

TV chef James Martin with the Liverpool Cook Book

FOOD fans from across the north west have been flocking to the Wirral to mark its Year of Food and Drink.

With a busy programme of gourmet events, and a huge growth in the food community on the peninsula, it seems that fine diners just can’t keep away.

Restaurants and food producers have teamed up with Wirral Council to launch the 12-month celebration of the borough’s food sector.

Events have included special weeks and evenings to mark Valentine’s Day, National Honey Week and Bonfire Night.

The Fine Food Northwest Awards named Ceri Newton,

whole country.

Wirral’s Michelin-starred restaurant Fraiche also returns to the guide, described as having “mind-boggling food and sense-tingling thrills”.

The Oxton eaterie has been listed as number 20 of the best restaurants in the country – one of only two in the North West to make the top 20.

South Liverpool’s Spire Restaurant retained its ranking, too.

60 Hope Street is praised for its “skilful cooking and bang-on service.”

Gary Manning, partner at 60 Hope Street, said: “We are delighted to be

the baker behind Bebington cafe Gorge’ Us and the Port Sunlight tea rooms, as top of the best cakes category with her Victoria sponge.

“I am absolutely over the moon,” said Ceri, who opened her small shop in Bebington Village in 2007.

The year will culminate in a Gourmet Christmas Food Fair at Port Sunlight in December.

Expect stalls laden with festive treats, from tasty cheeses and cakes and confectionery to delicious preserves and puddings.

The Port Sunlight Christmas food fayre runs from December 3-5, beginning with a festive lantern parade through the village on December 3.

recognised.”.

Similarly, The London Carriage Works, on Hope Street, was singled out for “satisfying menus, thick with local produce” and Side Door as a “welcoming, good-value little bistro”.

Panoramic, the UK’s highest restaurant on the 34th floor of West Tower, was praised as a “foodie button-pusher with views”.

Michael’s of Birkdale was honoured for its “gently upbeat cooking”, while Marc Verite was singled out for “rustic food with big flavours” at Bistro Verite in Birkdale.

Ceri Newton’s divine cakes

ar Ye ew N d an as m st ri EARLY EVENING MENU Ch r fo w no r fo k Boo

4LIVERPOOLROAD,MAGHULL,MERSEYSIDE,L312PN. £12.95 PER PERSON FOR STARTER & MAIN COURSE Early Evening Menu is available ALL NIGHT MON/TUES/WEDS/ 45 SOUTH ROAD WATERLOO, L22 5PE. and 5 till 7pm THURS/FRI/SUN

TEL: 0151 531 8640

TEL: 0151 293 3229

Not available on Saturdays/Bank Holidays or throughout December

ASK ABOUT OUR GREEK NIGHTS!

Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary 60 Hope Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 707 6060 Visit: www.60hopestreet.com HOPE springs eternal at the heart of the city’s gourmet scene.

The building, which is steeped in over 200 years of history, is in the city’s creative quarter and is divided into three areas; the downstairs bistro, the restaurant and the intimate private dining room.

60 Hope Street is one of Liverpool’s finest foodie havens. Head chef Sarah Kershaw does a divine deep fried jam sandwich with Carnation milk ice cream (£6.50), which must be tasted to be 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 brother Colin they have built on the success of award winning Number 60 to open a second venue, the Quarter which offers pasta and pizza and then Pan Asian restaurant HoSt, just opposite, in 2008.

It’s a favourite with celebrity diners – Robert Downey Jr, Ken Loach, Jude Law and Rolf Harris have all been spotted enjoying its fine fayre.

The restaurant seats 100, and the Bistro 35, so book early, especially at busy times.

The London Carriage Works is in the Hope Street Hotel The London Carriage Works, 40 Hope Street, L1 9DA. Call: 0151 705 2222 Visit: thelondoncarriageworks.co.uk SITUATED in the Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, in just a few years the London Carriage Works has established itself as one of the city’s finest restaurants.

Chef patron Paul Askew has won numerous awards including Best Chef at the 25th anniversary Hi-Life Dining Awards.

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

In 2007, his support for the region’s local produce was rewarded by his appointment as Merseyside Patron for the North West Fine Foods, leading to his commitment to Home Grown, a book celebrating the region’s growers, suppliers and chefs.

In 2006 Paul was invited to become a member of the Academy of the Culinary Arts alongside lifelong heroes Raymond Blanc, Anton Edelman and the Roux brothers.

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

Celebrity diners include Ringo Starr, Noel Gallagher had a birthday party here and Kanye West popped in when the MTV awards came to town.

60 Hope Street is one of Liverpool’s finest foodie havens

Chef Gary Manning with the ‘jam sandwich’

60 Hope Street Christmas Menu

Lentils, Black pudding and Apple.

Braised Beef in Beer, Horseradish Dumplings and Soft Herbs with Mash.

STARTERS Cranberry Eccles Cake and Goats Cheese with Cumberland Sauce.

Home Cured Salmon Pastrami with Rye Bread and Sauce Gribiche.

Soft Cooked Duck egg with Confit Duck Roulade, Sour Dough Fingers and Celery Salt.

Roast Breast of Goosnargh Chicken, Chestnut Stuffing with Sage and Onion Risotto PUDDINGS Lancashire Cheeses with Beetroot Cake.

Bread and Butter Pudding with Drunken Fruits and Vanilla Ice Cream.

Chocolate and Cherry Muffin with Kirsch Sorbet.

Smoked Ham Hock and Parsley Terrine with Homemade Piccalilli.

Chef Paul Askew has won numerous awards including Best Chef at the 25th anniversary Hi-Life Dining Awards.

Liquorice Brûlée with Jersey Butter and Coconut Macaroon.

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

£25 per person

Slow Roast Belly of Pork with Braised

THE PLACE EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT!

Come and experience our first class cuisine and elegant surroundings Lunchtime Book your Christmas Party Homemade Beef Menu at the Yasemin Restaurant Burger 11am-4pm 2 Main Courses for only

(Free Bottle of Wine per booking for 4 persons) £10 deposit needed.

Dates: 5th-24th December

with Chips only

£3.50

0151 933 5543 • 0151 922 3370

Open Monday-Sunday • www.yaseminbistrorestaurant.co.uk

YASMIN

Merton Road

STANLEY ROAD

211 Stanley Road, Bootle L20 3DY

THE STRAND

Washington Parade

£6.95

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Park St

Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine MUST TRY

uarter’s The Q ernet b a C non La Sauvig £11.95 a , Deliza ottle b

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

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

Puschka, 16 Rodney Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 708 8698 Visit: www.puschka.co.uk SANDWICHED between some of the area’s finest houses on Liverpool’s Rodney Street, Puschka prides itself on offering the best of modern British cuisine, albeit served alongside some colourful Mediterranean offerings.

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

The Quarter, 7 Falkner Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 707 1965 Visit: www.thequarteruk.com JUST over the road, The Quarter, and the new accompanying deli, The Quarter Kitchen is a hang-out for the Liverpool creative set – expect to bump into artists, actors etc.

Xabi Alonso, Dominic West, David Gest and Jamie Carragher have all fallen under the spell of its casual, rustic charm in a cosy and artistic setting. Even Yoko Ono has visited for a pizza. In the 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’s unique atmosphere attracts a variety of guests from businessmen to bohemians. Try the fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon La Deliza (£11.95).

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

I would kill and die for their butternut squash and sweet potato soup (£5.50), with a wedge of lime served alongside. Their tapenade, artichoke, parmesan and crusty bread (£5.50) is similarly sublime, and meat-eaters will love the olive oil mash and braised fennel resting against the slow roast belly of pork (£13.50). On the excellent wine list, the velvety Montepuciano stands out.

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

MUST TRY

Puschk a squas ’s butternut potatoh and sweet s with a oup, £5.50, wed lime onge of the sid e

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

27 – 35 Berry Street LIVERPOOL L1 9DF Tel: 0151 708 5999 e-mail: newchinaL1@hotmail.co.uk

Puschka prides itself on offering the best of modern British cuisine

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

N E W C H I N A R E S TAU R A N T

I ES :: - S OUTHERN O U THER OUTH ERN N & N ORTHERN O RTHE ORT HERN RN N C HINESE HINE HI NESE NE SE N OODLES OODL OO DLES DL ES , S ZECHUAN Z ECHU ZEC HUAN AN & C ANTONESE ANTO AN TONE NESE SE C UI UISI SINE SI NE , S PECIALITIES UISINE O AST OAS T D UCK U CK , D IM I M S UM U M , S ELECTION ELEC EL ECTI EC TION TI ON O F H OT O T P OTS O TS .

R OAST OF

rant in Liverpool Chinatown.

T h e m o s t l u x u r i o u s a u t h e n t i c C h i n e s e r e s t a u ra Deluxe Karaoke rooms with superior audiovisual facilities and all the latest songs.

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

Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool city centre, Call: 0151 702 5324 Visit: www.thebluecoat.org.uk AN OLD favourite, Bluecoat Chambers was reborn in 2008 as The Bluecoat after a £12m revamp and with it came a new restaurant.

Upstairs at the Bluecoat is situated on the first floor of this historic building, and sits 80 diners with an adjacent bar.

With contemporary local art adorning the walls complemented by an up to the minute menu and strong wine list, it’s a good place to eat in the heart of cultural Liverpool.

Its menu prides itself on locally sourced ingredients.

They also have a special children's menu, with smaller portions of our adult meals and creative children's activities available, making it an attractive destination for all those little explorers.

The Monro’s head chef Leigh Harvey The Monro, 92 Duke Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 707 9933 Visit: www.themonro.com THE Monro does great comfort food.

Treat yourself to fish and chips, or cod loin with beer butter and homemade chips and tartar sauce, in their new luxury dining room upstairs, or enjoy a pint of Cross Buttock real ale and Jennings Sneck Lifter, their tasty dark beer derived from the use of coloured malts. It’s a real winter treat, with a cosy, homely feel and lots of roaring fires.

Pete Doherty was spotted downing pints of Guinness with double shots of port mixed in, but normally the clientele is a little more refined.

Head Chef Leigh Harvey started his career working in his local pub but was far more interested in what the chefs were doing over the other side of the

MUST TRY

h’s ve Hitc h it The Clo w h s Swordfihurri and Schimice glazed orang s, £9.95 carrot

kitchen. He says: “I’m a quick learner and before long I knew how to make a basic roux for a sauce, how to make a really good stock, and how to add that little bit extra by observing inspirational head chefs at work.

“I had a real passion for food and cooking, and I felt I had a talent for putting ingredients and flavours together, so before long I had learnt all the basic skills and managed to secure a position as a junior sous chef in a restaurant.”

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

“I love the satisfaction of telling people where I work and getting some great feedback about the food.

Fillet steak with potato fondant “My family say I treat The Monro like and veal casserole my own business because of my pride in my work,” he says.

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

The Clove Hitch, Hope Street The Clove Hitch, 23, Hope Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 708 6644 OCCUPYING the site of the former El Macho, on Hope Street, the Clove Hitch is a world away from the old Mexican restaurant.

Gone are the rustic yellow walls, and in their place is a cool and refined decor, with a bar area, front dining room, a big conservatory and a garden terrace at the back – complete with Victorian-style lamps and a winding steel staircase.

Their ethos is good food, cooked well – they source their produce locally, with fruit and veg from Edge Lane, cheese from the Liverpool Cheese Company and Clove Hitch ales from the Liverpool One Brewing Company.

Their swordfish with chimichurri and orange glazed carrots (£9.95) is a real treat, or for the sweet tooths out there, don’t miss the banoffee pie (£3.95).

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

A true Italian experience

Bar Italia

THE BEST IN ITALIAN FOOD Bar Italia Restaurant is situated at 48a Castle Street in the heart of Liverpool.

Open daily for lunch and dinner until 11pm on Saturdays

Rabbit and ham hock terrine with prune chutney and butternut squash coulis

Milk chocolate and white chocolate torte with raspberry coulis

• Opening Times Bar Italia is open six days of the week: Monday-Friday: 11.30am to 3.00pm Tuesday-Saturday: 5.30pm to 11.00pm • Party Bookings Bar Italia also offers the option of booking tables for parties from 10 up to 50 people. If you are interested in booking a party then please contact: bookings@baritalialiverpool.com (selection and payment within seven days prior to date of booking) £5 per person deposit required

CHRISTMAS FAYRE LUNCH EGG MAYONNAISE OR HOME MADE VEGETABLE SOUP ROAST TURKEY OR LASAGNE OR SALMON SAMBUCA SEASONAL VEGETABLES CHOICE OF SWEETS

£19.95 COFFEE & MINTS £2.10 EXTRA

FAYRE DINNER

SEAFOOD COCKTAIL OR EGG MAYONAISSE OR HOME MADE VEGETABLE SOUP ROAST TURKEY SALMON SAMBUCA ENTRECOTE STEAK CHASSEUR OR ANY PASTA OF YOUR CHOICE SEASONAL VEGETABLES CHOICE OF SWEETS

£22.95

CHRISTMAS

COFFEE & MINTS £2.10 EXTRA

Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine MUST TRY

The Ja m Bullfi es Monro’s with ch ghters Pie, o tomato rizo, olives, ,a sherr dash of butter y and bea £10.50 ns,

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

it has an a la carte menu, which changes weekly, and daily specials with plenty of fresh fish on offer.

Owners Sean Miller and Sheila Benson make use of local AT the heart of Liverpool’s producers wherever possible. theatreland, The Side Door has Our ECHO taste tester become an ideal stop for a loved the Moroccan pre or post-show meal. spiced cod cakes with Decorated in cream pickled chillies from and deep red tones Moroccan spiced the a la carte menu with polished wooden and pan-fried squid cod cakes with floors, this is a classy with teriyaki noodles pickled chillies bistro which prides itself Sean is also well on fresh, seasonal dishes. known for his homemade As well as set theatre menus English puddings.

MUST TRY

The James Monro prides itself on sourcing produce locally and on the quality of its real ales The James Monro, 69 Tithebarn Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 236 9700 THE James Monro on Tithebarn Street is named after the merchant vessel of the same name, which was the first ever scheduled passenger service from Liverpool to the Americas.

Sourcing produce locally is high on its list of priorities, as is the quality of its real ales – Cumbria’s Jennings Bitter is a favourite – and a dedicated cellarman is retained to ensure that.

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

cask number 1.4 from 1978 (£3.87) and enjoy a smooth, dreamy 32-year-old speciality.

Kim Cattrall was spotted there, so it seems to have the Sex and the City stamp of approval.

If you’re feeling peckish, it’s a gastropub too.

Chef Leigh Harvey does a Bullfighters Pie, with free range British beef, chorizo, olives, tomato, a dash of sherry and butter beans (£10.50) and a 12oz Ribeye steak topped with prawns and a béarnaise sauce, served with homemade chips (£16.50).

Sous chef Paul Guest grows organic

vegetables for the menu on his allotment.

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

“I’ve been growing my own for nearly four years now and what I love about it is the connection between planting a seed in the ground, and then using it to create a beautiful dish on the menu about a month or so later," says Paul.

“For me it’s about quality control. All my vegetables are organically grown and I tend to them whenever I can in my spare time so I know they’re going to taste fantastic.”

The James Monro's nut roast and delicious Staten Island Stack

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

going strong, still beneath the famous Everyman Theatre, feeding an eclectic mix of students, professors, media types and theatregoers.

THE Everyman Bistro was founded A typical menu offers three in 1970 years ago by Paddy Byrne fantastic courses – all with large and Dave Scott – later to be joined portions – for about £15.

by Tim Byrne .

Everything is cooked from In the basement of the old scratch on the premises – ‘Hope Hall’ with little more than a including their famous puddings. domestic cooker and a trestle They also have a wide selection of table or two Paddy and Dave vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. turned out fresh food made with We can’t get enough of their prime ingredients at low prices. baked aubergine with sunblush Forty years on, they’re tomato tapenade (£7.50) and Thai spinach and mushroom curry with rice (£7.50).

The Everyman For something Bistro’s Baked sweeter, try Aubergine with farmhouse ginger sunblush tomato slice in lemon syrup tapenade, (£1.95) or the fabulous £7.50 winter warmer, chocolate chip and whiskey pudding, with bramble compote.

Look out for their supper clubs, which offer an evening of gastronomy at reasonable prices.

MUST TRY

The Everyman Bistro’s head chef Tom Gill

www.ilforno.co.uk

£30 Reward Voucher for Christmas Party Bookings Bookings now being taken Call 0151 709 4002 for further details

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.

Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Egg Cafe, Top Floor,16-18 Newington Street, off Bold Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 707 2755 THE Egg Cafe off Renshaw Street, has long been a Mecca for Liverpool's trendy intellectual crowd.

Hand-painted flowers on the walls charm as you climb the creaky staircase to be greeted by the friendliest staff you could wish to meet on entering the roomy yet cosy, Bohemian vegetarian cafe.

There’s a mixture of medieval banqueting tables and smaller intimate corners, with a mezzanine level that looks down over the rest.

The decor is in the finest tradition of old-school vegetarian restaurants – original features painted with flowers, and a great view over the city.

At night there’s normally jazz music playing softly and candles twinkling on every table.

Hot and cold dishes on display at the counter are all vegetarian, and most are vegan too.

Blake’s at Hard Day’s Night, North John Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 243 2121.

Email: blakes@harddays nighthotel.com BLAKE’S restaurant is a must for Beatles fans.

Nestling in the four star, Hard Days Night Hotel at the heart of the Beatles Quarter, it’s named after the celebrated pop artist Sir Peter Blake who created the artwork for the Sgt Peppers album cover.

Earlier this year, Sir Peter paid a visit to the restaurant.

Sir Peter, 78, said: “It is very flattering and exciting to eat in a restaurant named after you.”

The hotel is impressive, complete with top-hatted doormen (but no Plasticine porters with looking glass ties, I might add).

Blakes Restaurant itself, with its high ceilings, spacious layout and tasteful furniture, is a magnificent setting in which to eat, with wall-to-wall original Beatles artwork, and was recently selected by the Which? Good Food Guide.

Head Chef Andrew Scott has

Egg is a Godsend for vegetarians who want choice – and ones with an appetite that a salad won't satisfy.

There's usually four or five deliciouslooking savoury dishes, plus five or six desserts.

Our tasters adored the hearty, wintry, dishes on offer, including homemade burger, rather than a freshfrom-thefreezer beanburger, and huge doorstops of quiche – an enormous chunk with heavenly moist filling and delicious crisp pastry, served A selection of veggie dishes at The with a variety of salads including Egg Cafe lovely lemon pasta twirls. Best of all, they do an charged £1 corkage. all-inclusive deal, with soup, a It is a wonderful sanctuary main course, a pudding and tea and, while it doesn’t have the or coffee for under a tenner. polish of fancier places, it has a You can't buy wine but you homely feel that just can’t be can bring your own and be replicated.

braised pork belly with fondant potato, creamed spinach and red wine essence.

As Beatle fans know, food played a big part in a number of songs – Honey Pie, Strawberry Fields, , even Yesterday was given the working title of ‘Scrambled Eggs’, and in Savoy Truffle, George Harrison wrote an entire song about a box of Good News chocolates, inspired by his sweet-toothed friend Eric Clapton.

Blake’s Andy Scott, Executive Head Chef, Restaurant is serves up a treat open to residents and non-residents devised a sophisticated alike and caters for parties of modern European menu, up to 22 guests on Tuesday to serving dishes such as fillet of Saturday for breakfast, lunch seabass with potato, hummus and dinner, opening for and coriander scone, breakfast only on Sunday and cauliflower puree and a mint Monday. and onion salad, and slow

MUST TRY

Panora mic mullet ’s Grey with ba vegeta rigoule bles and na , radish ve £23.50 ts

Panoramic – a room with a view Panoramic, West Tower, Liverpool, L3 9PJ. Call: 0151 236 5534 Email: info@panoramicliverpool.com THE UK’s highest restaurant was praised as a “foodie button-pusher with views” in this year’s Which Good Food Guide, and it continues to attract gourmet diners with its challenging menus and stunning views.

Situated 300ft above ground, Panoramic is on the 34th floor of Beetham’s West Tower, with breathtaking 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, but the gin and elderflower liqueur with lime, served in a tall glass, is sweet and fresh, while the bourbon and grapefruit cocktail is bitter, but certainly 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 tart with 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 serves everything with meticulous attention to detail and real flair – ask him about any dish on the menu and he’ll proudly give you the entire provenence of the ingredients, along with some excellent recommendations on wines to pair it with.

Panoramic may not be the cheapest restaurant in the world, but even if the prices bring you down to earth with a bump, the experience will leave you walking on air.

Panoramic’s Christmas Lunch Menu

STARTERS Roast squash soup Duck terrine Smoked haddock

MAIN COURSES Honey and port glazed ham Turkey, chestnuts, cabbage, stuffing Hake, barigoule vegetables, artichokes PUDDINGS Lemon cheesecake, cranberry sorbet, mint syrup Spiced plum cake, apricot ice cream Cheese trolley, celery, grapes, fruitcake, walnut bread

Available Noon to 2.15pm. £27.50 a head for a selection of three dishes from the menu two courses for £21.50

HoSt 31 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9HX. Call: 0151 708 5831 Visit: www.ho-st.co.uk IT would be easy to sell HoSt as an upmarket Wagamama and on some levels it is but under the guidance of 60 Hope Street and The Quarter owners Gary and Colin Manning HoSt has become one the city’s coolest restaurants.

This East-meets-West Pan-Asian fusion restaurant may have something of a utiliatarian feel to it with the hard benches and minimal décor but that only ensures all the focus is on the food.

And it is worth focusing on. The menu is large with almost 20 small plates and the same number of mains and as you might expect it is made up of rice, noodle, soup and fish dishes

HoSt is on Hope Street from the likes of China, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan.

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

the £9 mark.

Our testers loved the duck gyozo dumplings (£3.50) and the red curry with duck and rice (£9.50).

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

Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine The Living Room Liverpool, 15 Victoria Street, Liverpool, L2 5QS. Call: 0151 236 1999 Visit: www.thelivingroom.co.uk RECENTLY refurbished, The Living Room on Victoria Street is chic, upbeat and welcoming with a newly revamped private dining room.

It has a guest list other restaurants would die for –Katie Price, Alex Gerrard, Coleen and Wayne Rooney, Westlife, Rio Ferdinand, Dirk Kuyt, Abbey Clancy and Sheree Murphy have all been spotted there, and Paolo Nutini, Chris De Burgh, Jamie Cullum, Blake and China Crisis have all played there.

Try the delicious Bramble cocktail (£5.85), which includes

Bombay Sapphire gin with Briottet Creme de Mure and lemon juice, balanced with gomme, or Basil Grande (£7.85), the quintessential Living Room classic – strawberries, basil, cranberry juice, Grand Marnier and Chambord with a twist of black pepper In the restaurant, try the fillet of beef medallions with a porcini mushroom, thyme and port jus or smoked salmon with a green apple and fennel crème fraiche coleslaw.

An extensive a la carte menu is supplemented by Head Chef Russell Croston’s daily specials and monthly chef’s plates – regionally inspired dishes created from local produce or with local

The Living Room Christmas Menu

STARTERS Game terrine with a cranberry Cumberland style sauce Oven roasted flat mushroom filled with caramelised leeks and Stilton Spiced roast parsnip soup with caramelised apple croutons Smoked salmon with a green apple, fennel and crème fraîche coleslaw

The Living Room’s head chef Russell Croston

MAIN COURSES Fillet of beef medallions with a porcini mushroom, port and thyme jus, rosemary and garlic roast potatoes and glazed vegetables

Liverpool Marina Bar & Grill, Coburg Wharf, Sefton Street, Liverpool L3 4BP. Call: 0151 707 6888 Visit: www.liverpool marina.com

significance. With comfortable, stylish restaurant spaces and flexible bar areas, The Living Room is designed to make you feel at home at any time of the day be it a light lunch, family meal or private party.

The bar and restaurant remain open from midday until late and if you arrive at the right time, you’ll get the chance to listen to resident musicians perform live music from the baby grand piano whilst spotting some of the city’s coolest celebrities.

Oh, and the club below The Living Room, Mosquito, used to be the famous SHE club.

What higher pedigree do you need?

Grilled seabass fillet with a tomato fondue, rosemary and garlic roast Roast sweet Romero pepper filled with roast pumpkin, red pepper rice, camembert and rocket leaves PUDDINGS Orange and date pudding and cream Forest fruits Eton mess Chocolate brownie, mascarpone Christmas pudding, brandy sauce

Evening menu, Three courses £27.50pp

freshly prepared and made on (£7.50) is a real highlight – a the premises by the Bar & medium curry, served with Grill's chefs, range from Thai basmati rice and cashew nuts. curry to the more traditional There’s also an outside patio fish and chips, and 8oz sirloin area adding to the ambiance, steak (£12.95), served with setting the ideal stage for al hand cut chips, grilled tomato fresco drinks, dining and IDEALLY situated less than a mile and flat mushroom, ensuring socialising in good weather. from the heart of the city centre there is something to tempt A good selection of food is and open to the public seven days everyone. available to suit every pocket. a week, Liverpool Marina offers The vegetable Thai curry Early morning coffee, full the type of unique tranquil English surroundings that are rare in the breakfast normal hustle and bustle of a city. and The Bar & Grill overlooks the traditional marina, and serves meals daily dishes are from 10am to 9pm, served fresh including their and daily, and famous there’s an Sunday excellent carvery with Christmas Vegetable live music package to thai curry with served from party the basmati rice and 12pm-6pm. night away in cashew nuts Dishes, all stunning £7.50 Liverpool Marina Bar & Grill is a perfect of which are surroundings. party venue

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New Years’Eve Celebrations

withLiverpool MarinaBar & Grill Tickets £49.95

Raspberry and Mulled Wine Jelly

Traditional roast turkey, with apricot and chestnut stuffing

Chicken and Mascarpone Tortilla Wrap

Leaf Tea Shop and Bar, 27 Parliament Street, Liverpool L8 5RN. Call: 0151 707 7747 Visit www.thisisleaf.co.uk OPENEDa couple of years ago, the Leaf Tea Shop and Bar is a ‘punk tea shop’ in the heart of Liverpool.

Set on the ground floor of the Elevator Leaf ’s founder Natalie Haywood warehouse Leaf’s luxury more than 22 tea a tea tasting master class, space, it’s afternoon tea. All infusions from all exploring tea from around the cheek-by-jowl the trimmings, plus over the world. world. with the strawberries dipped But after dark, Leaf’s resident tea expert is rehearsal in chocolate and Leaf transforms itself on hand to offer advice and rooms used by a glass of into an alternative live in-depth information on the The Zutons, Champagne music venue, benefits and history of tea.

The Rascals and £19.95 showcasing DJs, bands, The venue was founded by Hot Club de Paris. gallery space, films, art, young entrepreneur Natalie Hosting a friendly café in knitting groups and anything Hayward, from Otterspool, the day the delicious menu is else that takes their fancy. who previously worked complete with home made For real tea aficionados – or promoting Alma de Cuba and scones, cakes and snacks along those who’d like to be – there’s BabyCream. with a mouthwatering array of

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Homemade Game Terrine served with Apricot & Walnut Loaf & Dressed Leaves Asparagus Soup with a Truffle Cream *************************** Fillet Steak Encroute with Sprinkles of Pancetta and a Port Wine Reduction Fillet of Sole Stuffed with Prawn & Crab Mouse served with a Pernod Veloute Sun Blushed Tomato Risotto with Toasted Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese & Rocket All 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 & DJ

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

The Malmaison’s take on Scouse

A STONE’S throw from the city centre and the Albert Dock, the Malmaison is perfectly placed for a business lunch, or a full blown dinner.

Hotel restaurants sometimes disappoint in atmosphere as well as the food but the Malmaison brasserie bucks the trend.

One of the brassiere’s highlights is its strong design.

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

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

The menu takes in upmarket, stylishly done favourites – pizzas, pastas, fish and chips – and the Malmaison’s Mal more adventurous – black Feast two foot long pizza with pudding spring rolls, chicken pepperoni, parma liver parfait and toasted brioche ham and chicken with grape chutney. £16.95 Our tasters loved the local buttered asparagus and black pudding spring rolls starters with pineapple and chilli salsa.

Local is a word you see a lot on the Mal menu – they make a real effort to ensure that they source everything from as nearby as possible. The food tastes all the better for it, whether it’s local mushrooms or their own pigs, reared on a farm especially.

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

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

Early Bird Brasserie Celebration Menu

STARTERS Lightly curried parsnip soup, minted yoghurt Leek and stilton cheese tart Parfait of chicken livers, toasted brioche MAIN COURSES Ballottine of free range turkey, prosciutto wrapped turkey, filled with minced leg, pancetta bacon, savoy cabbage, with chipolatas, bread sauce and cranberry compôte

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Char-grilled onglet steak “au poivre” Pumpkin and parmesan ravioli, sage and toasted pine nuts Dine in comfort and style

PUDDINGS Classic Christmas pudding, pedro ximenez cream Grand Marnier parfait with clementines marmalade Yule log chocolate génoise sponge, valhrona chocolate ganache and chantilly cream

Available from 22nd November to 15th December.

Two courses £15 pp Three courses £20 pp

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

40 mile radius, offering the finest north west cuisine.

The cotton trade, which had its foundations in the site, was home to the Customs House of the old Port of Liverpool and is the THE venue for the official inspiration for naming the MOBO aftershow last week, restaurant The Exchange. the Hilton hotel specialises in The restaurant seats 140, marvellous mojitos, beautiful and we love the Goosnargh Bellinis and cracking caipirinhas. chicken breast, crispy leg There’s live music and DJs with creamed cabbage, every Thursday, Friday and Formby mushroom and Saturday and their bar snacks shallot sauce (£14.95). are to die for. Casanova caviar As you would expect, (£90) offers blinis, soured Hilton has an extensive cream, chopped egg and wine list to please all Belvedere vodka. tastes. The cocktail And if you’re looking for menu is serviced by somewhere stylish to eat, Pima Bar, whose Goosnargh chicken look no further than The speciality is the breast, crispy leg Exchange restaurant on the Martini Flight, a trio with creamed ground floor. of martinis served cabbage, Formby Exec chef Matthew Burns on a slate which just mushroom and has sourced the menu from a oozes style. shallot sauce £14.95

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Exec chef Matthew Burns

Segura Wine Bar & Bistro 95 County Road, Walton, Liverpool, L4 3QD Call: 0151 525 2811 SIT back and enjoy the relaxing surroundings at Segura, one of the newest additions to Merseyside’s burgeoning food community.

More than just a bistro ... with a warm, friendly and tranquil atmosphere to match their freshly prepared food Segura will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Food on offer ranges Segura is more than just a bistro from a selection of tapas bites, pastas, gourmet drinks, wines, draughts and to national and burgers, best of bottles beers. international British, a selection A newly converted site, 95 cuisines. of toasted County Road had been a bank Segura’s sticky They also have a sandwiches, salads, since early 1950s. spanish ribs, selection of fine desserts, selection As Segura food is produced tapas £4.95, wines and draughts of freshly ground in the old safe vault, it is main £8.95 to choose from. lattes, cappuccinos, perhaps quite fitting that Segura There is a wide espressos and cold is Spanish for a safe. selection of tapas, light

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Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine Contemporary Cuisine

The stylish Restaurant Bar and Grill The Restaurant Bar & Grill, Halifax House, Brunswick Street, Liverpool, L2 0UU. Call: 0151 236 6703 Visit: www.therestaurant barandgrill.co.uk HOUSED in a former bank in the heart of the busy commercial district, on Brunswick Street, the

swish Restaurant Bar & Grill is impressive as soon as you walk through the doors.

A spacious venue with a striking cocktail bar in its centre and dining booths and tables either side, it is popular with the post-work crowd.

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

upwards of £10 and an extensive choice of pasta, fish and meat dishes.

Great food and excellent service, this is a favourite with ECHO taste testers, particularly the delicious Thai green curry, which has to be tasted to be believed.

Delicious.

Amber is simply, but stylishly, decorated Amber Wine Bar & Bistro, 193-195 Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 724 5169 Visit: www.amberwine bar.com IT MAY be tucked away in the Liverpool suburbs but Amber has all the class of an upmarket city centre venue.

Situated on Rose Lane, this wine bar and bistro has become quite a magnet for the

well-heeled of this affluent neighbourhood.

And it is easy to see why.

Amber is simply but sexily furnished in dark woods, with lots of chandeliers, damask wallpaper and clever use of large mirrors to enhance what is essentially a smallish two-tier dining area.

But there’s an immediate warmth about the place which isn’t generated by decor, but by fellow diners and staff.

In the daytime the ladies who lunch crowd are right at home with Amber’s coffee and pastries, gourmet sandwiches and bistro food.

Then in the evening take your pick from the wide range of dishes that are on offer from seabass or lamb shank to a seafood bento box with prices for mains from £8.95.

For those who like a lazy weekend, it’s hard to beat the Amber Sunday brunch menu.

Delifonseca’s founder Candice Fonseca Delifonseca, 12 Stanley Street, Liverpool, L1 6AF. Call: 0151 255 0808 Visit: www.delifonseca.co.uk IN the four years since it opened Delifonseca has more than made its mark on Liverpool’s dining scene.

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

It was also named “Best small or medium sized business” at last year’s North West Food Awards and beat competition from the likes of 60 Hope Street and the Gulshan to be named Restaurant of Excellence at the 2009 Liverpool Food and Drink Festival.

It even merits a mention in the prestigious Hardens Food Guide, described as: “A busy and pleasant bistro which inhabits a simply furnished dining room over a super deli... A quality foodie venture with great value Latino/Italian dishes many of which are brilliant”.

Among the dozens of mouth-watering meats at the deli counter are Cheshire Smokehouse’s air dried prosciutto, pastrami and Kassler, along with their award winning bacons, pancetta, smoked duck and chicken.

Cheese fans will delight at the sight of Stinking Chef Saul O'Reilly makes up a picnic Bishop, Colston Bassett Stilton and Snowdonian Black Bomber among others and local favourites bites to sandwiches and salads. like Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire, Mrs Appleby’s There is also a blackboard of dishes which Cloth Wrapped Cheshire and Delamere changes daily, depending on the seasons Mature Farmhouse Goats Cheese. and the produce available, however you It’s become so popular that may find such delights as filé gumbo – there’s now a sister branch up past traditional Cajun spicy stew of ham, Delifonseca’s the ECHO Arena. sausage, chicken and okra – or chicken ciabatta – Much of what is on sale baked fillet of sea trout served with lemon and thyme downstairs makes its way into the asparagus and potato cake, and a roasted chicken restaurant upstairs. There, head saffron cream sauce, among them. thighs and chunky chef Martin Cooper, who has spent Vegetarians are also superbly chips £7.25 two decades at the forefront of catered for at Delifonseca and the Liverpool’s dining scene, oversees a lentil and potato moussaka is one of the menu which includes everything from light restaurant’s signature dishes.

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Forgotten to book your Christmas Party?

Fear not there is still space at Ha Ha Bar & Grill, with stunning dockside views 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 a champagne 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 & Grill Atlantic Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool Tel: 0151 7077877 • haha.liverpool@bayrestaurantgroup.com

Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Medit Bacchus Taverna, 14 Waterloo Rd, Liverpool Call: 0151 255 1661 Visit: www.bacchus taverna.co.uk

Zorbas, 1 Leece Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 709 0190 Visit: www.zorbas restaurant.co.uk

BACCHUS may be off the beaten track, tucked between Liverpool’s converted warehouses but sitting under vines, looking at the seascapes and listening to the sound of bazoukis in the background, you will feel like you have been transported away to Athens.

The menu is a love song to Greek national dishes and they are done very well. Sit back at owner Diamantis Vegienos cooks you up a feast fit for a Greek god.

Our taster loved the Gairdes skordates (£6) to start, these are king prawns sauteed in butter, garlic, parsley and red pepper, flambed with white wine and as plentiful as they are delicious.

Follow them with kleftiko psito, a house speciality of Welsh shoulder of lamb,

OWNER Michael Haralambos opened Zorbas more than 30 years ago.

He started with a capacity of 20 and over the years, after numerous extensions, it now seats 100.

Michael and his family are still in charge and he knows most of his customers by name. They pride themselves on giving diners a big fat Greek welcome.

You can enjoy the finest Greek cuisine at Zorbas as well Zorbas prides itself on giving diners a big Greek welcome as a selection of English dishes. (meatballs) for the film and the bar is designed to You will find the meat lovers out there. resemble a Greek building. likes of Spanakopita As the name Lattices covered with vines – a spinach pie hang from the ceiling to Zorba’s traditional suggests, the with feta cheese restaurant is themed complete the effect. And mousaka is a (£4) among the on the movie Zorba there’s no plate smashing in real treat £12 dozen or so The Greek – every sight, so you can be sure of a vegetarian starters wall has a still from the quiet night among friends. and Tsoutsoukakia

Christakis Greek Taverna, 7 York Street, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 708 7377 Visit: www.christakis greektaverna.com CHRISTAKIS Georgiou may only have been in Liverpool for 13 years, but he is the heir to a city dining tradition going back decades.

And as both owner and head chef of his Greek Taverna in York Street, he is a position to keep up that standards that have made his place, originally named Renos, a favourite for Liverpool diners since the 1970s.

It’s been a family business in

Moussaka is a real speciality at Christakis

Bacchus Taverna is a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit slow-cooked for three hours potatoes, courgettes, with herbs and served with aubergines and cheese is rice, roast potatoes and green moreish and epic. beans (£13.50). Or, if you want And don’t leave without to be more traditional, the trying the Baclava cake – now moussaka (£13.50) is a hearty that really would be a Greek ceramic dishful of mince, tragedy...

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the proper sense of the world. Renos Vasilianis Wise men special: Pork in wine was a leader of the Santa's Moussaka: aubergines, Greek Cypriot courgettes, Potatoes with bechamel community in Liverpool North pole kebab: pork, grilled cubes who made his name Chef Christakis Ho! Ho! Ho! Kebab: Cubes of chicken first at Zorba’s in Leece breast, grilled Georgiou prepares STARTERS Street, before branching Snowman's pride: Pork and chicken the delicious meals Santa's fix: Greek salad out on his own, setting kebab Elf's special: Garlic mushrooms up Renos in York Christmas greetings: Grilled sirloin Jingle balls: Meatballs in tomato sauce Street. steak with mushrooms and onions Holly leaves: Stuffed vine leaves Renos sold the All served with Rice, Potatoes, Salad Noel houmus dip business and retired to Falling snow: Yoghurt dip Cyprus, but his DESSERTS Angel's delight: Creamed cod's roe son-in-law Christakis Cheesecake.

Seasonal icicles: Shrimps in sauce bought it back in the Chocolate Cake.

All starters include bread 1990s to re-establish Baclava (Filo pastry, nuts and honey). the family link.

Ice Cream.

MAIN COURSES Christakis prides Elf's surprise:Slices of lamb in tomato itself on its friendly sauce casserole service (Chris Reindeer's feast: Lamb on the bone. himself is always there to greet celebrations and get-togethers Starters range from £2 – £4 and belly you) and its it specialises in traditional and main courses from £8 – dancing with a excellent Greek Greek food and offers £12 and there are also plenty DJ until 2am cuisine. entertainment too. of fish dishes and vegetarian and various party Expect great Christakis keeps a book of options. banquet options. It’s food and fun at birthdays, and diners get great At weekends they offer a place to eat, drink and be Christakis, ideal for deals on their special days.

Greek dancing, plate smashing merry.

Christakis Christmas Lunch Menu

Served 1pm to 5pm throughout December £17.50/£19.95

Eureka, 7 Myrtle Parade, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 709 7225 Visit: www.eureka restaurant.co.uk Greek Taverna 45 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 5PE. Call: 0151 293 3229 Visit: www.greektaverna.net GREEK Taverna prides itself on a warm atmosphere and quality food. Dishes are traditional home-cooked Greek fare and you will find all the favourites like kleftiko – lamb roasted on the bone in wine sauce, moussaka and stifado – tender beef cooked slowly in tomato and red wine sauce among the main courses.

There is also a good selection of kebabs and vegetarians are well catered for too.

Greek Taverna prides itself on a warm atmosphere

YOU know those painfully stylish restaurants that are all stripped wood and chrome furniture?

The ones at which the food just isn't as important as who's seen with who? Where you need a second mortgage if you fancy anything more substantial than the soup?

Well, think one of those and then think of the exact opposite – now you've got Eureka.

This gem of a restaurant is tucked away in Myrtle Parade in Liverpool 8, at the top of Hope Street, and is about as unflashy, unfussy and unpretentious as you can get.

The tables are covered in gingham cloths and the walls are adorned with half the contents of a Greek souvenir shop.

But don't be fooled. This

Eureka Greek restaurant place is one of Liverpool's best kept culinary secrets.

Greek chef-owner George Iakovakis is a stickler for doing things properly. Everything is made from scratch in-house, with dishes such as the meltingly tender kleftiko – slow-cooked, on-the-bone lamb shoulder, seasoned with

oregano and rosemary.

Bring your own wine for a Corkage of £2.50 per person, no matter how much you want to drink.

This is not a restaurant for the faint-hearted – the portions are huge and the food is so delicious it is near impossible to stop eating. Enjoy...

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

value 'Lunch Rapide' menu, three courses for £7.95 (12-4.30pm), or the early bird menu which offers a three course dinner for just £10.95.

CANDLELIT and intimate, this From the outside Button Street bolthole is perfect looking in, peering through for lovers. Like many a French the windows, it gives off bistro the walls are adorned with the impression of a nice Toulouse-Lautrec artwork romantic bolt-hole. and the tables are But the amount covered with red of groups and gingham cloths families going in plus there’s the through the Bistro Pierre’s wax-laden heavy front Moules Bretonne bottles. door tells a served with wilted So far so different cabbage and smoked unoriginal you story. bacon in a creamy may say but For this is a white wine sauce what’s wrong place where £4.25 with that? couples and The menu is as you groups can dine and would expect, with a hint yet both be in their own towards modern English rather little worlds. than pure classic French. A In a highly competitive selection of duck, chicken, fish, market, the “Bistro” chain lamb and beef sit alongside the (including Bistros Franc vegetarian options, all and Jacques) is carving reasonably priced. itself out a nice niche and The a la carte menu changes even as others look to monthly to take advantage of tighten the belt to ward off seasonal produce. the recession, its family of If you are watching the three is thriving. Long may pennies check out their great it continue.

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Bistro Franc is exceptionally popular with diners Bistro Franc, 1 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DW. Call: 0151 708 9993 Visit: www.bistrofranc.com THIS restaurant which opened in May last year is the latest from the North West Restaurant Group, who already run Bistro Pierre, on Button Street in the Cavern Quarter, and Bistro Jacques on Hardman Street.

Over £200,000 was spent

Bistro Franc

transforming the old offices of the Bishop of Liverpool into Bistro Franc and they have splashed the cash well turning the restaurant into a great place for romantic dinners but also somewhere that can cope with large groups of diners.

The menu isn’t exactly purist French but you will find a good selection of duck, chicken, fish, lamb and beef dishes alongside a number of vegetarian options.

Bistro Franc Christmas Menu

STARTERS (v) Homemade Spiced Sweet Potato Soup, finished with parsnip crisps Classic Duck Liver Pâté served simply with an orange & cranberry relish

Our taster enjoyed the roast pidgeon breast, carved onto a bed of caramelised red onion salad, dressed with a port and red wine reduction (£4.75) and the classic chicken caesar salad – a salad of baby gem lettuce, parmesan cheese, croûtons, anchovies & bacon lardons served with warm chicken dish of cracked bulgar wheat and roast vegetables served with mint crème fraîche (£3.95).

Ovenbaked Chicken Suprême; Wrapped with pancetta and served with a white wine and tarragon sauce Roast Fillet of Pork; carved onto a bed of carrot and swede purée, Winter Vegetable and Mixed Bean Cassoulet; Roast butternut squash, finished with a herb dumpling

(v) Glazed Goats Cheese & Caramelised Peach Served on a toasted garlic croûte and drizzled with an aged balsamic

Crèpe Parisiènne; Crèpe stuffed with sautéed leek, courgette and wild mushrooms, served with a traditional mornay sauce, glazed with mozzarella

Chicken, Smoked Bacon & Button Mushroom Fricassée served in a creamy garlic and white wine sauce

Tagliatelli Pasta; Tossed with chargrilled turkey, button mushrooms & petit pois in a creamy garlic and parsley sauce

Grilled Brittany Sardines served on a bed of mixed leaves and dressed with a light lemon & chilli butter

Steak "au Poivre"; Chargrilled 8oz ribeye steak served with a classic pink peppercorn & brandy sauce

MAIN COURSES Seabass "à la Basquaise"; Panfried fillets of seabass served on a bed of roast peppers, onions & olives, finished with a rich tomato & oregano sauce

DESSERTS See the blackboards in the restaurant

Three Courses £20.95pp

CHRISTAKIS GREEK TAVERNA

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

Book your Christmas Party at Christakis dinner & dancing

Bistro Pierre

£17.50 per person

Cafe Rouge in Liverpool One 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 1879 Visit: www.caferouge.co.uk CAFÉ Rouge is an old faithful – one of those dependable chains

where you always know you’re going to get a good meal.

Diners now have two Café Rouges to choose from with the opening of the Liverpool One venue two years ago to complement the restaurant in the Metquarter.

Inside both restaurants the decor is formulaic but it works.

There is music in the background with a brasserie feel to the place.

The menu is constant at Café Rouge, although the specials do change, and it has something for everyone.

When our reviewer visited a request for a jug of water and a lit tealight were dealt with quickly and the waiter popped back regularly to check food was okay, which is often more than you can hope for with a meal in France, when a Gallic shrug seems to suffice.

LADIES NIGHTS Every Thursday Greek Dancing, Plate Smashing, Belly Dancing and DJ till 2am Celebrate your Birthday or Hen Do! Opa yia´mas, well played Andréas!!!

Just £15 per person ncluding half a litre of House wine FREE Book early on 0151 708 7377

Become a VIP member and dine for free on your birthday and get all the benefits of being VIP member. See our website for further details

www.chtistakisgreektaverna.com

Greek Danci ng, Plate Smashing, B elly Dancing and DJ till 2a m EVERY WEEK END

Mediterranean Cuisine Mediterranean Cuisine Mediterranean Cuisine Mediterranean Salt House Tapas Hanover Street, Liverpool 1.

Call: 0151 706 0092 Visit: www.salthouse tapas.co.uk SALT House has only been open a few months, but there’s already an excited buzz about the place.

Its location helps – on a wide Hanover Street corner, where the Church of England Diocese of Liverpool was once housed.

And then there’s the reputation which went before it. Owner Patrick Smith has worked at five-star restaurants in Bermuda, Salt House’s Salt House Tapas Grenada, Russia Churros doughnuts Main tapas dishes and Switzerland with hot dipping so knows what it chocolate £4.55 are priced between £3.50, for fried potatoes takes to keep even with brava sauce, and the most exacting of £8.95 for seared scallops with customers satisfied. peas and crispy Serrano ham.

Head Chef Martin Renshaw Our favourites include pan whips up a tasty array of fried sea bass with samphire Mediterranean food at its mushrooms and shallots simple, beautiful best. (£5.90) and roasted butternut Billed as tapas “with an squash, goats curd, rocket and authentic twist”, the menu is spiced almond crumbs (£4.75). split into nibbly intros, breads, There’s also a great offer on charcuteria, tapas – fish, veggie at the moment – with three and meat – and salads.

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tapas plates from a selection and Libbys Sourdough bread for just £8.90. Be sure to sample the delicious Dry Pedro Jimenez (£3.75), or Marques calado (£4.70, for a 250ml glass, and £13.25 for a bottle).

Our tasters loved the hot, crispy and sweet morcels, and the deliciously indulgent dipping chocolate.

There’s also an excellent Christmas menu at £14.50 for lunch and £19.50 for dinner.

Lunya, 18–20 College Lane, Liverpool One, Liverpool, L1 3DS. Call: 0151 706 9770 Visit: www.lunya.co.uk LUNYA is another new addition to the Liverpool restaurant scene. Touted as the country's first 'Catalonian fusion deli and restaurant', it’s been busy from the outset.

Maybe it's the welter of Spanish footballers currently starring for Liverpool and Everton that has convinced the company to try out its seductive wiles on Merseyside.

The venue is ensconced in College Lane, at the top end of Liverpool One, away from the restaurants on the well-visited top terrace.

This converted 19th century warehouse triples as a deli, restaurant and bar, with a selection of a la carte and tapas food to choose from, or even small snacks to dabble with while enjoying a drink.

And it's the drink where Lunya really comes into its own. The lager brigade won't find a home here, but anyone

Sofrito may be new, but it’s already made a name for itself with its excellent menu Sofrito, 51/53 White Chapel, Liverpool, L1 6DT. Call: 0151 236 0411 Visit: www.sofritol1.co.uk

Lunya describes itself as the UK's first Catalonian fusion deli and restaurant with an appreciation of wine, or even a fine sherry, will fit right in.

From whites, to roses, reds, cavas, sherries and sweet dessert wines, there's pages and pages of choice. They're nearly all Spanish, which Lunya tells us, are rarely seen outside of Spain but offer customers real value for money.

The ground floor, located next to the deli, has a more functional rustic look, while the upper level is perhaps a more

comfortable place to sit and while away a few hours with a couple of bottles.

The walls show off the exposed brickwork with Catalan paintings and artwork supplied from colleges across Merseyside providing decoration. The restaurant may be new, but The People’s Favourite award at this year’s Liverpool Food and Drink Festival went to Lunya, so it seems it’s already made a name for themselves.

The menu has a decent selection of appetisers and starters including Tuscan meatballs, calamari and spicy fishcake – all WITH so many different priced at a reasonable restaurants to choose from £5.50 as well as these days it is often difficult Dolcelatte mushrooms to pick one that suits every (£4.94) and chicken palate and pocket. liver parfait (£4.95).

Sofrito, however, has Our tasters loved something for the shared everyone.

Mediterranean Being under boards – the banner of Italian, ‘Mediterranean Spanish Sofrito’s Moroccan and Greek cuisine’ means salmon with that they can and all couscous and take the best reasonably mango salsa from every type priced at (£12.95) of food around £9.95. the lovely, warm They came sea. back to the office The property the new raving about the lamb owners have taken over a kleftiko (£14.95) and pork former Indian restaurant, on fillet (£13.95) stuffed with Whitechapel, retaining the apricot and chilli, wrapped in restaurant’s airy, spacious Seranno ham and carved feel as well as putting their over mashed potato with a own personal touch on the mustard shallot cream place with cosy olive sauce. Delicious. coloured walls, black and Sofrito’s luxury dining white prints and large area decorative mirrors.

MUST TRY

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

Staff are enthusiastic without being overbearing and the menu is reasonably priced, with freshly prepared classic and contemporary Italian dishes featuring an excellent range of pizza, pasta, seafood and GUSTO Liverpool is situated at the gateway to meats.

The Albert Dock, overlooking the Tate Gallery The cocktail list is endless, and the and nestling in one of Europe’s finest Gusto Cherry Manhattan heritage sites. (£6.95), Woodford Reserve Its statement “Con Amici” table Bourbon, Cherry Marnier (roughly translated as “eating and a little Campari to with friends”), is perfect for round it all off, is a real l’s o o p r e large parties seating up to 40 highlight. usto Liv G y people (on just one table!)

Cherr an Dine in comfort tt making it the perfect location Manha £6.95 and style at il, for a celebration. cockta Gusto Liverpool A successful Italian chain it has a reputation for superb food in lovely surroundings.

Simply furnished in dark woods with subtle white globe lighting, the restaurant is designed to generate a buzz without feeling as if you’re crammed on top of adjoining tables.

David Sye, senior sous chef, makes divine tagliatelle arrabbiata, with tomato, chilli, STARTERS mozarrella and pepperoni and the warm Tomato and Borlotti beans soup scallop and pancetta salad with fresh avocado with mozzarella slivers (v) is always a popular choice.

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

MUST TRY

Gusto Liverpool Christmas Menu

Portobello mushroom, baked on puff pastry with creamed leeks (v)

marinated aubergine and white wine reduction Sirloin steak, shallot and pancetta confit and masala wine sauce Sweet red pepper, baby leek and Gorgonzola cannelloni, served on tomato fondue (v) PUDDINGS Florentine tart, traditional Christmas fruit tart with cherries, almonds, walnuts and pistachio ice cream

MAIN COURSES Supreme of organic salmon, roasted with oregano crumbs Tagliatelle arrabbiata, with tomato, chilli, mozarrella and pepperoni

Turkey escalope, wrapped with cured ham and sage served with

The Olive Press, 25-27 Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 4TA. Call: 0151 227 2242 Visit: www.heathcotes.co.uk/ olivepress OPENED in 2004 by celebrity chef Paul Heathcote this modern Italian is aimed at the lunch time business market and families with children rather than top end fine dining.

But that doesn’t mean any scrimping on quality or taste.

This is a fine Italian with delicious down-to-earth dishes such as pizza, pasta and grills.

The light décor is a smart combination of rustic Italian and modern style, much like the Olive Press’s menu. Fresh ingredients go into classic and innovative Italian dishes, like Olive Press lasagne, the fantastic burgers on focaccia, the stone-baked pizzas and the

Chocolate and raspberry torte with white chocolate sauce Cappuccino panna cotta with toffee fondant cream

£25.95 per person

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

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

Caramelised butternut squash salad special lobster dishes.

It’s very family friendly: children enjoy a healthy kids menu and can even make their own pizzas.

Moderate prices and a fun atmosphere make this a local favourite.

Paul Heathcote

CELEBRITY chef and food crusader Jamie Oliver has expanded his business empire with a new restaurant at Liverpool One. The 35-year-old, who was just a teenager when he shot to fame in the Naked Chef back in the late 1990s, opened his 11th Jamie’s Italian in Paradise Place in June, and it’s been popular ever since.

The restaurant focuses on rustic Italian food inspired by Jamie’s mentor Gennaro Contaldo – possibly better known as the holder of Saturday Kitchen’s omelette challenge. Jamie says: “When people eat at a Jamie’s Italian I want them to really get into

Jamie Oliver has brought his signature dishes to the city the food, maybe try something a £15.95 Fish in a Bag – a they wouldn’t normally try, but selection of sea bass, Cornish always be safe in the knowledge mussels and clams. that they’re eating good stuff, A good selection of wine is prepared with love. served by the bottle, glass, and “The Jamie’s Italian menu is 500ml carafe with the most driven by what you’d find expensive Billecart Salmon NV ordinary people eating in Italy.” Brut Rose Champagne coming Main courses range from a in at £65, if you’re feeling flush. £10.95 chicken caesar salad to Mamma mia...

Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuis Il Forno 132 Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 5AG. Call: 0151 709 4002 Visit: www.ilforno.co.uk

authentic Italian dishes.

Head chef Paolo Cillo makes yummy gamberoni all’aglio’ – tiger prawns pan fried 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 the tastes, smells and sounds of great cooking.

He was born in the picturesque town of Potenza, in southern Italy, where he discovered his love for Braciola Pizzaiola

cooking at the tender age of 11.

And, thanks to his culinary prowess, Il Forno was named one of the Top 10 UK authentic Italian restaurants by a top newspaper magazine and has also attracted rave reviews from, among others, Taste Italia magazine.

It has also received a gold award in recognition of its high standards by The Pizza, Pasta & Italian Food Association.

Il Forno is a favourite of celebrity diners including Jennifer Ellison, Dirk Kuyt, Henry Winkler and Marouane Fellaini, but the friendly staff give everyone the red carpet treatment.

They’re especially good with families, making even the littlest diners feel at home.

MAIN COURSES Petto di Tacchino Ripieno: Oven baked breast of turkey filled with pancetta, sage and garlic

Grilled beef fillet mignon served with brandy and mushroom sauce, roast potatoes, spinach and carrots (beef medium)

STARTERS Zuppa di Legumi Con Polpettine: A traditional soup

Lasagna Vegetariana (v): Oven baked layers of pasta with mushrooms, asparagus, carrots

Risotto with pumpkin served in a parmesan basket

Caprino alla Griglia Servito con Verdure Grigliate (v); Grilled goats cheese and vegetables

Grilled fillet of seabass served with lemon risotto

DUKE Street has undergone something of a revival in the last four years and Il Forno is a firm favourite among the new restaurants that have sprung up there.

A large, bustling Italian with a huge real flame pizza oven, it has become a hit with celebrities and Premiership footballers alike.

Not to mention visiting Italians who want a real taste of home.

Il Forno has won numerous awards including a Taste Liverpool Highest Quality Assured accreditation and a Made in the North West award for using and promoting locally sourced produce.

It has an extensive menu offering The Fat Italian is extremely popular with Crosby diners The Fat Italian, 60 Coronation Road, Crosby, L23 5RC. Call: 0151 924 8842

Despite the name above the door the dishes offer an unchallenging amble round all of the Med, from goat’s cheese salads and gambas pil pil to feta lamb, A POPULAR restaurant in Crosby mushroom stroganoff, fajitas and you do need to book to an impressive selection of guarantee a table, even mid steaks. Pizza and pasta week. include a tried and It’s not just the food tested selection of The Fat Italian’s that makes this one of favourites, like lasagne, Mediterranean the best eateries meatballs and Roast Dinner, £8.95. vegetarian cannelloni around but the But be warned, excellent, friendly (£4.95 a dish on Sunday when it’s gone before 6.30pm) and a service that has people it’s gone! coming back for more specials board changes again and again. daily.

Situated in a row of shops, The The Fat Italian’s charms are the Fat Italian makes the most of a freshness of its ingredients, a light small shop front space with a light hand on flavours and polished modern interior – cream and dark presentation and most of all a walls – clever use of mirrors and a welcome warm enough to rival small bar at the back. anything the Med could offer.

MUST TRY

Zeligs serves traditional favourites with a twist to ensure that everything tastes as Zeligs of Little Italy, authentic as possible.

Thomas Steers Way, As well as seating 250 in the Liverpool One. main restaurant, Zeligs has two Call: 0151 709 7097 private dining areas and one private Visit: www.zeligs.co.uk bar, which can be hired out for ZELIGS of Little Italy, situated at the functions, and business lunches. heart of Liverpool ONE, is the city’s The restaurant itself is available largest fresh food Italian restaurant for large-scale events, weddings serving delicious, authentic dishes and conferences and has already that celebrate traditional cuisine played host to aftershow parties, from all over the sun-kissed region. award ceremonies and product Drawing on the Mediterranean launches for some national brands. passion for flavour, substance, and The bar area, supervised by provenance, Zeligs sources its award-winning mixologist and bar produce from top quality suppliers. manager Nick Skillicorn, specialises The restaurant has an extensive in serving a wide-range of cocktails menu that includes an excellent including the house special selection of pizza, pasta, fish and Midnight Sun. meat including the signature 32oz From November 24 to Bistecca al Forno with grilled December 24, they will be serving Portobello mushrooms, plum a selection of delicious, Italiantomatoes and sautéed potatoes, inspired yuletide dishes including perfect for sharing. Zeligs’ the famed Italian Christmas trifle, comprehensive wine list captures Zuppa Inglese and the mulled the essence of the main wine Valpolcella wine with winter fruit. producing regions.

Christmas Dinner options Head Chef Lee Evans sources all include ham hock terrine with a Italian produce from pizza flour and warm Italian pickle and rustic bread olive oil to mozzarella and fresh along with goats cheese salad with pasta from an Italian food specialist figs, wild rocket and Serrano ham.

Il Forno’s Christmas Menu

Lasagna al Forno

Cannellone di Melanzana alla Messinese: Parcels of aubergine filled with swordfish

Home made ravioli filled with salmon, served with a dill sauce

Gamberoni Alla Mediterranea: King prawns with lemon zest

Home-made ferretti pasta served with wild boar and mushrooms

Tagliere Tradizionale: Italian cured meats and cheeses

Braised lamb shank served with a shallot and red wine sauce

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

DESSERTS Tortino Di Pandoro con Ricotta e Cioccolato Amaro: A classic pandoro filled with creamed ricotta cheese and chocolate Strudel di Mele con Gelato al Fior di Latte: Warm apple strudel with fior di latte ice cream Il Forno Gelati Misti: Il Forno homemade ice cream

£35 per person

sine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian Cuisine Italian

San Carlo is proving very popular San Carlo 41 Castle St, Liverpool L2 9SH. Call: 0151 236 0073 Visit: www.sancarlo .co.uk/liverpool

isn’t an independent restaurant.

The menu – or should I say menus – are extensive. With dozens of dishes to choose from, the main one feels like reading a Dickens novel. I’m sure I read Bleak SAN Carlo opened late last year and House in less time than it took to it’s already become a popular choice. get from the antipasto to pizza.

Walk past on a Friday or Saturday If that wasn’t enough, there is a night and it’s always bustling. separate specials menu boasting 20 The old bank building has been or so dishes, and another specials transformed – it’s now all white board on the wall, which space with red and black appeared to have yet furnishings, decorated with more choices. wine bottles.

Our testers The huge windows enjoyed the Pizza give it a light and airy Vegetariana (£8.95) San Carlo’s feel and the walls are and a San Carlo Pizza covered with Salad (£4.50), and the Vegetariana photographs, artwork Corvo Rosso (£15.95) £8.95 and mirrors. Only the is excellent for the tacky photo wall of celebrity price, with a dry, velvety diners lets it down, but it’s a feel and a lovely ruby red small quibble in the otherwise colour, with garnet red highlights at excellent decor. the edge.

Thankfully, it has managed to If you’re more of a lager lover, escape the worst ravages of being a there’s Peroni – including draught – chain restaurant – if you didn’t but make no mistake, this is a know about its sister restaurants in cocktail lounge style space for Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol ladies to natter and sip cocktails or and Leicester, you wouldn’t guess it a lovely big glass of Italian red wine.

MUST TRY

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 2110 Visit: www.theitalian clubliverpool.co.uk OPENED by the Crolla family, who also own deli The Italian Club, further along Bold Street, this restaurant combines proprietor Rosaria Crolla’s Italian heritage with her Scottish roots with a menu that twins high quality UK fish and chips with Italian-style shellfish, oysters and pasta dishes.

Like its sister venue it offers a cosy and relaxed environment with lovely beech-wood flooring, wooden furniture and walls decked with Italian scenes.

“I've found, personally, that it's quite hard to get good fish and chips in Liverpool, and there’s no fish restaurants,” she says.

“I wanted to take that ethos of the Italian Club and Italian cuisine to create something of a marriage between British fish and chips The Italian Club’s and Italian specialities.

Italian Club “It's very difficult to find a Sandwich, chicken, niche in the restaurant market pancetta, egg, because everything's been done. mayonnaise and “But this is fun fish, young food lettuce £5,50. and not pretentious at all.”

Rosario, whose family originates from the village of Picinisco, 90 miles south of Rome, moved to Liverpool from Glasgow to help her cousin set up the Il Forno restaurant, on Duke Street, before opening her own cafe with her partner and head chef Maurizio Pellegrini.

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

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

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

“He believed in keeping it simple, using the best ingredients, keeping it fresh and he believed in the family, and this is a combination of all those things.”

The Italian Club

MUST TRY

Fish and Chips, Oysters, Marinated Olives and Mussels

Piccolino is in the heart of Liverpool’s business quarter or a large party celebration.

Our tester loved the roast lamb rump, gnocchi, peas, broad beans & mint (£16.95), and said the antipasto misto (£13.95 to share) with cured ham and melon, olives RIGHT in the heart of the Liverpool and artichokes is a great way to business quarter, this is the sort of begin. restaurant where contacts are made The seafood risotto with king and deals are done. prawns, squid and mussels with But you don’t have to be saffron also makes a delicious having a working lunch to main course. Pasta options take advantage of this are plentiful with all the established restaurant, usual favourites and Piccolino’s Pizza part of a nationwide desserts include the Rustica, with roast chain, serving a delicious baked vanilla mediterranean wonderful cheesecake with citrus vegetables, goat’s combination of both blueberries. cheese, rocket and modern and classic Look out for a daily parmesan Italian dishes. specials menu designed £10.25 Stretching over two by new head chef floors and with its stylish Francesco Guarracino dark wood and plump red leather exclusive to Liverpool Piccolino seats, it works as both an ideal and a new menu del giorno which venue for an intimate meal for two is served from 12pm every day.

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

MUST TRY

Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian

Expect to see a host of excellent specials

The upstairs bar area The Gulshan, 544-548 Aigburth Road, Aigburth, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 427 2273 Visit: www.gulshan-liverpool.com TIME was, not all that long ago, when the only drink you’d order with a curry was a nice cold pint of lager.

But now, as we become more familiar with different types of wine, an increasing number of people are looking to drink it with all kinds of cuisine.

A big growth area is restaurants pairing fine wine with Indian and South

Asian cuisine.

The Gulshan has been teaming up with wine experts Vinea on the Albert Dock, so now its staff can tell you exactly which bottle will go with your bhuna. Any local curry aficionado worth his poppadums will have been to The Gulshan at some stage.

An award-winning restaurant and a popular out-of-town haunt with celebrities visiting here, this Indian establishment has built up quite a reputation.

Founded by Mustafa and Salina Rahman in 1986 it has won numerous

plaudits and has just been short listed at the Oscars of the Curry industry, The British Curry Awards 2009.

Recently, the Gulshan has undergone something of a transformation with the downstairs restaurant getting a stylish makeover, and there’s been a tapas and cocktail bar added upstairs too.

Expect to see many curry favourites on the menu but also a host of excellent chef specials and a good range of vegetarian options. It’s very good value with most mains between £7 to £10 although you are likely to up the bill with the tempting side dishes.

The Samrat 37 Renshaw Street, Liverpool city centre.

Call: 0151 702 9060 THE Samrat, next to the Barcelona Bar on Renshaw Street, pushes to stand out in a corner of the city packed with competition.

Besides the traditional fare, this curry house also specialises in south Indian cuisine, mostly from the Kerala region.

Staff recommend the Kashmiri rogan josh – a dish that is both tasty and pretty with its swirls of dark and light orange (£7.95).

The hyderabadi dum biryani is also popular – a lamb and rice dish with delicate spiced yoghurt (£9.95).

The Samrat’s The alcohol offering is chicken lollipop varied here and includes (£3.95), a spiced a pint of Cobra on chicken starter draught for £3 and bottles with tasty dips of wine from around £12.

The stylish dining area of the Gulshan in Aigburth

Red Fort, 15-21 Lark Lane, Aigburth, Liverpool.

Call: 0151 728 9728 Visit: www.redfort larklane.com

MUST TRY

The Samrat on Renshaw Street

Indian Restaurant Friendly atmosphere

Great food

RED Fort is the perfect place to enjoy an evening of good company and fine authentic Indian cuisine.

With an extensive selection of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes, every taste is catered for.

Indulge in the freshest ingredients, cooked to perfection by their experienced gourmet chefs.

Try their Red Fort Special (£11.95), it is packed with delicious tomatoes, fenugreek leaves and medium blend of spices and herbs cooked with Tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, lamb tikka and king prawn tikka.

Red Fort is an exotic hideaway from the world Based out of the city centre available. Old favourites were in the trendy Lark Lane, the there alongside some more restaurant provides an exotic unusual combinations and hideaway from the world and a listed next to the curries different environment to any of were less spicy options too, the other Liverpool to suit all palates and restaurants, but is also well preferences. situated to benefit from the So whether you're looking to buzz of the street. celebrate with friends and The first thing that family or book a romantic impressed our tester was, quite evening for two, look no simply, the extent of the dishes further than the Red Fort.

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR CHRISTMAS

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

Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian Cuisine Indian cuisine Passage To India 76 Bold St, Liverpool, L1 4HR Call: 0151 709 6441

The interior is very stylish with Villeroy & Boch glasses Mayur 130 Duke Street, Liverpool Call: 0151 709 9955 THERE’S tough gastro competition on Duke Street, but Mayur has earned its place among its rivals on Liverpool’s restaurant row.

The service is first class from the moment you walk through the double set of glass doors.

Courteous and attentive staff

usher you to your table and you never have to flag anyone down to get a top-up on your drink, your plates cleared or the bill.

The interior is very stylish with Villeroy & Boch glasses and snow-white tableware.

The decor has had no expense spared and the food more than lives up to the fabulous design.

Opened by a family of

doctors, the ethos is one of high-quality food served in a healthy way.

A large part of the menu focuses on cuisine using the Tandoor oven, where bread, fish, meat and game are all cooked in the authentic North West Indian style which is low in oils and fat.

There are also curries and creative chef’s specials.

LONDON and Manchester are two of our greatest rivals and sadly, when it comes to dedicated curry havens – they appear to have the upper hand.

But anyone drawn to east London’s Brick Lane recently will have endured an energetic turf war. Curry touts there are so eager to tempt you inside they will often cheekily shout excellent discounts – which fail to materialise on your bill.

Similarly Manchester’s Curry Mile – that gaudy strip crammed into Rusholme – is struggling to keep pace with its own success. A third of its restaurants now serve Middle Eastern cuisine and some jokingly call the street ‘kebab mile’.

Perhaps it’s time for Liverpool to step into the breach.

We may only have a handful of Indian restaurants in the Renshaw Street/Bold Street zone but they are all friendly, cosy and good value.

Passage to India can get busy at the weekends Passage to India has a lovely intimate feel and an extensive menu, which will satisfy most.

It is competitively priced and can get busy at the weekends with people popping in on their way to a night out in town, so get in early, or book your table if you are planning on taking a group.

The most popular dishes are

The Spice Lounge, Atlantic Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool city centre.

Call: 0151 707 2202 Visit: www.spicelounge .uk.com

the chicken tikka massala and lamb curry, but our testers suggest you ask the friendly staff for their recommendations – they can’t do enough to help, and are always keen to encourage customers to try something new.

And the name? it comes from EM Forster’s 1924 novel set in the last days of the Raj.

The Spice Lounge is set in the Albert Dock

THE city’s glorious Albert Dock is a lovely place to wine and dine and Spice Lounge is another excellent reason to visit.

You can feel owner Ali Noor’s passion in every corner.

You won’t find korma, tikka massala The Spice Lounge’s or madras on the murgh makhan menus here – instead £11.90 you will find an array of Spice Lounge’s dark carefully chosen dishes wood and rich crimson interior cooked in those all-important and yes, those are real goldfish charcoal-fired tandoori ovens. swimming beneath the glass For authenticity, Ali imports spices every two months direct tables in the waiting area.

Customers here pay a little from India, which he grinds and roasts every day. His four chefs more – think £3.50 for a poppadum – but keep going were also imported, direct back. You could try the tasty from the kitchens of the lamb jasalmare (£13.90) or the sub-continent, to cook over murgh makhan for £11.90. A authentic charcoal-fired pint of Kingfisher will cost you Tandoori ovens. £3.80 and wine starts around The interior of the Spice Lounge is utterly sumptuous. It £13 a bottle.

Sometimes in life you really was inspired by a 1938 temple do get what you pay for. just outside the city of Delhi.

MUST TRY

Mayur’s ultra stylish dining area

Chef Uday Seth with one of his tasty creations

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The Spice Lounge’s sumptuous interior

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Pan Asian & Chinese Pan Asian & Chinese Pan Asian & Chinese Pan Sapporo Teppanyaki 134 Duke Street, East Village, Liverpool, L1 5AG. Call: 0151 705 3005 Visit: www.sapporo.co.uk SINCE it opened in 2003 Sapporo Teppanyaki has been packing them in, guests enticed by exquisite cooking and a fantastic atmosphere. At Sapporo you don’t just get a meal, you get gastronomic theatre.

Although there are also plenty of sushi and noodle dishes on offer, the teppanyaki grill is what it’s all about here as chefs chop, fry and juggle your food on the flaming hot-plate right before your eyes.

If you do want sushi they have it all from beginner dishes like Nigiri sushi – a finger of rice topped with fish or seafood and served with radish, pickled ginger and wasabi – to more elaborate concoctions including the aptly titled Liverpool Roll: thin slices of smoked salmon with cream cheese and rice rolled in flying fish roe.

If you do fancy trying

the teppanyaki experience – where diners sit in large groups around the grill – the easiest way to do it is with one of their set combinations.

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

If you really feel like going wild try the Emperor at £40 for a minimum of six people.

The best of the menu you get everything in the Ninja banquet plus smoked chicken rolls, barbecue spare ribs, duck roll, chicken with asparagus, lobster tail, scallops with ginger and sesame and jumbo prawns.

Sapporo Teppanyaki stylish interior

New China Restaurant is already proving very popular New China Restaurant Some of the UK’s top Chinese 27 – 35 Berry Street, chefs are employed to prepare the Liverpool, L1 9DF dishes in New China Restaurant, Call: 0151 708 5999. using rare authentic ingredients.

Email: NEWCHINAL1@ The menu lists specialities from hotmail.com many different Chinese cuisines, including Cantonese, dim sums, NEW China may have only been Sichuan and Northern Chinese open a few weeks, but the Berry cooking.

Street eaterie is already proving There are also deluxe karaoke popular. rooms with superior audiovisual Opened by Dong Yang, a London facilities and all the latest songs, restaurateur, following an extensive so it’s the perfect place for an refurbishment, it offers authentic office Christmas party to really go cuisine at reasonable prices. with a swing.

Matou’s stunning location at the city’s Pier Head Matou Pan Asian Restaurant, 2nd Floor, Mersey Ferry Terminal Building, Georges Parade, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1BY. Call: 0151 236 2928 Visit: www.matou.co.uk WHO could have guessed that going for dinner at the ferry terminal would be such a stylish affair?

Since it opened in March this year in new Mersey ferry Terminal Building, Matou has become a destination dining experience.

It’s not hard to see why – it has one of the best views in the city and its Pan-Asian menu is hard to beat.

The restaurant is a sizeable space featuring lots of dark wood, white walls, and fabulous flower arrangements in bright bursts of colour.

Matou’s location means diners have The river side of the venue is one big stunning views across the Mersey wall of glass allowing you to gaze out to Wirral as you enjoy your pad thai. chargrilled fillet steak with shredded The other side of the restaurant – onions and black pepper sauce (£16.95). which looks out onto the Liver Building Sweet tooths will adore the chocolate – is home to Matou’s cocktail bar and spring rolls (£5.95), yummy deep fried features the sort of terrace you spring rolls layered with regularly find in Mediterranean chocolate and a dollop of ice restaurants but rarely see in cream. Naughty but very nice. the UK. Overall, it’s a real treat – Prices are reasonable with Matou’s salt and good food, attentive starters between £5 and pepper ribs (£6.95) service and the ever £10, and mains from £8.95 and Pad Thai changing vista of the Mersey to £21.95. (£8.95). to watch while you enjoy Our testers adored the your meal. Talk about a room crispy fragrant duck (£7.95). with a view...

For a main course, try the Thai green curry (£8.95), steamed seabass In the summer months, there is with ginger and spring onion (£14.95), even a roof terrace for al fresco or, if you’re feeling really hungry the dining

MUST TRY

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

The Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, Liverpool One Chaophraya, Liverpool One, 5/6 Kenyon's Steps Call: 0151 707 6323 ARGUABLY the most popular restaurant to emerge from Liverpool One, Chaophraya has a commanding location perched on the top deck with views of the Albert Dock.

It’s a huge, stunning-looking restaurant with an equally impressive and glamorous sister bar next door, Palm Sugar Lounge – where Kim Catrall hosted her aftershow party for Antony and Cleopatra this month.

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

MUST TRY

City Rendezvous Columbus Quay, Riverside Drive, Liverpool, L3 4DB. Call: 0151 726 8191 IF you want spectacular views and fantastic food, then look no further than City Rendezvous.

Way on down the dock road, at Columbus quay, this popular Chinese restaurant boasts amongst its customers Paul McCartney and Cherie Blair, both looking for somewhere off the beaten track to enjoy.

Formerly the Chung Ku, the restaurant is stunning. It boasts 270 degree views of the river, which feels so close you could easily be at the helm of a giant liner.

The menu is equally impressive, with pages of delicious dishes to choose from. The wonton soup (£3.50) is a real highlight, as are the deep fried vegetarian spring rolls (£3.30). For mains, try beef with cashew nuts (£8.70) or the stir-fried bean curd and mange tout (£7.50). Plus, there’s an entire gluten-free menu, to cater for all dietary requirements.

City Rendezvous’s sui mai, £3.50 and sliced beef with cashew nuts, £8.70

City Rendezvous offers spectacular views and fantastic food

City Rendesvous Christmas Menu

STARTERS Turkey and Sweetcorn Soup Special Dim Sum Platter Steamed Sui Mai Skewered Spicy Beef Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs Deep Fried Spring Rolls Crispy Wonton Crispy Seaweed MAIN COURSES Fillet Steak with Cashew Nuts in Barbecued Sauce Sweet and Sour Pork Char Sui Fried Rice For Three Persons or More

Sliced Chicken in Szechuan Sauce For Four Persons or More Mixed Vegetables in Satay Sauce For Five Persons or More Slice Lamb in Black Pepper Sauce For Six Person or More Shredded Pork with Spicy Sauce PUDDINGS Fresh Fruit

Special Christmas Banquet A £21 per person (minimum 2 persons)

Etsu, 25 The Strand, Liverpool, L2 0XJ. Call: 0151 236 7530 Visit: www.etsurestaurant.co.uk ETSU may be tucked away in a somewhat quiet corner of Liverpool city centre but it is definitely worth seeking out.

Opened in late 2007 it is the baby of two Japanese chefs with over 40 years Japanese culinary experience between them who wanted to offer authentic Japanese food in a cosy and relaxed environment.

And with just enough room for 46 diners it is certain that. Our reviewer described the white and polished wood restaurant as “minimalist with a heart” and it is certainly stylish.

If you are looking for an introduction to Japanese food this is a good place to start as it offers the full range from sushi and sashimi to steak and chicken dishes via tempura and noodles and they do bento boxes available at lunchtimes.

If you are feeling really adventurous you could even try the unagi don – that’s grilled eel to you Head Chef at Etsu Japanese Restaurant Tatsuya Ueda and me...

£50 Reward voucher for Christmas Party Bookings Bookings now being taken!

Call 0151 705 3005 for further details www.sapporo.co.uk

you will need to book in advance to secure a table.

Chaophraya (pronounced Chow-Pie-A) takes its name from the main waterway that runs through the central region of Thailand and is regarded as the lifeblood of the Thai people.

Huge chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the kitchen is downstairs in view of diners so you can watch the chefs cooking.

From tender lamb chops with mango and stir-fried rock lobster with black pepper sauce to the more conventional creamy Paneang curry, Chaophraya offers a huge selection to suit all tastes and pockets.

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.

The Americas The Americas The Americas The Americas The Americas What’s Cooking?, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD Call: 0151 707 2023 Email: :liverpool@ whats-cooking.co.uk HEAD to this Albert Dock favourite for its burgers, steaks and ribs, and you'll also find a great selection of popular dishes from around the world.

While What's Cooking? Is undoubtedly family-friendly – and proud of it – it's not too boisterous for adult or business dining. It's all about choice.

The restaurant overlooks the famous Three Graces on the Liverpool waterfront, with spectacular dock views from the comfort of your table.

It also provides a handy stopping-off point before trips to the adjacent ECHO Arena, providing a range of speedy, pre-show offers.

A secluded courtyard at the back of the restaurant overlooks the Mersey waterfront, offering one of the city's most picturesque dining spots.

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

What’s Cooking at the Albert Dock restaurant and bar, including 1980, plus 80s music, quizzes, free wine Wednesday – buy a prizes and a live DJ to get the glass of wine and they'll top it retro party in the groove and, up for free while you dine. best of all, you only pay the 80s Monday night is 80s night, prices, with huge half pounder with an original menu from burgers for £5.50.

Noble House occupies the Grade II-listed Heywood building

Alma de Cuba St Peter’s Church, Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4BH. Call: 0151 702 7394. Visit: Visit: www.alma-decuba.com HOUSED in the former Catholic Church of St Peter’s Alma de Cuba is a fantastic venue.

The church has been converted magnificently and retains the grand altar and religious iconography and while the downstairs is given over to the lengthy bar, the restaurant sits upstairs on the mezzanine.

A favourite hangout for the city’s glitterati the cuisine is an eclectic mix of Hispanic, Caribbean and South American flavours.

Starters include duck confit spring rolls with black plum, tomato and chilli jam and grilled sardines with wild rocket and are priced from £4.50 to £9.95 for a sharing platter.

Among the delicious main courses you will find jerk chicken with coconut rice and peas, scallions and pea gravy and honey and three pepper baby-back ribs.

Noble House Heywood Building, 5 Brunswick Street, Liverpool, L2 OUU Call: 0151 236 5346 Visit: www.thenoble house.co.uk/

Chef Jamie Robertson at Alma de Cuba Mains range in price from from the Sugababes, the £9.95 to £17.95.

Hollyoaks girls, Natasha It’s a real celeb favourite – in Hamilton and even Kid Rock, between courses, keep your who popped in when he was in eyes peeled for Heidi Range town.

Open: MON-SAT 5pm-10.30pm SUN 12 noon-9pm

and a mix of dark wooden tables and stylish private booths with red leather seats in the Noble House’s blue swimming crab, main restaurant area. It oozes taste clam and sweetcorn chowder and understated £6.95 OPENED in December elegance. last year, Noble House Named after the so occupies the Grade called ‘Noble’ experiment II-listed Heywood building, of banning alcohol across formerly a private bank, in America in the 1920s, the Brunswick menu and Street. website It’s got describe its stiff style as “a compefusing of a tition 1920s from the speakeasy already with a chic well downtown established Manhattan swish restaurant”.

Restaurant Crab, Clam and The Sweetcorn Chowder Bar and Noble Grill but House its owners have a good serves breakfast, track record, having taken sandwiches over the very successful and burgers during the day Alma de Cuba in Seel and in the evening has a Street three years ago. mix of international Soft herbed goats cheese with vine The venue is a large, dishes on offer tomatoes, roast piquillo cream and open plan room with a concentrating on good wild rocket long bar area at one side quality steaks and fish.

MUST TRY

EARLY BIRD MENU 2 Courses only

£12.95 Monda

y and Tuesday All Night Wed-Fri 5pm-7pm; Sun 12-6pm Some

dates still available to Christmas and New Year!

Private Parties & Functions are welcome

www.laparrillarestaurant.co.uk Tel: 0151 949 0310 36 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 5PQ

The Americas The Americas The Americas The Americas The Americas PanAm, The Albert Dock Liverpool, L3 4AE. Call: 0151 702 5840 Visit: www.panam-venue.co.uk THE PanAm is a mixture of traditional and contemporary fare, with a variety of modern British and European influences, offering a choice of simple drinks, a bistro menu, an extensive à la carte menu or a pre-concert menu.

The PanAm on a crisp wintry day is a fabulous location, especially for lunch or an early dinner, when blue sky canopies the waterfront to picture postcard perfection.

Ask for an upstairs table so you can look out over the dock as you browse the menu, which is divided into hot and cold sandwiches, salads, bistro mains, sides and desserts.

Offering regional American cuisine with the panache of a Parisian bistro and an array of global cocktails and drinks, it’s a real treat.

STARTERS Guests can expect a diverse Pumpkin & thyme soup [v] entertainment offering; those opting for a more relaxing Goose & duck liver pate and evening can chill out Clementine chutney in one of the intimate booths.

Mushroom and chestnut risotto Or, bring your PanAm’s ‘Philly dancing shoes melt’, 4 oz rump Cured salmon, sweet citrus and have fun to steak, melted jack asparagus, dill hollandaise, some of the cheese, regular live music mushrooms, MAIN COURSES on offer. onions £8.95 Welsh fillet steak, bacon and leek Plus, if you go rosti, garlic creamed wild before or after an ECHO mushrooms, butter glazed baby arena show, they'll give you 20% off vegetables your bill. All you need to do is show your ticket.

PanAm’s Christmas Menu

MUST TRY

Oven roasted turkey breast, winter vegetables, roasted potatoes, Monkfish tail (wrapped in Parma ham), wilted greens, roasted cherry tomatoes, braised fondant potato Tortellini Prima Vera [v], peas, carrots, artichokes, courgettes, parsley cream & cheese, parmesan PUDDINGS Traditional Christmas pudding, Apple & blackberry pie, plain Cheese board

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

La Parrilla 36 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 5PQ Call: 0151 949 0310 Visit: www.laparrilla restaurant.co.uk THEY say the best way to taste a country’s culture is to taste its traditional dishes. And you can do that even without visiting La Parrilla’s Mexico at La Banoffee Cream Parrilla restaurant Tarte, with fresh La Parrilla is always popular in Waterloo. bananas and vanilla Relaxed and pods, covered in spices and herbs and wrapped chicken or veg friendly, it’s always fresh cream £4.50 chilli. Topped with in a flour tortilla. They’re then popular, so book your deep fried and served with melted cheese, table early. salsa and bbq sauce for dipping. jalapenos, salsa, It’s hard to beat the La Don’t forget your side guacamole & sour cream, it’s a Parrilla nachos (£6.95), a orders too – their spicy wedges meal in itself. moreish mountain of crunchy (£1.95) are delicious.

The Taquitos (£4.95) were a tortilla chips stacked on refried real hit too. Choose from The Banoffee Cream Tarte is beans and smothered with a heaven itself, or try the sticky tender strips of chicken or generous helping of your toffee pudding (£3.95). vegetables, covered in fresh choice of beef chilli, spicy

MUST TRY

The PanAm is a very popular venue Valparaiso, 4 Hardman Street, Liverpool, L1 9AX. Call: 0151 708 6036 THIS month wine merchants noted a sharp upturn in the amount of Chilean reds they were selling. It was seen by many as a gesture of support to the freed miners, or maybe we just can’t get enough of big juicy red wines as soon as the cold weather begins.

Either way, it would be interesting to see what effect it had had on Liverpool’s only Chilean restaurant, which was opened in 1985 by Chilean consul Julio Arellano and is a romantic little place in the heart of busy Hardman Street.

The menu changes often but is packed with traditional Chilean dishes including spicy and hearty stews and pastel del choclo – a typical Chilean dish

Regulars love Valparaiso’s cosy feel and delicious food of minced beef topped with minced sweetcorn.

And while the paella can take up to 40 minutes to arrive it is well worth the wait.

Owner Julio is so attentive to detail that he not only makes

his own chorizo sausages and tortillas but has been known to serve customers the dishes he cooks for his own family.

Expect star treatment, and delicious food.

Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Over the water, Wirral has a thriving restaurant and bar scene.

Everywhere you go, it seems there’s great food just around the corner, which is one of the reasons why they decided to make this Wirral’s year of food and drink.

Here are some of our favourites...

Aiden Byrne at the Hillbark, in Royden Park opened this summer Aiden Byrne at Hillbark, Royden Park, Frankby, CH48 1NP. Call: 0151 625 2400 Email: Inquiries@hillbarkhotel.co.uk

BE ST BA R

M ER SE YS ID E’ S

CELEBRITY chefs are 10 a penny these days. It seems everyone who's ever donned an apron is claiming A list status.

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

This summer he opened his fine dining restaurant, Aiden Byrne at the Hillbark, in Royden Park.

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

“It’s the most beautiful location, and we’ve got a great team of people, so I’m really excited about it.”

Aiden is working between two kitchens, doing weekdays at the Hillbark and weekends at his other restaurant in Lymm.

“The Hillbark has a great wedding business at the weekends, and that takes up their restaurant space, so it made sense for me to do fine dining Monday to Friday, and go back to the Church Green at the weekends.

“While I’m away from Lymm, my wife Sarah and my brother Louis are running the place. Louis is a great chef, and my wife runs it better than I do, so they’re in good hands.”

Despite the starry name above the door there’s a surprisingly good range of prices.

There's the top end – and belt busting – nine course taster menu at £85 a head, and then there's the Grill Room menu, which offers two courses from £18 a head. That's celebrity chef food in breathtaking surroundings at gastropub prices.

Aiden at the Hillbark and, inset, serving up some fabulous cuisine

email info@the-wro.co.uk telephone 0151 625 2010 The Wro | Northwest House | Grange Road | West Kirby | Wirral CH48 4DY www.the-wro.co.uk

Marc Wilkinson’s Fraiche is Merseyside’s first Michelin starred restaurant Fraiche, 11 Rose Mount, Prenton.

Call: 0151-652 2914 Visit: www.restaurant fraiche.com THEY say good things come in small packages, and Fraiche in Oxton certainly proves that.

The seven seat restaurant has a much deserved Michelin star, and was tipped as number 20 in the best restaurants in the country by the Which Good Food Guide 2010.

Chef Marc Wilkinson was 15 when he got a job in a hotel kitchen to help buy himself a mountain bike and the rest is history.

He recalls: “I didn’t have a clue. I’d never seen half the ingredients, let alone eaten them. I had no idea what scampi was and fillet steak was a mystery.

“One day the chef offered me a meal in the restaurant to try what I’d been making. That was the beginning for me. I knew then that I wanted to be a chef.”

For the next 20 years he worked his way up in the restaurant world with stints at

Roast cod fillet with sea urchin salad the Michelin-starred Winteringham Fields, then Midsummer House in Cambridge before working in Canada.

The Michelin guide says it is a “smart, intimate restaurant enhanced by modern artwork and coloured glassware” and praises the chef’s “innovative flavour combinations and eye-catching presentation”.

It’s wonderfully intimate – almost like eating in someone’s living room, albeit a sophisticated one with discreet lighting, trendy glass wall hangings and cream carpets throughout.

It may be a little on the

West Kirby’s most sophisticated place

With live music every

to see and be seen while you chill out

Tuesday and Thursday

with friends, family and colleagues

and a party vibe every

● Acclaimed Breakfasts

evening at both venues,

● Light Lunches you’ll love!

there has never been a

● Afternoon Tea in the Orangery

better time to sample the

● Casual Dining at its very best!

delights of Merseyside’s

● Premium Beers & Fabulous Fizz

Best Bar 2010!

Marc takes some time out petite to cater for a large Christmas party, but book now for a treat in a temple to food – where the passion oozes from every plate.

It’s official - we Merseysid are e’s

Best Bar

We are now taking bookings for the Christmas period Bar

Loft

Lounge

Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral

Chef Piero Di Bella, Dawn Di Bella and Alan Di Bella at Da Piero in Irby Da Piero, 5 Mill Hill Road, Irby, Wirral.

Call: 0151 648 7373 Visit: www.dapiero.co.uk DA PIERO, a fantastic Italian restaurant in Irby, is one of the brightest stars of the Merseyside restaurant scene.

Beloved of Which Good Food (this year they were tipped for a second year by the guide, last year they were recognised as the best new entry in the whole country), this superb 14-seat restaurant has also been mentioned in the latest Michelin guide.

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

“We have very loyal customers, the restaurant feels like an extension to our family, and that is blessing enough. But to have this kind of recognition, 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 was advisable, but now it is essential.” She leafs through her reservations book.

“Weekends are busy, but if people are flexible about times and days we can usually work something out.”

But between new customers from the guide and their loyal regulars, the restaurant is busier than ever, during what is often a quiet time for the catering industry. So what is Da Piero’s secret?

“For me, it’s all about simplicity,” explains Piero. “But simplicity doesn’t mean easy. It means having respect for flavour and not throwing everything in together.

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

Da Piero is a real treat – but make sure you book well in advance, as their reputation proceeds them.

Peninsula Dining Room, 3 Grosvenor Road, New Brighton, Wirral, Call: 0151 639 8338 Visit: www.peninsula-dining-room.co.uk PENINSULA Dining Room in New Brighton is a recent addition to the Wirral food scene, but it’s already marked itself out as one to watch.

It’s listed in this year’s Good Food Guide, and Ross Grey won this year’s vegetarian chef of the year competition, although his meat dishes are top notch too.

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

It serves a modern British menu with a Chef Ross Gray from the Peninsula Dining Mediterranean twist, and the staff take a real Room pride in making every guest feel at home.

Peninsula Christmas Menu

STARTERS Leek and potato soup – caramelised onion crème fraiche.

Game terrine – pear, ginger and orange relish- bitter leaves Prawn cocktail – rocket leaves, julienne of apple Air dried ham spiced plums, raisin and apple jelly.

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

DA PIERO, is one of the brightest stars of the Merseyside restaurant scene

Roasted sirloin of beef – port, rosemary and shallot jus daupinoise potatoes

Germany's Christmas Markets 2 December 2010

Christmas Markets

The Festive Fête dé Noué December 2010

from

Bookings: www.newmarket.travel/lpe15070

For further info and a FREE brochure

Call: 0151 227 5987

£145 for 4 .00 days

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.

from

Bookings: www.newmarket.travel/lpe15760

£279

for 4 .00 days For further info and a FREE brochure

Call: 0151 227 5987

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: NEWMARKET AIR HOLIDAYS LTD. ABTA V7812. ATOL 2325. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.

MPH

featuring Top Gear Live at Earls Court, London Departing 6 November 2010 For further information and a FREE brochure call:

0151 227 5987

Butternut squash, aubergine and courgette smoked paprika infused tomato ragu Braised lamb shoulder: carrot, parsnip and potato mash winter greens PUDDINGS Sticky toffee pudding: butterscotch sauce vanilla pod ice cream “Winter Mess”: whipped cream, crushed meringue winter berries Crème brulee Peanut butter cheesecake: oreo cookie base winter fruit compote

3 courses for £22.50 Served: December 7 to 23

readertravelholidays.com

readertravelholidays.com

Jersey

Pan fried seabass: sweet potato puree sweet and sour onions

fro £149 m .95 for 2 pp days

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: OMEGA HOLIDAYS. ABTA V4782.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

New Year in the Black Forest 29 December 2010

from

Bookings: www.newmarket.travel/lpe11380

£279

for 5 .00 days For further info and a FREE brochure

Call: 0151 227 5987

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES WITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.

Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral

The RiverHill Hotel’s owner Nick Burn The RiverHill Hotel & Restaurant Talbot Road, Oxton, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH43 2HJ Call: 0151 653 3773 Email: reception@theriverhill.co.uk DINING at the RiverHill Hotel and Restaurant, Oxton, promises to be a memorable occasion whether you visit with family, friends or business clients.

They offer friendly service, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a meal with loved ones.

An excellent choice of à la carte and table d’hôte menus is available, complemented by a good quality wine list.

Our tasters loved the intriguingly titled king prawn Oscar Wilde, enveloped in a mild curry sauce with mixed peppers and a timbale of rice.

Diners can relax before their meal with an aperitif in the cocktail bar and enjoy coffee afterwards in the comfort of the RiverHill lounge.

The RiverHill, on Talbot Road, is privately owned by Nick Burn, who also owns the Grove House Hotel and Oak Tree Restaurant on Grove Road, Wallasey.

The RiverHill, situated in its own grounds in a quiet residential area of Oxton, is conveniently located for public transport and is just five minutes from Birkenhead Tunnel and the major motorway network.

The restaurant can cater for up to 75 with an extensive selection of menus and facilities to suit all.

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

Gusto Heswall 146-148 Telegraph Rd, Heswall, Wirral, CH60 0AH Call: 0151 348 4538 Visit: www.gusto restaurants.uk.com GUSTO Heswall is situated on the main street of the busy, bustling "top" village, sitting along side a wide variety of shops and just a short stroll from the quieter and quaint lower village.

The restaurant and bar has a fabulous terrace on which to dine or simply sip a chilled beer to end the day, whilst the interior is super-chic, influenced by the glamour of 1950s New York and features romantic booths, exposed brick walls, old Herb crusted hake with black and white sundried tomato Hollywood-style photos and cream tagliatelle leather chairs.

There are even one...

200 year old olive trees Frequented by Wirral's local growing through the centre of fashionistas and discerning the restaurant – a perfect diners, favourite dishes at talking point if ever there was Gusto include hake with herb

Red Door Neighbourhood Bar and Kitchen, Grange Road, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 4DY. Call: 0151 929 6380 Visit: www.reddoor.uk.com RED Door neighbourhood bar and kitchen only opened in April this year, but it’s already a firm favourite with Wirral diners.

The former funeral Parlour on Grange Road was bought by entrepreneurs Tim Bacon and David Hinds in 2009 and has Red Door’s been transformed into a stylish Toblerone Tumbler bar in an eclectic hybrid of a cocktail traditional pub, which meets cool classic New York loft style.

An extensive wine and cocktail menu, is complemented by a food menu which has been designed for sharing.

STARTERS Try their Toblerone Tumbler, a Tomato and Basil Soup heady mix of Frangelico hazelnut Cajun salmon and prawn skewer liquor, brown cacao milk and cream Italian meatballs in red wine and tomato sauce shaken together. It tastes exactly like a Toblerone Chocolate bar, garnished MAINS with a cheeky chunk of the chocolate Grilled Seabass with coriander rice and tomato bar it’s named after.

10 oz Rib Eye served with fries and tomato A selection of small plates served ( £2.00 supplement) tapas style runs alongside top quality Roast turkey breast with all the trimmings burgers and sandwiches. Head chef Mark Johnson makes divine Calamari, DESSERTS and his fillet steak with tomato, fries Sticky Toffee pudding and a garlic butter sauce has already Vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and toasted almonds proved popular.

The chilled vibe from this cool neighbourhood bar and kitchen should be a welcome addition to the seaside town of West Kirby.

MUST TRY

Gusto’s interior is influenced by the glamour of 1950s New York crust on sundried tagliatelle and warm scallop and pancetta salad with fresh avocado.

Staff are enthusiastic without being overbearing and the menu is reasonably priced with most pasta under £10, starters £3.50-£7.95, main around £12 plus and puddings around £5.

There’s also a children’s menu, and the staff are excellent with little diners.

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

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

RiverHill The

HOTEL & RESTAURANT, OXTON

£19.95 per person

The very best Sunday lunch and dinner menu 3 course menu for only £16.95 Wedding Birthday parties Anniversaries & private parties

A choice from 10 starters and 10 main courses Including fresh vegetables and bread selection 19 Talbot Road, Oxton, Birkenhead

Red Door’s Christmas Menu

Taking Christmas lunch / dinner bookings now

Tel: 0151 653 3773

www.theriverhill.co.uk

Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Wirral Cromwell’s, 265-267 Wallasey Village, Wallasey.

Call: 0151 223 0011 Visit: www.cromwells restaurant.co.uk Twitter: @cromwellswirral KAY Featherstone and Kate Allinson made their name running Cromwells in Irby, but the restaurant proved to be so successful, they had to move to new larger premises in Wallasey this autumn.

“We’ve more than doubled our covers,” says Kay, who looks after front of house. “We loved being in Irby, but the restaurant just wasn’t big enough. We were having to turn customers down, so eventually we made the decision to move.

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

Business is already booming. Kate opened Cromwell's 10 years ago, now she and Kay are booked up most nights, even in the new bigger restaurant, so make sure 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 for everyone who books through Twitter, and that’s been really popular. Twitter has made a huge difference to our business, with people following us along every step of the new restaurant.”

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

“We’re right near the train station here, so if people can show their train tickets to us, we’ll give them a free glass of wine. It’s reassuring for us to know that they’re not getting into the car at the end of the night, plus it encourages people to help the environment.”

Grove House Hotel and Restaurant, Grove Road, Wallasey, Wirral, CH45 3HF Call: 0151 639 3947 Visit: www.thegrove house.co.uk WALLASEY’S Grove House Hotel and Oak Tree Restaurant on Grove Road has all the

Cromwell’s Christmas Menu

STARTERS Soup of the day with our own freshly baked artisan bread Fantail of melon with raspberry coulis Tomato, red onion & basil bruschetta MAIN COURSES Traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings.

Homemade salmon and broccoli fishcakes.

Leek, mushroom & blacksticks blue crumble.

Braised steak with red wine and shallot sauce DESSERTS Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Individual homemade mixed fruit pavlova.

Coffee and mince pies

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

ingredients to create a perfect Christmas treat.

The eaterie, named by the AA Guide as one of Britain’s best hotel and restaurants, has organised a variety of Christmas and New Year events, plus a stunning lunch and dinner festive menu with a choice of 10 starters and 10 main meals, including fresh

Grove House Hotel’s restaurant has been refurbished

Before 7pm: 2 courses £12.95 After 7pm: 2 courses £13.95 3 courses £15.95 Menu runs November 27 until December 24. Christmas menu is available Tues – Sat during this period for lunchtime and evening.

turkey.

The menu’s highlights include roasted tomato and butternut squash soup, tian of prawn and crab, mushroom and stilton pot, and red onion and mozzarella tart for starters.

For main meals guests can enjoy food including rump steak Diane, game pie, roast Cheshire turkey and poached salmon and king prawns.

The restaurant has been recently been refurbished with new decor and a cocktail bar.

Nick Burn has been owner of the restaurant for 21 years.

He said: “We are a very successful small privately-run hotel and restaurant.

“As well as a delicious Christmas menu, we’re offering the best in office Christmas parties, with special rates available for guests requiring overnight accommodation.”

Home Woodside Ferry Terminal, Birkenhead, CH41 6DU Call: 0151 330 1475 FROM the team behind Home in Oxton Village, Home is part restaurant, part cafe.

Set in the pretty tea rooms of the original ferry terminal, it’s light and bright and offers great views over the river to the Three Graces, the Albert Dock and the ECHO Arena.

On a bright day, savour the sunshine on their stunning Home offers great views over the Mersey roof terrace, or if salmon eggs dishes to suit. there’s a chill in the benedict to lunch The portions are on the air enjoy a cosy favourites generous side and the side winter meal from Home’s haloumi haloumi cheese dishes delicious, so if you’re the comfortable and black olive and black olive planning a trip for lunch it seating inside, gazing tapenade sandwich tapenade might be an idea to skip through the huge £5.50 sandwiches. There breakfast. windows. are good vegetarian And for maximum day out The service is great, options, and they’re potential, take a trip on the and food ranges from happy to chop and change ferry while you’re there. breakfast dishes like smoked

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THE VERY BEST IN CHRISTMAS LUNCH AND DINNER

THE VERY BEST A LA CARTE AND SET MENUS

In the Restaurant a Christmas 4 Course Meal including coffee and mince pies Christmas Lunch Friday 3rd Dec to Fri 24th Dec £22.95

Early 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 Dinner from 3rd to 24th December Fridays & Saturdays £27.95 Mondays - Thursday £24.95

Grove Road, Wallasey CH45 3HF

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West Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire West AWAY from the city centre, Merseyside is packed with great bars, restaurants, music venues and clubs. West Lancashire has a thriving restaurant scene. We can’t hope to feature them all here, but here’s a little flavour of some that you might not have tried.

Michael’s, 47 Liverpool Road, Birkdale Village.

Call: 01704 550886 Visit: www.michaels birkdale.co.uk A COSY candlelit restaurant in the heart of Birkdale Village, Michael's is the work of chef patron Michael Wichmann.

The Good Food Guide, this year praised its “Gently upbeat cooking”, while it was singled out for its outstanding food and friendly service in the prestigious Harden's Restaurant Guide.

The restaurant is earthy, rustic and welcoming while the

menu is a mix of international cuisines.

The a la carte menu changes regularly reflecting the seasons and produce availability.

Typical starters – priced from £4.30-£7.50 – include Loch fyne smoked salmon, potato pancake and warm English

asparagus with hollandaise and poached free range egg. Mains include wild sea bass fillet marinated with watercress pesto and Goosnargh duck three ways – priced from £10.50 to £21 for an 8oz Aberdeen Angus fillet steak.

Marco Pierre White outside The Swan Inn, Aughton The Swan Inn, Springfield Rd, Aughton, Ormskirk.

Call: 01695 421450 Email: info@mpwtheswan.co.uk

V Cafe at The Vincent Hotel, Southport The Vincent, dishes. There’s even a Slim 98 Lord Street, Southport.

Gourmet menu for the Call: 01704 883800 weight-conscious fashion crowd.

Visit: www.thevincenthotel.com After 6pm, the V-Cafe & Sushi Bar turns into an evening venue, SINCE it opened its doors in June with candles, dimmed lights, great 2008 The Vincent has become the music, cool atmosphere and an place to be seen in Southport. internationally-inspired menu. You Situated on fashionable Lord can even dine al fresco in the Street, it boasts a luxurious outdoor seating area overlooking contemporary decor. buzzing Lord Street.

The V Cafe & Sushi Bar Bar sells It has become a regular haunt delicious Japanese dishes and offers for the rich and famous, including a range of gourmet sandwiches, stars from Coronation Street, omelettes and salads as well as Hollyoaks and Premiership more substantial fish and meat footballers.

readertravelholidays.com

readertravelholidays.com

Grassington

Durham

Christmas Festival & York Departing 4 December 2010 For further information and a FREE brochure call:

0151 227 5987

HELL’S Kitchen has come to Aughton in the shape of The Swan Inn. Marco Pierre White launched his gastro pub earlier this year, and it’s been a real hit. The decor is town meets country, with political cartoons dotted around the grey walls, and exposed brickwork alongside modern furniture.

It is hosting festive party nights each Friday and Saturday throughout December.

The menu looks great, but don’t expect to see Marco in his chefs’ whites.

The 48-year-old, triple Michelin starred-chef has hung up his apron and runs The Swan at arms length.

from £99.9 5 for 2 pp days

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: OMEGA HOLIDAYS. ABTA V4782.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

Dickensian Christmas Fair & Christmas at Castle Howard Departing 11 December 2010 For further information and a FREE brochure call:

0151 227 5987

from £99.9 5 for 2 pp days

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: OMEGA HOLIDAYS. ABTA V4782.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

Nevertheless, he’s justifiably proud of his Christmas menu.

“I am well aware that people in Merseyside know how to have a good time and wanted to ensure we got festivities off to a fun start at the Swan Inn,” says Marco.

“We have extended our menu to include a set Christmas lunch and dinner as well as special party nights with a buffet option. All will incorporate seasonal favourites with a Swan Inn twist.

“Christmas is a time for friends and family to come together so we have designed a range of options for our diners to enjoy. The Swan Inn is a restaurant where people can gather in relaxed surroundings and enjoy festive cheer with our simple yet exquisite food and I’m hoping to be able to join diners over the Christmas period.”

Germany's Christmas Markets

2 December 2010

Marco’s Christmas buffet menu

CHRISTMAS BUFFET Mulled wine on arrival, Flaked Poached Salmon, asparagus, mixed leaves, lemon mayonnaise Homemade sausage rolls, coarse cain mustard Reg Johnson Goosnargh chicken pieces, lemon Steak & mushroom pie Garlic & thyme roasted new potatoes, garlic aioli Roast gammon, orange, honey and ginger glaze Coleslaw Mixed salad, house dressing TO FINISH Mince pies, brandy butter

£35 per person

Jersey

Christmas Markets

The Festive Fête dé Noué December 2010

from

Bookings: www.newmarket.travel/lpe15070

For further info and a FREE brochure

Call: 0151 227 5987

£14 for 4 5.00 days

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.

from

Bookings: www.newmarket.travel/lpe15760

For further info and a FREE brochure

Call: 0151 227 5987

£279 for 4 .00 days

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: NEWMARKET AIR HOLIDAYS LTD. ABTA V7812. ATOL 2325. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.

Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire West Lancashire

Warehouse owners Steven Gerrard and Paul Adams Warehouse Kitchen+Bar, 30 West Street, Southport.

Call: 01704 544662 Visit: www.warehousekitchen andbar.com

Marc and Michaela Verite outside Bistrot Verite in Birkdale Village

Bistrot Verite, 7 Liverpool Road, Birkdale.

Call: 01704 564 199 AFTER years helping to make the Warehouse Brasserie one of the north west’s premier eateries, chef Marc Verite struck out on his own to launch his eponymously-named Bistrot Verite just down the road in Birkdale.

The business is a return to Marc’s French roots – his father Claude owned a patisserie – and Bistrot Verite is very much a family business.

Marc’s cooking was singled out for “rustic food with big flavours” in this year’s Which Good Food Guide. It is the second time since the bistro opened in April 2009 that it has featured in the guide.

Marc runs the eaterie with wife Michaela. He studied at Southport College before learning his trade in top Parisian bistros.

He said: “I am absolutely made up. It is lovely that people recommended us. “ I am very pleased we managed to get in there again.”

The dad-of-three, whose children also help out at the family business, buys fruit and vegetables from his neighbouring grocers and changes the menu each day.

The look is typical French bistro, simple and unfussy while the menu changes daily based firmly upon fresh local produce.

Starters might include mussels marinere or baked camembert with caramelised apples and pistachio nuts while you will find such delights as chateaubriand and grilled venison among the main courses.

LIVERPOOL FC captain Steven Gerrard is the newest restauranteur on the Southport scene.

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

Marc’s menu changes daily, but is firmly based on fresh local produce

a frequent haunt of Gerrard and wife Alex) Warehouse Kitchen+Bar, formerly called the Warehouse Brasserie.

It is Gerrard’s first venture into the trade. And he is sure they can boost the reputation hotelier Mr Adams has built over 14 years.

“I’ve been coming here for about 11 years now. This is a new exciting venture for me.”

Volare, 613 Lord Street, Southport.

Call: 01704 546232 Visit: www.italianrestaurant southport.co.uk VOLARE (it means ‘to fly’ in Italian) is very much your traditional Italian restaurant.

Award-winning chef Onofrio Maimone brings his varied but unpretentious fare all the way from Volare Restaurant, Southport Sicily and the menu, with more than 50 pizza, pasta and meat has certainly raised its profile dishes to go at, offers a bit of locally. something for everyone.

In terms of starters, the usual Opened in November 2007, suspects are all lined up, but there, Volare won the Customer amongst the minestrone, antipasti Excellence Award for Italian and prawn cocktails, are some cuisine in October last year which pleasant surprises. The asparagi e polenta – a plate of poached asparagus with grilled polenta and a lemon dressing – is light, flavourful and doesn’t weigh you down like concrete boots ahead of the main course.

Pizzas are delicious with thin bases, the toppings light, but the size of these things needs to be seen to be believed.

A generous 12in pizza in any book, any one of these, from the capricosa (ham, artichoke, mushrooms, onions and olives £7.45) to the calzone (folded pizza with chicken, spinach, garlic, cheese and tomato sauce, £7.95) could feed the entire Genovese family five Volare’s owners Onofrio times over.

Maimone and Cinzia Lopalco

Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 Taste 10 15

06

09

05

Taste 10 Restaurant Index

21 26

THE AMERICAS Alma de Cuba – P22 La Parrilla – P23 What’s Cooking – P22 Noble House – P22 PanAm – P23 Valparaiso – P23

INDIAN The Gulshan – P18 Mayur – P19 Passage to India – P19 Red Fort – P18 The Samrat – P18 The Spice Lounge – P19

CONTEMPORARY CUISINE 60 Hope Street – P4 Amber Wine Bar and Bistro – P11 Blake’s at Hard Day’s Night – P8 The Bluecoat – P6 The Clove Hitch – P6 Delifonseca – P11 Egg Cafe – P8 The Everyman Bistro – P7 Exchange at Hilton Hotel – P10 HoSt – P8 The James Monro – P7 Leaf Tea Shop and Bar – P9 Liverpool Marina Bar and Grill – P9 The Living Room – P9 London Carriage Works – P4 Malmaison – P10 The Monro – P6 Panoramic – P8 Puschka – P5 The Quarter – P5 The Restaurant Bar and Grill – P11 Segura Wine Bar & Bistro – P10 The Side Door – P7

MEDITERRANEAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN Bacchus Taverna – P12 Christakis Greek Taverna – P12 Eureka – P12 Greek Taverna – P12 Lunya – P14 Salt House Tapas – P14 Sofrito – P14 Zorbas – P12

FRENCH Bistro Franc – P13 Bistro Pierre – P13 Cafe Rouge – P13 ITALIAN The Fat Italian – P16 Gusto Liverpool – P15 Il Forno – P16 The Italian Club and Italian Fish Club – P17 Jamie’s Italian – P15 The Olive Press – P15 Piccolino – P17 San Carlo – P17 Zeligs of Little Italy – P16

22

24

23

28

PAN ASIAN AND CHINESE Chaophraya – P21 City Rendezvous – P21 Etsu – P21 Matou – P20 New China Restaurant – P 20 Sapporo Teppanyaki – P20

27

WEST LANCASHIRE Bistrot Verite – p29 Michael’s – P28 The Swan Inn – P28 The Vincent – P28 Volare – P29 Warehouse Kitchen&Bar – P29 WIRRAL Aiden Byrne at Hillbark – P24 Cromwells – P27 Da Piero – P25 Fraiche – P24 Grove House Hotel and Restaurant – P27 Gusto Heswall – P26 Home – P27 Peninsula Dining Room – P25 Red Door – P26 The RiverHill Hotel and Restaurant – P26

10

25

16

★★★★

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

NEWS 31

Top Party Tips Top Party Tips Top Party Tips Top Party Tips Top Party

Have the perfect Christmas party STILL looking for inspiration for this year’s office Christmas party?

Here, the experts give their top tips...

REMEMBER location, location, location, say Julie Perry and Yvonne Dixon from Revellers World Events, party planners to the rich and famous and the team responsible for the Rooney wedding in Italy and Coleen Rooney’s 21st birthday.

“It is absolutely crucial that the correct choice of venue is made,” says Julie. “It makes for a better party atmosphere if everyone is in the same room, with the bar, to avoid guest segregation.

“Beware of over-organising – sometimes it can actually spoil the atmosphere, it can make an event seem sterile and contrived and take away the excitement and vibrancy.

“One of the most memorable we

organised was Christmas in the Alps where the marquee was transformed into an alpine chalet, ice chandeliers, glistening crystal adorned trees and a fantastic ultra violet ice bar – complete with reindeers. ◆ USE your imagination.

Robbie Davison (right), who runs cookery school Can Cook, says his best Christmas party experience was a friend’s bash with a Narnia theme.

“There was a huge fake lion and witch and you had to walk through the wardrobe to get into the boardroom which had been transformed into a winter wonderland,” he laughs. “In terms of food there was Mr Tumnus inspired broth and candy floss forest cake as well as mulled wine and Turkish delight. To accompany this, the original

Narnia films were screened in the background.” ◆ OFTEN the best approach is to keep it simple. Joseph Williams, food and beverage manager of Blakes at the Hard Days Night Hotel, says: “Great, fresh, locally-sourced food combined with excellent company, service and a smile goes along way at this time of year. Add to that a generous helping of fine wines, spirits and beers and we will get a concoction of the festive spirit. ◆ DON’T skimp on the wine says Franco Mercuri, owner of Prego ristorante, Liverpool ONE. “A special occasion deserves a special wine,” he explains. “My top tip for creating the perfect Christmas party is to invest in some great wine to accompany your meal. My wine recommendation for turkey would be to go for a good Italian red wine such as the vino nobile di montepulciano. It will go beautifully with your meat and trimmings.” ◆ CHOOSE a venue with a well

stocked bar.

Nick Skillicorn (right), Bar Manager at Zeligs of Little Italy in Liverpool ONE says: “My top tip for a successful Christmas party is to make sure that everyone has a drink in their hand.

Here at Zeligs, we have a ‘cocktail slave’ service, where you can hire one of our trained mixologists as your dedicated barman for the entire evening.

They give you their undivided attention, so there is no waiting at the bar and no thirsty guests, and they make one heck of a cocktail.” ◆ LOOKING for something a bit different for your Christmas party?

How about a group wine tasting?

Daniel Harwood, who specialises in wine education at Vinea suggests an unusual, informal and stylish party

option for anyone who wants to learn more about their favourite tipple.

“We offer a range of wine tasting experiences from fine wines and food to fun tasting games or we can create something truly unique for the occasion,” says Daniel.

“All this within the beautiful and relaxed surrounds of the Albert Dock by moonlight...” ◆ FANCY going further afield?

Garry Manning, co-owner of 60 Hope Street says: “When I worked in Jersey the boss took me and the team on a surprise trip to France for the day and took us all round a range of French restaurants and bars sampling foods and wines. We all had a lovely time and it was a great way of getting to know my colleagues while trying the best of French food and wine.”

Closer to home, he suggests: “You can do something classical by hiring out a restaurant’s private dining room.

“Carol singers can be hired to provide the music and entertainment.

You can then sit back relax and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.”

Paul Heathcotes’ bread and butter pudding

PICTURE: James Maloney