Manchester food and drink news is EVEN MORE packed than usual, with rumours of Japanese fast food from Itsu, a revamp for old Italian hand Don Giovanni, Salvi’s opening date in for the Corn Exchange, plus new Tampopo is go and food waste heroes, The Real Junk Food Project, are returning to The Wonder Inn.
Fast Japanese food from Itsu
We’ve heard a rumour here at Manchester Wire… Apparently London-based fast sushi shop Itsu has secured itself a site in Manchester. It is rumoured that the chain, started in 1997 by Pret A Manger founder Julian Metcalfe, will be ready to open its doors on the former Samsi site in Spinningfields in January. With over 60 branches across the south, they’ve certainly been doing something right -and with their slightly off-kilter approach to fast Japanese food, it should be one to try for anyone with a lack of time and/or funds. Look out for their version of Eggs Benedict, featuring runny poached egg, hand shredded baked ham, hollandaise and steamed brown and red rice
From January, Itsu, 1 Hardman Boulevard, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AQ. Tel: 0161 672 3990, www.itsu.com
Don Giovanni’s new look
Timeless Manchester favourite Don Giovanni is celebrating 31 years of faithful service with a striking £400,000 refurbishment. The new-look restaurant now boasts a fresh pasta and dessert station where diners can watch the chefs at work, a spectacular new Italian marble bar, a Prosecco bar and a brand new private dining area accommodating up to 50 people. As ever, all its dishes are cooked from scratch, with highlights including the delicious crab and lobster ravioli, Branzino al forno (whole salt-baked Sea Bass) and classic Italian tiramisu. The restaurant also bagged the ‘Most Romantic’ accolade at the UK Italian Awards, so why not treat that special someone?
Don Giovanni’s, Peter House, 1-2 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5AN. Tel: 0161 228 2482, www.dongiovanni.uk.com
Salvi’s opening 18 Dec at Corn Exchange
Another of Manchester’s Italian institutions is opening new doors this month as Salvi’s launches its new Corn Exchange site. This promises to bring the authentic Southern Italian style the team is famous for but in a bigger, more sophisticated space. Spread over two floors, the restaurant’s ground floor will feature a large Italian deli space displaying carefully sourced, prime Italian produce including hams, antipasti and a full Italian cheese counter. Downstairs, an open kitchen will be at the heart of the action, serving up simple but exceptional pizzas and pastas, and daily, traditional, Neapolitan dishes. The site will also boast a dedicated wine room devoted to appreciation of Italian wine. Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar is a celebration of the rustic, comforting, generous food that Southern Italy is so famous for.
Opens Fri 18 Dec, Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar, Unit 22b The Corn Exchange, Manchester, M4 3TR. Tel: 0161 222 8021, www.salvismanchester.co.uk
Tampopo is GO at Corn Exchange
Those Corn Exchange units are filling up fast as Pan-Asian favourite Tampopo is now welcoming customers. The re-launch marks an exciting new chapter for Tampopo as a fresh new look with a brighter, more vibrant incarnation of the restaurant aims to better capture the essence of South East Asian dining. With bespoke tiling and lanterns, outdoor dining spaces and vintage Asian artwork, the new-look space will accommodate up to 105 diners. With a new menu including a ‘small plates’ section covering a range of street-snack style dishes (£4-£5) from six countries, this is a great opportunity for customers to embark on their own South-East Asian gastro tour.
Tampopo, Corn Exchange, Manchester, M4 3TR. Tel: 0161 839 6484, www.tampopo.co.uk
The Real Junk Food Project at the Wonder Inn
As last month’s two-part BBC special put the travesty of just how much food is wasted in the UK firmly into the spotlight, Manchester is to welcome The Real Junk Food Project (RJFP) to the city. This fantastic social enterprise is tackling food waste by opening ‘Pay as you feel’ organic cafes that collect unwanted food from restaurants and supermarkets that would otherwise be going to waste. It is hoped that a a permanent restaurant at Shudehill’s Wonder Inn will be in operation by Christmas.
From late Dec 2015, The Wonder Inn, 29 Shudehill, Manchester, M4 2AF. Tel: 07496 288815, www.realjunkfoodmanchester.co.uk
- Words:
- Ben Hayward
- Published on:
- Mon 14 Dec 2015
