Last year, myself and friend Katharine stepped inside a beautiful blue vintage camionnette, where the lovely Roberto created perfect martinis suited to our taste palettes.
This year, that beautiful little van is back, as is Grey Goose, but this time they’re taking advantage of the summer and are here for Dig the City, the festival that turns the whole city into a sea of flowers, fruit and foliage. And for those of us without a green finger (I don’t think green eyes count), and indeed without outside space, it offers the opportunity to enjoy the lush verdant green of a garden, without leaving the city streets.
The grey flags of New Cathedral Street, have been transformed with flora and stylish seating, as the Grey Goose Boulangerie François Terrasse offers a little French glamour, with petit plats and vodka cocktails, bringing a little Riviera cafe culture to Manchester.
But, whilst at the launch event, I loved the cocktails – I adored the sharpness of Le Fizz and the grapefruit in Le Miel Amer – I was again, more excited to revisit Roberto and the camionnette.
I can’t decide if it’s the plush interior, the bespoke cocktail, or just that it’s so delightfully hidden. You book online, arrive in time for your appointment (take advantage of a cocktail while you wait) and at your appointed time, you are quietly ushered in, to take a seat and talk Martinis.
Roberto is as skilful as ever. Though this time I brought different requirements, he again achieved perfection. During my visit last year, my Martini was dry, savoury and had a smokiness provided by smoked salt.
This time, the salt was there, as was the dryness, but at my request for something different, he reached for pickle juice, creating a vodka Martini reminiscent of one of my favourite gin cocktails, the Gibson.
My date, Chris (who is responsible for all the photographs you see here), too has a dry and smoky palate, but again Roberto reached for something different, a truffle vermouth, adding a distinct hint of umami to his Martini. Lip smackingly good.
Roberto also had another trick up his beautifully cufflinked sleeves. Not content with a Martini for each of us, he wanted his own, and insisted on me moving behind the bar, to create something for him.
Of course, he knew what he wanted, and so with Picon orange, and Grey Goose Citron, an almost Negroni like Martini was put together for Roberto to sample.
He seemed very happy with the deep marmalade and herbal flavours, as did brand ambassador Omar Sequera – proving that Roberto knows what he’s doing (I certainly cannot take credit for that recipe).
I have quietly made a mental note of the measurements, so I can remake it at some point. Once I’ve done some liqueur shopping.
The terrace and the camionnette are on site until 6th August, so be quick, get online and book that Martini appointment. Whether you like sweet or sour, soft or savoury, they’ll find something just for you.
It’s a unique experience.
With thanks again to Grey Goose for the invitation to the launch and to Chris for all the images.