Before I start this, I feel like there’s something I need to address. Like most bloggers who review food and drink, we’re all having to move things that little bit more local to where we live. It means that not everyone who reads what I write can order what I write about. And there are places open I’d love to order from and shout about – places that before the pandemic I’d visit in person.
But I can’t get there to pick up, or I can’t get a delivery to where I live. So everything (unless they’re offering national delivery) is a little Stretford-centric. In one way, it’s nice for me to rediscover what’s on my doorstep. Stretford has seen a lot of change since I moved here 20+ years ago. All of this is something I can’t fix, but I know it’s frustrating, so I’m sorry.
Right, enough about things I can’t change. Let’s get onto the food.
I can’t believe I first wrote about Stretford Canteen back in 2016! So much has changed since then – even before COVID impacted us all. We were expecting them back this year, opening their venue as part of the regeneration Stretford has seen in hospitality over the last few years.
But though the pandemic has put a halt to their venue opening, I’m pleased to say they’re back for delivery! And as long term fans, we put in an order. Because with their history in a somewhat forgotten venue in the city centre (those of us of a certain age might remember it, if only by name), why wouldn’t you?
Husband and wife team Jo and Dean have created a menu that’s as good for a self distanced picnic in the park, as it is for enjoying at the dinner table. Pickles, pies, pastries and roast chicken, accompaniments and puds. We opted for a few of them to enjoy over last weekend – the caramelised onion tarte tatin, cheese and onion pie, home made piccalilli, and pear frangipane tarts.
The pies were devoured on Friday night. The husband had pub style zoom session with the lads, whilst I stuck a set of headphones on and got lost in a box set. Eventually, I raised my head, exclaimed at the time, and headed to the kitchen. Butties and pie for a late dinner.
Sweet caramlised onions, with the light acidity of crumbly Lancashire, and a proper pastry crust. Spoons of crunchy picalilli for dunking. All ideal for sopping up the cans of Pomona Island beer. Good grub without the pub.
And for a late dessert? Warm tarts with a softly whipped sweet cream.
We held onto the tarte tatin til Sunday. Served warm from the oven, with new potatoes and a side dish of spicy aubergines and fried courgettes. A full plant based Sunday lunch, that I may have adulterated with a teeny knob of French butter on the potatoes, because butter.
We’re so pleased to have Stretford Canteen back, and delivering their take on classics to our door. We’ve missed you.