As I’ve mentioned, the Manchester Food and Drink Festival battled with my diary and I couldn’t attend two events I desperately wanted to. So guest blogger Laura stepped in this time to help.
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Help a Capital Child charity was set up in 1975, to help our most disadvantaged young people, including those affected by abuse, homelessness, disability, poverty and illness. Special focus is given this year to helping young people diagnosed with cancer and raising funds for a dedicated new unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
As part of the Manchester Food & Drink Festival, the Rob Ellis Breakfast Show team from Capital Radio staged Hell’s Kitchen to help raise funds.
I arrived at the lovely MC Cafe Bar & Grill at Abode and was quickly directed to the bar by one of the team. After ordering a glass of (excellent) Sauvignon, I had a little look around before (all in the name of thorough reporting and not just for Charlie “The Barman Collector’s” benefit) convincing the lovely chaps behind the bar to pose for this picture! I really want to go back soon to sample their cocktails; the “Mothers Ruined” sounds fab!
After a glass of champagne and tweets to friends saying that I thought I was stood next to Jon Richardson (turns out I was!) we were directed to our seats, with me sitting with the lovely Siobhan from MFDF and presenters family and friends. Talk about nerve wracking! But I needn’t have worried, everyone was thoroughly delightful and we were soon having a good old chat.
The menu, pictured here immediately appealed and having never eaten rabbit, I really looked forward to the starter in particular.
There was a wait for the food, but with lots of tables to serve I think Wingman did exceptionally well. The rabbit terrine was excellent, rich, gamey and delicious. It was accompanied by lovely vegetables a la greque containing beetroot and green beans and an artisan bread roll.
Now, the bread. Oh the bread! It was…a challenge… So hard it was nearly inedible! However, I say “nearly’ as I was starving, so ate it anyway and hence the half eaten picture of the starter – I couldn’t wait to tuck in!
Next up was the main course cooked by Rob Ellis. We were told at great pains that he had cooked it ALL HIMSELF and his very lovely wife Lisa was certainly impressed. I expect Rob will be cooking much more at home now we all know what he is capable of!
This course consisted of slow cooked veal breast with a potato puree, basil, tapenade and autumn squash. It was a triumph. Rich, meaty and tender veal sat atop perfectly creamy potato puree and the Mediterranean flavours of the basil and tapenade cut through. The squash was, if I’m being very picky, a little lost but added a nice touch of sweetness to the overall dish.
And to finish, dessert from Rachel; a lemon and thyme iced mousse with blackberry puree, whipped vanilla and sugared zest.
I am probably not the most objective here, so apologies for my comments in advance. When I hear “pudding” my terribly sweet tooth immediately wants chocolate and preferably chocolate cake. Citrus desserts just don’t cut it for me unfortunately.
However, it was fresh and zingy and certainly cleansed the palate. I didn’t pick up much of the thyme but the whipped vanilla and blackberry was delicious.
There was one very special dessert, just for producer “Gorgeous”. He was presented with what looked like a beautiful chocolate ganache covered cake, accompanied by the whipped vanilla. Appearances were deceptive though as when he smelt it it was actually chocolate coated corned beef! Apparently corned beef is his favourite!
A great time was had by all and following a very democratic vote, Rob was officially announced as the deserved winner. With lots of money raised for a worthwhile charity, in the words of Gordon Ramsey himself, “DINNER. DONE!”