Restaurant Review: Livebait

This week saw a return visit to an old friend, Livebait. Last time Mr GFB and I ate there was just before it was absorbed into a larger group. Some friends journeyed down from from Newcastle and we took the opportunity to show them what a great restaurant scene Manchester had.

The food was excellent and service second to none (the meal still sticks in their minds now), so when Livebait changed hands and rumours of disappointing choice and service followed, we were incredibly saddened and didn’t return.

Thankfully, they’ve returned to independence and we were invited by Manchester Confidential to dine and review. We did so happily – always willing to revisit somewhere, especially given the success that our trip to Restaurant Bar and Grill had been late last year. So early Saturday evening,  before we were set to see a show, we stopped by to take advantage of the offer.

Before I move any further though, I’ve a little confession to make. Until this meal, Mr GFB and I were oyster virgins. Yes, it’s true. Yes, I can feel your disappointment from here. I’m sorry.

I’m pleased to say, we popped that little cherry for our starter.

Ellen, the Manager had popped by to say hello and as we mentioned our predicament, she suggested that we had a selection of the oysters on offer, so we could share. We also opted for the smoked salmon – though farmed, it’s done so in a place with a strong sea current, resulting in a leaner fish.

With one natural oyster, one with chorizo and one tempura style, Mr GFB started with tempura, while I reached for a natural oyster, diving in head first. All were perfect. The natural was salty and sweet, with the tang of lemon, the chorizo meaty and spicy and the tempura stunningly creamy, lemon and cucumber forming a relish underneath that complimented it beautifully.

The salmon was indeed clean and as close to smoked wild salmon as I’ve had and a beautiful natural pink colour – the horseradish cream alongside it light and nutty.

For main Mr GFB opted for the plaice with lemon butter and creamed potatoes and I in a repeat of another recent restaurant visit, opted for the clams with tagliatelle adding a mixed salad as a nod to my five a day.

The plaice was so good, Mr GFB refused to share. Sadly he was not quick enough to save his creamed potatoes from my fork and to be honest, I nearly kept the bowl. Rich, smooth, buttery, my mouth is watering thinking about them.

The clams were tender and sweet  and the pasta perfect. My salad filled with herby leaves, sweet tomatoes and slivers of crisp onion meant I happily ate my fill.

For dessert I went for my old favourite, the cheeseboard –  rather looking forward to the matched accompaniments. Mr GFB, on the other hand fancied the trio of desserts, cheesecake, lemon posset and chocolate delice soothing his sweet tooth.

The cheeseboard was fun, the only accompaniment I wasn’t so certain of was the lemon chutney accompanying the brie. For me, it was a little overpowering. Otherwise, everything went beautifully – the manchego and membrillo probably being my favourite.

Mr GFB’s dessert trio was delightfully pretty and though he allowed me a nibble of all, the lemon posset was stunning. Creamy and sharp lemon with a soft rounded cranberry and raspberry compote. Something else that nearly didn’t stay on his side of the table.

Needless to say, we didn’t make it to our show. We dallied, drank coffee and chatted to Ellen and before we knew it, we’d missed over half of it. To be honest, I don’t think we minded a bit – given the food, wine, the fabulously dry Manhattan, we’re already making plans to return.