I love my comfort zone.
It’s why you’ll find me in my PJs on a Sunday night on the sofa, it’s why if I go out in town, I usually end up in the same places for the same cocktails. I’m just as guilty as anyone else of being, well, a bit lazy.
I’m trying to get out of this rut. To visit places outside the Northern Quarter, outside the city even. So when an invite to Heaton Mersey popped into my inbox, I had to try it out. I don’t know that side of the city well at all.
Hopping off the bus near the Didsbury East tram stop and walking up the hill, it was soon plain to see I’d be early for this event. Thankfully Clive and Catherine, the owners of Buffalo Cafe and Wine Bar were there to greet me and make me feel very welcome (and warm after a short wander in the cold) when I arrived – and it’s a welcome that’s present throughout the venue – the staff are bloomin lovely.
And the venue is rather stylish too. Delicious mint chocolate latte in hand from their stunning racy red Italian coffee machine (this cutting back drinking lark has to have some benefits), Keeley and I tried desperately to snaffle some of the nibbles doing the rounds.
The menu here is a little special. Chef Steve, influenced by his lovely Nepalese wife Soni, uses Asian water buffalo meat instead of beef for the burgers, chilli and other dishes. Buffalo is much leaner than beef and so offers a fabulous alternative for those of us being a little careful with our calories, with no loss of flavour or taste as both the burgers and the chilli dogs prove.
The chilli is particularly special, using a recipe based on a well known American diner, and then little extras are added, giving it more depth and richness. This layered on top of a frank and Monterey Jack melted on top… So good I had to have two.
There’s also a particularly good vegetarian option – featuring a beetroot and feta pattie and everybody’s happy – including your waistline and your taste buds.
You can even, for those really watching their waistline, the option to have the burger naked with salad. Never has a ‘plain’ burger sounded quite so sexy.
The fresh houmous and tzatziki that forms part of their mezze platter is delicious, the houmous so good we soon ran out of bread and had to resort to spoons. And no, that’s not a joke.
The Buffalo chicken with parma ham and mozzarella is juicy and tender enough to melt in your mouth and as are he meatballs, served with a tomato sauce and pasta.
Heaton Mersey has been crying out for a good venue, and now it’s really got one. With this new menu, they’ve got something perfect for you, whether it’s breakfast, snack, or something perfect for an evening out with the other half.
I’m already booked in…
