This weekend saw the marathon that I was supposed to run in. I’ve been poorly and discovered two weeks before just what poor shape I was in. Coughing and wheezing, I went home in tears to Mr GFB to admit defeat. I couldn’t run.
Unfortunately I couldn’t hide either. The route has goes past our home and I knew that going out and cheering people on would be hard. Probably too hard.
So, I suggested to Mr GFB we go out for the day, anywhere. His response, let’s head to Media City. We can be cultural in the Imperial War Museum, do a little shopping in the Outlet and then head over to Damson for a late lunch.
Sold.
So on a rainy Sunday afternoon, we crossed the walked across the Plaza to Damson, hungry, chilled and laden with packages.
Damson is coloured in muted greys and purples, rather soothing on a grumpy Salford day, as the wind was toppling over chairs and signs outside. Warmed by the atmosphere, we decided to take advantage of the excellent value Sunday dining offers at Damson – £18.95 for 3 courses anyone?
Selecting a lovely citrus filled white from the wine list, and having been served with some warm bread and salted butter, we were duly spoiled with a little extra treat. A stunning veloute of Wye Valley asparagus. How they managed to keep the crispness and sweetness in a veloute, I don’t know, but they managed it. As a teaser ahead of our meal, it was perfect.
For starter, Mr GFB went for the mackerel tartare, whereas I went utterly indulgent with the parfait of chicken liver and foie gras.
If this were a contest, even Mr GFB admitted I won this round. The parfait was rich without being overly heavy and the bread served with it was crisply toasted and yet with that lovely moist chewy artisan texture. Mr GFB’s tartare was rich too and the mooli was a lovely sharp addition. Unfortunately aside from adding a touch of freshness, the avocado and coriander puree seemed a little lost against the mackerel. A little nudge of strength and this would have been a tighter race.
Onto the mains and things took a turn the other way. Mr GFB’s bavette was utterly beautiful. Normally saved by the chefs themselves (they’re not daft) this is close to the flank, but not quite the same and has a slightly fibrous texture, not unlike flank or hanger for that matter. It was rich and delicious.
I on the other hand, having overindulged in steak whilst assisting the Drunken Butcher at his supper club with DineInOut – ‘Around the World in 8-ish Steaks’ needed a vegetable fix. So I opted for the roasted vegetable tart with Feta cheese. It was pretty, light, with a hint of mint and crisp little capers. Exactly what I needed after the night before and after the parfait. Cleansed and convincing myself I’d been healthy, we could move onto dessert.
For me, the sign of a good dessert is not sharing. Maybe that’s just me being greedy, but if it’s good, I’m sorry, I’m eating it all and you’re not having any. I think Mr GFB is exactly the same as we didn’t share. Mr GFB’s dessert option was macerated strawberries with a mascarpone sorbet. The fact that he was pretty much silent for the whole time he was eating is testament to how good it was. Sweet, dark strawberries, rich mascarpone and crisp twists. He was a happy boy.
I only the other hand was in carbohydrate filled, orange and cinnamon heaven. I could smell the sugar and cinnamon before my plate arrived – it’s the smell that catapults me to those fresh doughnut stands at the seaside. Add in a Catalan tart – orange creme patisserie on a pastry base and and orange and vanilla sauce and I was an incredibly happy lady. And no, I didn’t share either.
For an indulgent midweek treat, or for a lazy Sunday, this can’t be beaten. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, but with an elegance that can easily be lost. The wine list is excellent – with a very good selection of whites for around £20.
And that Sunday set menu? Incredible value for money.
Woah! that looks sumptuous! Very good price too.