No, not the test.
And no, not the chap from Watchmen either.
Nor the place either.
I’m talking about food.
Ancoats chef Anthony Barnes has rolled out a new concept at the restaurant for Wednesdays and Thursdays, and it all kicks off tonight.
Rather than the usual set menu that exists as Squid Ink on a weekend, Rorschach will offer something much more casual. Drop in, select a dish or two and enjoy. There’ll be four or five dishes available per hour, ranging in price from £3 to £9, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. The next hour the dishes will shift into another selection. Keeping the menu fresh, the food freshly prepared and the dining experience an adventure. Casual eats using the skills of fine dining.
I was lucky enough to pop by for a taste test of some of the dishes. And before I even get started, I’m going to say go because it’s going to be fantastic. But in case you want evidence, here we go.
We started with a little nibble. Tapioca crackers flecked with chilli alongside an edamame bean dip with tahini and soy sauce. Crisp, addictive, moreish.
Lamb keema on a baked sweet potato. Rich and spicy, but not hot, filling and actually rather good for you. Though maybe not if you’re having a big glass of red with it.
Anthony’s now infamous 5 day pork – so tender it melts in the mouth, sitting ontop of kimchi with garlic chives. The astringency cutting through the rich of the pork.
My favourite dish. Duck topped with hibiscus and daikon jam. I would walk over broken glass for this soft buttery duck topped with earthy, sweet and sour jam. I’m already wondering what I’d need to part with to get the recipe from Anthony. Money? A limb? I’d do first born child, but Mr GFB aren’t having kids and that would make things awkward.
Seriously, I don’t mind. I need more of this duck.
Korean beef bo ssam style. Grab yourself a lettuce leaf, fill it with meat and eat with your fingers.
Thai chicken with sesame rice and pickled shiitake mushrooms. Forget what you make at home. This is a whole different level of tasty. The chicken is tender, the skin crisp, the coconut milk infused with flavours and the mushrooms cut through the creaminess.
This is £7 on the menu. £7. Teriyaki steak so tender the knife barely needed to bother, with crisp spring onions, broccoli and Murasaki potato (bastard child of a sweet potato and an ordinary potato).
And one of the dessert options is deep fried pitta bread tossed in cinnamon sugar (there will be optional chocolate sauce of course). If you’re like me and love a churro, these are for you – just make sure you keep some room available as they are downright addictive.
Tempted?
Whilst all these are meaty options, there will be vegetarian options available and most can be adapted to suit. Throw in great wine deals and you’ve got a perfect date night, or just a pop by after work with a good book. And all this from a self-taught Manchester chef. Downright makes you proud.
I wonder if I can clear my schedule anytime soon. I’ve a couple of books that need my attention.
With thanks to Anthony for the invite to taste test – and the chance to meet more of his team.