Restaurant News for Manchester, Liverpool and NW from Onionring.co.uk

Robin Beeson - Bolton Olive Press (The Olive Press)

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:41:11 GMT

Message by The Olive Press (Bolton) on 30/07/2010 11:41:11
Hometown: Bolton

Work experience: Learning at Bolton college doing NVQs, i then moved up to the Lake district as a commi chef at the Low Wood Hotel at Windermere. After a couple of years I moved on and worked at various hotels around the country before taking my first head chef job at the Stirk House Hotel in Clitheroe, where i produced menus using local, seasonal fresh produce gaining me the experience to become the new head chef at Olive Press Bolton.

Tell us about your current menu: Freshly cooked rustic Italian Menu with traditional pasta and pizza dishes with extensive grill dishes. We also offer good quality daily specials

What is your favourite dish on your menu and why: Even Though i enjoy my fish and meat i enjoy the Pan fried ricoota potato gnocci with courgettes, majoram and lemon. Its a simple dish with great texture and flavour and i find it light refreshing dish

What inspires you: working with fresh ingredients and quality produce

Which is your favourite restaurant? (not your own): any little seaside restaurant in France that sell moulles mariner

Big Brother or Question Time: Question time all the way

Award winning afternoon teas at Shellys restaurant (Shellys Restaurant)

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:39:27 GMT

Message by Shellys Restaurant (Warrington, Cheshire) on 30/07/2010 09:39:27
Award winning afternoon teas at Shellys restaurant... Freshly made Sandwiches and Wonderful Home made Scones Strawberry Jam and oozing with Devonshire Clotted Cream and Tea Pigs Tea or really go for it and enjoy a glass of Champagne. Come along and try it for yourself!

Raffle Time (Giovannis)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:10:51 GMT

Message by Giovannis (Crewe, Cheshire) on 23/07/2010 10:10:51
We�ve decided it�s time we did our bit! To help generate some much needed and well deserved money for Cancer Research UK, Giovannis is calling on their GREAT customers and running a raffle that will be drawn on August 20th 2010. 1st Prize: �30 Giovannis Voucher 2nd Prize: Case of Peroni & 6 x 250ml branded glasses 3rd Prize: Bottle of Sambucca 4th Prize: Either a bottle of Pinot Grigio or Bardolino Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has seen survival rates double in the last 30 years but still too many lives are devastated by cancer. It costs �1 for a line of tickets so dig deep and buy a ticket when you next pay your bill at Giovannis. ALL PROCEEDS TO CANCER RESEARCH UK

La Cantina - June Newsletter (La Cantina Chester)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by La Cantina Chester (Chester, Cheshire) on 21/07/2010
Hi Folks, we hope this newsletter finds you in good health and enjoying this beautiful weather. A big THANK YOU to all of our wonderful customers who are contributing to making La Cantina a resounding success! June, once again has proven to be a fruitful and busy month, to give you a taste of what has happened;- La Cantina hosted a pre- wedding party for 25 people which was non- stop fun from start to finish, delicious food and wines, Italian music, contributing to a great atmosphere. The happy couple, their friends and family were more than delighted with their evening with us, all of which was tailored to their exact requirements. La Cantina cookery school continues to be in demand, informative and good fun . For more information or to book, please contact us. Groups of 6-18, either mixed groups or exclusive use for larger parties. Marco and Dave again headed up the kitchen to provide another GREAT Food And Wine Evening, based around a gastronomic tour of Italy with Sicilian wines supplied by Juliusz of Bianca Wine Trading. Eight delicious, mouthwatering dishes were served up, these were;-Caponata � aubergine and tomato stew, Sautee di Vongole � clams saut�ed in garlic, peperoncino, parsley, lemon.

The (sad) history of The Marsh Cat (The Marsh Cat)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:12:30 GMT

Message by The Marsh Cat (Parkgate) on 16/07/2010 14:12:30
To the west of Liverpool and the East of Wales, beside the ever-changing sands of the River Dee lies the port of Parkgate.

Our story begins in the year 1775 when Parkgate was a thriving port with many ships carrying passengers and valuable cargo around the globe.

These ships would often be at sea for many months so the captain would take on board a cat to keep the rodent population down. Our cat was the best in the business and his success made him in great demand. During his voyages he sailed to the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Caribbean.

His job was a very important one and he was often rewarded with food from the captains table, this being the best food from around the world.

After many exciting voyages and ports of call, our cat was getting old and he decided he wanted an easier life. He had been through too many storms and cruel seas. His nine lives were nearly all used.

He decided to retire and was to live with Captain Samuel Davies, master of the ship, Nonpareil and his wife, at the Kings Arms in Parkgate.

Our cat had one more journey to make with his master. They were to take Major Castlefield and other passengers, including 43 vagrants from the Neston House of Correction over to Ireland. A routine trip, or so they thought.

The weather was bad, even the Captain had a bad feeling about it. They made two attempts to cast off and eventually, under duress, the Nonpareil set sail out of Parkgate.

This was the last ever sighting of the ship. The Nonpareil was sunk in a terrible storm just off Hoyle Bank, no souls were saved.

Legend has it that the Spirit of our cat still lives on the Marsh in Parkgate; his ghost wanders the parade looking for the best food its restaurants have to offer. His favourite is his namesake, The Marsh Cat, this is where he tastes all the delicious food that reminds him of his adventures a long time ago, before the Dee gave Parkgate to the marsh.

A garden party? At the Trafford Centre? (KRO Trafford Centre)

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:26:30 GMT

Message by KRO Trafford Centre (Manchester) on 14/07/2010 15:26:30
KRO Trafford Centre is to officially launch its outside dining area on Friday 23rd July with a Summer Party and BBQ. From 4 - 9pm there will be a delicious selection of barbequed foods on offer and jugs of Pimms at a special promotional price of �11. In true KRO fashion, there will also be a slight twist on the classic Pimms recipe for those feeling a bit more adventurous, with addition of Chambord for �13. There will be a variety of lawn games, including croquet, swing tennis and bowls on our make-shift garden area, to keep both the kids and adults entertained throughout the day. The one thing KRO can�t promise is the all important sunshine but with so much else on offer (including adequate shelter!) even if the dreaded Manchester rain does make an appearance, it won�t put the dampeners on what is sure to be a great evening. KRO Trafford Centre manager Andy Steele hopes the party will introduce a lot of people to the KRO name. With five other restaurants across Manchester, KRO is a much loved local brand that is now attempting to showcase itself on a higher level. Andy explains, �KRO is a recognisable name in the city centre but to those visiting the Trafford Centre, we maybe a new face. Our motto at KRO is �all together different� and that�s exactly what we�re trying to be. With our outdoor seating area we�re already challenging the norm for a shopping centre restaurant and we want to celebrate that with our Summer Party and BBQ.� As one of only three outlets to have external dining facilities, KRO�s Summer Party is a unique chance for Trafford Centre visitors and workers alike to experience al fresco dining at the popular Manchester shopping centre. The party is open to all and is a free to attend event. There is no fixed price and customers will only pay for what they order. The BBQ will be available from 4 - 9pm and drinks from 4pm � midnight. KRO�s regular food and drink menus will also be available and the restaurant operating as normal. KRO Trafford Centre is situated on the ground floor of the Great Hall and can be accessed via the Orient entrance or from the food hall. The restaurant is open from 8.30am to midnight from Monday to Saturday and 10am to midnight on Sunday. Food is served until 10pm. The venue is available for private hire, parties and meetings. Please call 0161 747 2801 for further information or to make a booking.

Win a meal for 4 including wine! (Oca)

Mon, 5 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by Oca (Sale, Cheshire ) on 05/07/2010
Enter the prize draw to win. Draw closes on Friday 30th July at 5pm.

Win a meal for 4 including wine! (Lime @ the Lowry)

Mon, 5 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by Lime @ the Lowry (Manchester) on 05/07/2010
Enter the prize draw to win. Draw closes on Friday 30th July at 5pm.

Win a meal for 2 at the Hale Kitchens Gourmet Night! (Hale Kitchen & Bar)

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by Hale Kitchen & Bar (Hale, Cheshire ) on 12/07/2010
French Gourmet Night - Wednesday 14th July 2010 5 Courses, Glass of Red or White, and a glass of fizz! and you can be there!! Win a meal for 2 - this comp ends on the 11th july, so please enter before 5pm on the 11th. One winner will be drawn at random. The meal is on Wednesday the 14th so please do make sure you are free! To enter click through to our facebook group (by clicking on the logo)find the comp and add your comment..oh and be lucky! Its free! go on! click here...

The Longridge Restaurants, 20 years - special events to celebrate (The Longridge Restaurant)

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 13:49:00 GMT

Message by The Longridge Restaurant (Longridge, Preston) on 01/07/2010 13:49:00
Paul opened his doors on July 13th 1990 � Friday the 13th! Within 9 days a fire ripped through the kitchen, two days later with enormous help from friends and no sleep he re-opened. A year & half later the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin and Egon Ronay stars followed by a second star in 1994 along with Egon�s Chef of the Year award. Holder of 3 catey�s � the industry�s Oscars, and a number of restaurant of the year awards, the AA 3 Red Rosettes issued to the top 100 restaurants in the country. The Longridge Restaurant�s kitchen is now headed up by Chris Bell, winner of the first Gordon Ramsay scholarship and holder of a Michelin Star during his first stint at the restaurant. Chris returned to the restaurant in the summer of 2009 to re-join Paul, with his wife Kath to oversee front of house. The team Dave, Catherine and our pastry chef Monto Mansour look forward to celebrating is 20th Anniversary for a very special week.

Are you a talented musician? (Beluga Caf� Bar )

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by Beluga Caf� Bar (Bramhall, Cheshire ) on 01/07/2010
Beluga Cafe Bar are looking for any new local musical talent to possibly play at our venue. Are you a DJ, in a band or maybe a singer? If so and are interested, please send us a CV and also a demo CD to Beluga Cafe Bar, 26 Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 1AF

KRO rows to second place! (KRO2)

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:34:35 GMT

Message by KRO2 (Manchester) on 22/06/2010 14:34:35
KRO rows to second place! The England squad could learn a thing or two from KRO bar and restaurant�s Dragon Boat team as they romped to second place in Sunday�s (20th June 2010) Salford Dragon Boat Race at Ontario Basin in Salford Quays! The Manchester based company had a 17-strong team, complete with Viking hats, which showed power and determination worthy of any historical battle ship. The team, made up of 16 rowers and the all important drummer in little Eric Ruby, clocked up some astonishing times as they raced the 200m course in their three qualification rounds and were just pipped to the post by 0.51 of a second in the final! KRO owner Mark Ruby, along with his family and friends, enjoyed the day�s festivities in the glorious sunshine. He said of the day, �We really weren�t sure what to expect from today as none of us have ever been involved in dragon boat racing before but it has been a great day and we�ve all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, despite just missing out on first place! The KRO team were raising money for Foundation, a climate change fund for the North West which raises money by collecting donations from businesses and individuals and uses them to fund creative carbon reduction projects in communities across the North West. Sponsorship money is still coming in and will be combined with the 10p contributions from every side order purchased in KRO�s six city-centre bars and restaurants. Foundation�s Business Development Manager David Marnell, who was also part of the silver medallist KRO Dragon Boat team, explains, �We hope to use the money raised to support carbon reduction projects in Manchester. On behalf of Foundation I would like to thank KRO for all their efforts in supporting our charity.� The event was the first open Charity Dragon Boat Race to be held in Salford. The day was made up of 12 teams, none of whom had experienced dragon boat racing before, which made for an evenly matched contest. Dragon Boat Festival Events organiser Julian Thursfield commented, �There were a lot of nervous people milling around wondering just what they had got themselves into!� But they day went off without a hitch and Julian hopes to return to Salford for a bigger and better event next year. Dragon Boating is a sport that originated in China some 2.000 years ago. Dragon Boat Events Ltd, the UKs largest dragon boat provider helps raise over �1 million for charity every year through its dragon boat events. Most of these events are closed events in that they are organised by and for the benefit of, one particular charity. The Salford Dragon Boat Festival however is different. Set up as an Open Festival, the event is open to all charities, both large and small in and around the Greater Manchester area to benefit from.

Gina Ann Chatton - Giovannis, Head Chef (Giovannis)

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by Giovannis (Crewe, Cheshire) on 02/07/2010
Hometown: Crewe

Work experience: I first started out as a young chef de partie in a bistro named Rumours, in a small market town in Sandbach, Cheshire. I gained a lot of skills and experience working there, the bistro owner Linda Davies taught me the necessary skills needed and I gained the required qualifications whilst there.

Tell us about your current menu: Giovannis is an Italian themed pizza and pasta restaurant. The menu is kept quite simple but it is very effective due to the fact that everything is produced here. We make our own pizza dough, fresh pasta, sauces, desserts, ice creams, all created from authentic Italian ingredients.

What is your favourite dish on your menu and why: To choose one personal favourite dish that we have here at Giovannis is quite difficult as, I prepare a very tasty tomato sauce. I have eaten in various Italian restaurants and have yet to taste one to beat it! It is full of fresh flavours, rich and the taste fresh basil comes through the specials board is always changing, allowing me to show my creativity. A favourite dish of mine that seems to feature regularly on the specials board due to its popularity is the Chicken Arabiatta.

What inspires you: Aiming to please diners/ Jamie Oliver!!

Which is your favourite restaurant? (not your own): The Edge

Big Brother or Question Time: Neither!

The Pelican lands in Chester (The Pelican)

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:32:50 GMT

Message by The Pelican (Chester) on 17/06/2010 12:32:50
The Pelican Restaurant and Bar has now landed at 10 Commonhall Street in Chester. It is a fantastic venue with one of the largest terrace gardens in Chester to enjoy the summer sun. Inside an abundance of candles and fresh flowers create a wonderful ambiance. The upstairs dining room completes the picture providing an elegant and intimate dining experience. The Brasserie style menu will feature seafood and focus on the freshest local produce from local farms. A new and exciting range of wine, Champagne and cocktails are also to be launched. Watch out for The Pelican launch party on 8th July. Long term Chester residents, Ben and Coleen Little, have recently taken over the running of this established venue, still known to many as Got Wine. Embarking on such a project in the busy summer tourist and racing season has been an exciting process. As food and wine enthusiasts, they hope to bring the flavours and ideas they have experienced in their culinary travels over the past 2 decades, translated for Chester using the abundant local fresh ingredients which the Cheshire plain and regional coastline have to offer. As Fish and Seafood lovers they hope that Chester residents and visitors will join them in enjoying some feature seafood dishes. Chef Jamie Leon is also committed to the concept and is already experimenting in the kitchen with an aim to launch a new menu during June. Asked what inspired the choice of name, Coleen Quoted Dixon Lanier Merritt, an American Poet who penned this verse circa 1910: A wonderful bird is the pelican His bill will hold more than his belican. He can take in his beak Food enough for a week, But Im damned if I see how the helican! �The poem is a bit of fun and the Pelican logo and graphics around the bar give us an easily recognisable Icon that people will remember. With the references to food that the poem contains we hope it will re-enforce our focus on food in people�s minds�. Taking the idea of the logo one stage further Coleen has commissioned a 4 foot high Topiary pelican who perches here and there as suits his mood around the bar. We are assured he is well fed and does not bite. Fitting in the launch around the Chester Races, the World Cup, and school holidays has been tricky, but the activities are already underway. Re Branding the venue is taking place during June along with the release of a new menu. It is a fantastic venue created from an old factory. The large terrace garden is a real sun trap with extensive plantings and elegant seating. It is also equipped with large umbrellas and heaters for days when the British summer does not quite make the grade. Inside Coleen has used her experience as a florist to create an elegant environment using fresh flowers and an abundance of candles. To top off the experience there is an intimate dining area upstairs where crisp linen and again candles and flowers create a sophisticated ambiance. The Pelican has inside dining space for 70-80 covers including the private dining room upstairs which has it�s own bar. The dining room can be separately hired for functions, business events or even small weddings. The terrace garden has seated dining capacity for 40-50 and some more relaxed sofa areas where one can enjoy the summer sun late into the evening. The main bar is fully stocked with famous Champagnes and a wide range of wines from around the world and bar features. The new cocktail menu features timeless classics alongside creations such as the Pink Pelican Champagne cocktail and the Devils Martini featuring chocolate and chilli, try one if you dare!! Check out the web site where you can find the new menu and details of summer offers, promotions and events running at The Pelican.

KRO, row, row your boat...! (KRO2)

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by KRO2 (Manchester) on 17/06/2010
Danish bar and restaurant group KRO are gearing up for this year�s Salford Dragon Boat Race. On Sunday 20th June at the Ontario Basin at Salford Quays, many teams will be in the same boat...but competing against each other to make their respective charity some hard earned cash!

Kro are raising money for Foundation, a climate change fund for the North West which raises money by collecting donations from businesses and individuals and uses them to fund creative carbon reduction projects in communities across the North West.

Dragon Boat Events Ltd, the UKs largest dragon boat provider helps raise over �1 million for charity every year through its dragon boat events. Most of these events are closed events in that they are organised by and for the benefit of, one particular charity. The Salford Dragon Boat Festival however is different. Set up as an Open Festival, the event is open to all charities, both large and small in and around the Greater Manchester area to benefit from.

"Getting a new event off the ground is always a big challenge" said Julian Thursfield, the organiser of the Salford Dragon Boat Festival and a key member of the Dragon Boat Events Ltd team. "Being the very first Salford Dragon Boat Festival, it is great to see companies like KRO rising to the challenge and entering a team to support a new charity like Foundation, a charity that might otherwise never be able to benefit from the fund raising power of a charity dragon boat event."

Let�s wish Team KRO good luck! Ready, steady, KRO!

Julians Restaurant gains top marks again! (Julians Restaurant)

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:35:35 GMT

Message by Julians Restaurant (Hoylake, Wirral ) on 14/06/2010 08:35:35
Visit Britain and Taste Liverpool - restaurant Accreditation Scheme... For the Second year running 2009/2010, we have again been awarded the HIGHEST QUALITY ASSURED ACCREDITATION WITH 94% FOR FOOD! Also for the second year running 2009/2010. MADE IN NORTH WEST ACCREDITION (Demonstrating that we use and promote locally sourced produce). Well done again to Julians Restaurant!

Grado Onionring Night Photos (Grado)

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by Grado (Manchester) on 11/06/2010
A Fantastic night was had by all at Grado for the Onionring Gourmet Night...a few snaps from the night.

KRO SAYS NO TO ROONEY AND CO (KRO Piccadilly)

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by KRO Piccadilly (Manchester) on 11/06/2010
There is an escape route this World Cup season for those looking for a quieter venue for a night out; somewhere you can talk to your friends easily across the table with no rowdy chanting or come on Engerland being shouted at the television screen. All KRO Bar & Restaurant venues have decided not to show any of the World Cup matches. Despite Denmark qualifying for the finals, KRO is sticking to its roots and offering a comfortable, relaxed environment where people can simply enjoy good food and drink and still hear each other speak. Mark Ruby, owner of KRO explains, "the philosophy of KRO has always been to provide a sociable atmosphere where people can meet up with friends for a meal or drinks. We dont want people staring over each others shoulders at some distant screen, so dont expect KRO to put up a wide screen television - even if Denmark makes the final". Mark made no comment as to what he will do if Denmark end up playing England.

The Jewel on your Doorstep (Alderley Restaurant)

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:41:46 GMT

Message by Alderley Restaurant (Alderley Edge, Cheshire ) on 10/06/2010 10:41:46
THE JEWEL ON YOUR DOORSTEP It�s always nice to get the sort of national praise that won us a coveted three AA rosettes for exceptional food and service. But we are not only here for the people who make long journeys to reach us. We want to remind you, too, about the stylish food for which the award-winning Alderley Restaurant has become so well known. That�s why - for July and August only � our evening �market menu� of the freshest, best buy ingredients of the day will be available for a lower price of �25 per person, every evening except Sunday. That�s for a four-course meal including canap�s. If you haven�t been to the Alderley Restaurant for a while, we want to remind you what excellence really feels like. It could be a delicate terrine of English lobster, langoustine and orange espuma, a loin of new season lamb, confit of shoulder with mint bubbles and, to finish, the textures and temperatures of Valrhona chocolate. Or, of course, for morning coffee, lunch menu and light meals, there is still the Lounge Bar service through the day, from 10am, Monday to Saturday. The Alderley Restaurant is the jewel on your doorstep. We�re proud of it.

Win a meal at the Liverpool gastropub the James Monro (The James Monro)

Mon, 5 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Message by The James Monro (Liverpool) on 05/07/2010
Summer in Style at The James Monro - City centre gastropub, The James Monro is giving diners the chance to enjoy a taste of the summer with a competition to win a meal for two from their brand new June menu The pub & dining room, situated in Tithebarn Street, has teamed up with Onionring to celebrate the launch of their new seasonal menus. Delicious lunchtime options include rustic pizzas featuring a taste of the Mediterranean, selection of platters, along with a two course Business Lunch for �9.95. Summer diners can also delve into a new A la Carte Menu and mouth-watering dessert menu featuring options such as Roast Chicken and Mediterranean Vegetable Tagliatelle Pasta with a Black Olive Tapenade and Vanilla Panna Cotta with Apricot Chutney. For your chance to win a three-course meal for two, including a bottle of house wine simply enter your email address and name, and be lucky! Visit www.thejamesmonro.com for further information on the new menus.