Mel wears a Hawaiian lei.....

Started the week off well on Monday with a visit to All Star Lanes. I go here quite often, mainly just for some after-work drinks at their large circular bar usually with some wings or warm pretzels. I like sitting at these types of bars, makes me secretly think I’m in on the set of Cheers with Norm and Woody.

I was invited to try their new summer specials which revolve around a Hawaiian theme of colourful cocktails, fresh specials and a surfing soundtrack. For some reason I always associate 1960s bowling with surfing, think Beach Boys and vintage bowling shirts; so it works really well in my mind.

Started the night off with a couple of the special cocktails they have on. With a list of eight to choose from, you have a good choice of spirit bases with an assortment of mixers. You can be like Del Boy if you like or be more sophisticated with a fruity take on a G&T. We opted for both going for a Lemon Meringue Jar and an All Star Rum Cooler. The former tasted just like the dessert and for a drink had multiple layers of flavours from the burnt sugar start to sharp lemony zest to a creamy finish - really clever, but I doubt I could have more than three or four. The Rum Cooler came in a very nice tiki glass and was full of fruit segments. The drink is one of my favourites; sweet rum, fiery ginger and passion fruit. Looked like I was drinking Um Bongo - I could easily drink more than three of four of these!

Our starters of Hot Wings and BBQ Ribs were excellent. Like I said, I enjoy these often when just drinking or bowling, so knew it was a safe bet. Rich tomato spicy sauce which grows in heat as you finish each delectable wing, sweet BBQ ribs with a good bite to them. Very good start to the meal, although surprised not to see a special Hawaiian starter.

Onto mains we opted for both the Big Kahuna Burger and Seared Tuna Tacos. Sad to see the Lobster Roll was unavailable, but I was wrong to be sad as the dishes we picked were tremendous.

The Big Kahuna was a very good bacon cheeseburger but with the added element of a chargrilled pineapple ring. At first reading it I wasn’t sure, but the moment I tried it I was pleased. The sweetness worked really well versus the salty porter cured bacon, the burger cooked nice and pink and a sweet brioche bun holding everything in place. Pulp Fiction’s Jules Winfield would have been proud - especially with the Mai Tai chaser!

The soft tacos were even better and consisted of a crispy lettuce and avocado filling with the seared tuna. The accompanying diced mango, pineapple and chilli salsa was inspired and elevated the taco. Other than a squeeze of lime this was one of the best tacos I’ve ever had. Something about the creamy avocado with spicy tuna makes me smile like a fool. Add some texture from the crispy lettuce and sweetness from the fruit - WOW. If you go into Manchester, please go try this dish. It’s superb.

The fries side worked well with both dishes, although our Mac 'n' Cheese was a bit too stodgy for my fresh tacos. I should have ordered a house salad instead.

No room for pud, I went bowling instead (needed to work off that burger!). Although from previous experience this is a great place for some truly American desserts - waffles, Key Lime Pie, cheesecake; all sound very inviting. Somehow I managed to hit a 140 score (I am amazing) and strongly suggest going on a Monday where you can get two games for a tenner - try and beat my Kingpin score.

I love All Star Lanes. It is a fun place to be and has a really good restaurant that is always developing new dishes. These summer specials are an excellent addition to the wonderful menu they already have and look forward to trying that lobster before the summer is out. If you don't fancy any of these specials (ARE YOU MAD?!) then their new 'Build your own Burger' section on the menu is equally inviting.

No excuse; go here.

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Posted: Wednesday 22nd July 2015
ID: 10322 - 1369