A Grand Afternoon

Let me start this with a warning. There are some incredibly beautiful food shots that look too good to eat. You might want to have a snack or something before reading on (as well as turning down your brightness levels).



I'd also like to say that I am an excellent photographer.



Anyway, Mel had been in meetings all morning, missed lunch and was generally fed up (Mel hates to miss a meal). A quick scout at Onionring and decided an afternoon tea would be nice. There is quite a lot of choice in Manchester for such delights and is home to many types; traditional cream teas in grand surroundings, gentleman types with pork pies and now...an Asian one.



Located in the depths of Spinningfields, Grand Pacific is a bolt on the successful Australasia serving Asian delights with Aussie flair. Mel saw one of the afternoon teas flying out of the place so knew a good decision had been made.



The Asian High Tea at £25 per person comes in two waves; firstly a selection of sushi and noodles, then an array of desserts (both on a lovely three tiered glass stand) accompanied with a glass of an Australian sparkling Chardonnay; The Spee’wah.



No sooner had Mel sipped the gorgeous wine, the first wave came out looking spectacular, absolutely stunning.



Top of the tower stood a large canapé spoon full of chicken in a lime and coconut sauce. Tangy, meaty, fragrant – it was similar to a Thai green curry taste without the oiliness. Next up were some duck rolls which were delicious. Imagine having a Chinese duck pancake, then multiple the flavours by a thousand and you'd be eating this – Mel’s favourite BY FAR.



There was a delightful Thai fish salad of rare cuts with rice noodles – tricky to eat with the chopsticks (!) and then some delectable sushi of Maki rolls consisting of tuna, salmon and pickled mushroom plus Nigiri; raw tuna, king prawn and salmon on blocks of sticky rice smothered in wasabi and soy – that was some wave!



After a good 20 mins interval we then were treated to some of the daintiest desserts we've ever seen; would impress a posh Parisian patisserie (easy for you to say after the fizz).



This wave (along with lovely tea) included a wide selection of sweets. If you like meringues you’d love the strawberry chewy meringues here; if you like panna cotta you will love theirs – basically this is high-end puddings with flair, colour and most importantly flavour.



Mel particularly enjoyed the mini dark chocolate rolls with a creamy coconut filling and chocolate soil - looked like a deconstructed Bounty, the apple strudel spring rolls (my goodness!) and Blueberry Friands which was a type of light sponge cake with frosting. There was only one thing Mel didn't enjoy and this was the Sweet Temaki; sesame seed cone with an exotic fruit and a cream filling – purely because Mel doesn't like sesame seeds.



The Asian High Tea is a great idea and a lovely alternative to the typical cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey. Mel will be returning here again; not only for this menu but the general one too!



GO HERE!

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Posted: Friday 13th September 2013
ID: 10682 - 1043