Frankie tries Odd's new menu!

Mel's foodie friend Frankie finds nothing Odd about her latest feast...

Like a Northern Quarter institution, Odd Bar stands proudly in the heart of the trendy district. With its snug and low-lit decor, this bar-come-eatery offers a certain something for all patrons that nestle themselves into one of their cosy table for a few.

From live music to an array of taste bud-pleasing platefuls, there’s always some happenin’ at this joint, which is why when I heard that had recently re-vamped their menu, I was there quicker than you can say; “Sharwarma Halloumi”! (You’ll see...)

Walking into Oddbar is like walking into your pal’s exceptionally-sized living room with a conveniently positioned and well stocked bar. We were greeted like old friends and shown to our table before our drinks order were taken and fulfilled with a side of friendly repartee thrown in for good measure.

We relaxed easily into the cosy and laid-back ambience that Odd Bar so easily provides as we hungrily pawed the menu. Having indulged in just the one breakfast that morning, by midday I was truly ready to satisfy my lunchtime growl with whatever accompanied the promising aromas that escaped the kitchen.

Each page of the menu was filled with scrumptious descriptions of the hearty food created in the kitchens of Odd. We poured over the varied, new and improved menu which offers almost everything from vodka-virus-curing brunches to lip-smacking smorgasbords if you’re in that “I just wanna pick” kinda mood.

After a hefty debate as to whether it would be frowned upon to eat both lunch and dinner in one sitting, we both decided a course and a side each would suffice and opted for the more exotic offerings suggested by the menu. I excitedly ordered the “Eastern Delight” with a side of bodacious sounding halloumi, whilst my friend chose to get acquainted with the “Looney Halloumi Part Deux” (Part Une is seemingly at large, but I can only assume it was delicious).

Our wraps arrived proudly, packed heartily with flavour and wrapped tightly in a floury khobez wrap. Mine stuffed with curried cauliflower pakora and charmed by its cucumber and mint salad accompaniment, the slight charred taste of the pakora soothed by the masala hummus which had been spread generously over the flatbread.



With a generous portion of fries situated alongside the main, barely a second had passed before we face planted our lunches into the deep luscious smells of alluring spices and middle-eastern inspired grub.

As I took my first bite into the East, I was greeted with a tantalising juxtaposition of the warm, crisp and curried pakora followed closely with fresh tastes of cucumber and cool mint. Apposing flavours married beautifully and brought together by the light and fluffy khobez, finished off with creamy and bold sensations of masala hummus which seeped into every delicious mouthful.

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed hefty chomps of wrap, it was my side of sharwarma halloumi that really stole the show. Wonderfully portioned, I was in abundance of the squeaky stuff which has been marinated in the most glorious combination of oils and spices giving it the most unique, reinvented flavour. Strong bites of flavour followed by a mellow aftertaste, the cheese maintained a glorious chargrilled flavour alongside its exotic twist, complimented by its naturally salty and squeaky texture.



As for the fries, they were crisp, salty and delivered by the bucket full – what gal could want for more?

My friend devoured her monster wrap with gusto, a similar flatbread to mine stuffed with aromatic bliss featuring homemade kebab shop pickles, rocket, coriander hummus and my newly developed obsession - the sharwarma halloumi. She noted her foodie-delight as she savoured every morsel, commenting a similar love for the halloumi which soft texture was flattered by the crunch of sharp pickle.



The sweet potato fries were beasts disguised. A hunk of fry, the sweetness was balanced with liberal lashings of rock salt and offered an incredibly moreish flavour. Now you’d never think it was possible to get more flavour from sweet potato fry, but dipping these baked chunks of sweet po-tat-y into a smooth and sumptuous side pot of masala hummus helps you reach flavour goals you’ve only dreamed of achieving. Try it, I promise you won’t regret it.

The Odd Bar team were attentive and super personable, giving the eatery a relaxed and welcoming ambience. Whether you’re a newbie or a regular, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you sink into the comfort of their leather armchairs, (which are a great comfort when nursing a food baby I must add...)

We wound down from our eat-athon as we picked at our scraps, finished our drinks and fumbled into our winter coats, grateful of an additional warming layer of sharwarma halloumi lining our bellies.

We bid adieu to Odd Bar, making firm resolutions to return so we could sample the other mouth-watering dishes which we eyed enviously as they made their way to other tables.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the new additions to the ever-friendly and informal Odd Bar. Whether you’re tending to a hangover or looking for a classic chow down afternoon, you can be sure Odd Bar can deliver by the plateful. You’re only trouble will be trying to find excuses to return again and again for more...Oh and did I mention they’re offering 50% off your food bill for the month of January? *Grabs coat*

Follow Frankie on Twitter @FrankAboutFoods!

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Posted: Friday 8th January 2016
ID: 3944 - 1523