Great Chefs, Great Causes at Ibérica, Manchester

I had the pleasure to be invited along to the 'World's Best Chefs' press launch at Ibérica a couple of weeks ago.

Up until the 6th of September, Ibérica will be collaborating with 14 of the world's best Spanish, Portuguese and Latin-American chefs to serve their signature dishes with the profits of each dish going to the chefs' chosen charities.

The food was excellent and the company was fantastic too.

Oysters with cucumber and lychee

Daniel Redondo, Mani (Brazil)

Razor clam, yellow pepper and black quinoa

Virgilio Martinez, Central (Peru)

Avacado toast with bone marrow salsa and cucumber

Enrique Olvera, Pujol (Mexico)

Foie Cuba libre with lemon frost

Quinque Dacosta, Quinque Dacosta Restaurant (Spain)

Beef tartare with vinaigrette and anchovies

Dieter Koschina, Vila Joya (Portugal)

Mango, beer and black pudding

Juan Mari Arzak, Arzak (Spain)

Squid parmentier with red smoked paprika and squid stock

Juan Roca, El Celler de Can Roca (Spain)

"The World's Best Restaurant"

Fresh chorizo tartare

Bittor Arguinzoniz, Asador Etxebarri(Spain)

Rustic bread with fresh pancetta and spring herbs

Andoni Luis Aduriz, Mugaritz (Spain)

Watermelon infused in sangria

Albert Adria, Tickets (Spain)

"The World's Best Pastry Chef"

We also had the opportunity to try Ibérica's Summer Tasting Menu.

Salmorejo with green apple, basil granita and sun blushed tomato

Having just returned from Córdoba, where I fell in love with Salmorejo, I was so happy to see it on the menu.

Two texture tomato salad with orange zest and vanilla oil

Fresh mackerel with orange and saffron escabeche

Fresh hake with hollandaise sauce and lettuce water

Grilled Iberico pork 'pluma' in moruno marinade and aubergine

"Tocinillo de cielo"

Egg yolk custard flan with cinnamon and lemon zest milk foam and salted caramel ice cream

Chocolate mousse with herbs cress and red fruit salad, yoghurt, vanilla oil and cider gel

It was an absolutely fantastic evening meeting some lovely people (including Food Geek & Been There Eaten That) and tasting some truly exceptional food.

If you fancy some tapas, make sure you don't miss the chance to try some of the best dishes in the world.

Our first blog about Ibérica can be found here.

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Ibérica, Manchester

I head back to Spain a fair few times each year to see family or rediscover the concept of sunshine.

Each visit back to the motherland sees the two of us spend far too many lunches at one of the local tapas bars of southern Spain.  

You would think that I'd have had my fill of tapas by the time we return to England, but this isn't the case. Spanish cuisine (the best in the World) draws me in like a bull to a matador's cape.

A couple of weeks ago Hannah and I headed into Manchester for her final checkup after laser eye surgery.  Inevitable, as is always the case when we head into the city, I suggested we grab a bite to eat instead of heading home in rush hour traffic.  

Ibérica, the trendy new tapas restaurant in Spinningfields, was the obvious choice.

Ibérica has been the talk of the blogging community this spring and has received rave reviews from all parts.  

It is clear, as you walk in, that this is no ordinary tapas bar.  The flamboyant decor certainly feels Iberian but upper class Madrileno rather than rustic pueblo.

After we were seated, I ordered sangria (obviously!).  The jar based drink ended up being a triumph and one of the most perfectly mixed sangrias I have had.

Hannah had a Diva Cocktail which included a beautiful mix of cava, strawberries, and raspberries. Very refreshing for this sunny day.

Gazpacho with red berries, beetroot and anchovies

Refined and refreshing.  I don't normally choose cold soup unless it is a boiling hot day but the flavour was superb, light and creamy.

Ensaladilla Rusa
It is the law to order a tuna and potato salad when eating tapas.  My favorite! The Ibérica version is much more smooth than a traditional Spanish one but still delicious nonetheless. The Piparra peppers gave it a unique kick. 

Twice cooked lamb, marinated cherry tomatoes and red peppers from El Bierzo
Succulent lamb that fell apart perfectly.  It is unusual to see lamb on a tapas menu but we loved it.

 

Ibérica's Serrano ham croquettes

The service at Ibérica was exceptional and José needs a special mention for his attentiveness all evening.  He recommended the croquetas which again I don't normally choose.

His recommendation was spot on - WOW!  If you go, take José's advice and try them.

The Ibérica burger with secreto pork loin & Piparra peppers
A tapas burger?  Had to try it!  Not a bad effort and it lasted seconds before we scoffed them both.

Octopus a La Gallega with potatoes & pimentón de la Vera
My Abuela's special and the traditional dish of Galicia, where my family are from. Nothing can match fresh pulpo from a pulpería in La Coruna but this was a valiant effort. I got this dish all to myself...

Fried chorizo lollipops with pear alioli sauce
The best thing I ate at Ibérica by a country mile.  So rich and well complimented by the adventurous pear alioli.

Tapas is supposed to be small, cheap bites to eat whilst you have an afternoon beer in the sun.  Ibérica doesn't try to bring a traditional style of tapería to the North West like Levanter does in Ramsbottom. Instead it offers upmarket twist on tapas, refined dishes that take you on a Spanish adventure right here in the heart of Manchester. Whilst it's not cheap, it's worth a go.

Levanter Fine Foods, Ramsbottom

I am unashamedly proud to be Spanish.

That was the case back when I got a huge amount of stick from my friends as England beat Spain in Euro '96 and it was still the case when Spain marched to victory in the three consecutive football tournaments of 2008, 2010 and 2012.

I have also been certified as an adopted-Lancastrian, according to my Wife, after complaining about it being 'too hot down South' and wishing for 'a bit of drizzle' during a trip to visit my family in Hampshire.

Given the above, I am sure you can imagine my delight when I found out that a tapas bar had opened over in Ramsbottom, bringing together the world's best cuisine with England's best county.  

I have had my fair share of tapas all across Spain and have found that nothing is better than a small backstreet bar that serves up a lively atmosphere and authentic food.  As far as taperias go in England, I have not had much success finding a good one... until now.

Levanter rises up (pun intented) above all other tapas bars I have been to in the UK.  In fact, it gives the best taperias of Spain a run for their money too.

We had tried to eat at Levanter a few times over the summer but they always seemed to be full.  On this visit it was almost as busy but luckily we arrived as a couple were leaving.

The restaurant is small with a large bar, just like in Spain, and the atmosphere was lively in a homely way.  Like stepping into a house full of your family who are already having rousing conversation.  
It is this welcoming and bubbly atmosphere that makes the tapas bars a success and Levanter is no exception.

We were greeted warmly and seated before being offered drinks.  
And guess what?!  They even serve Fanta Lemon: my quintessential drink of holidays in the sun. 

What followed was the best tapas I have had the pleasure to eat for a very long time.  The dishes are served traditionally, so they arrive as and when they are cooked.  You can keep reordering to your heart's content.

Lamb Cutlets and Salsa Verde:
Often, chuletas de cordero can be chewy and without flavour but the team at Levanter deliver incredible flavour and texture with this dish.  Served with olives and a tangy salsa, it was a great start to our meal.

Mussels in Fino with Serrano:
Served in a cast iron pot, the mussels were large, fresh and delicious.  The small slivers of garlic and red onion brought flavour to the broth at the bottom which I finished off with the bread.

Fuego Chorizo with Honey and Sherry Vinegar:
A modern twist on the old classic chorizo al vino tinto you find in most taperias.  This version knocked the proverbial socks off its traditional counterpart as the flavour from the honey complimented the meat perfectly.

Deep Fried Manchego and Crispy Jamón:
Without doubt the best tapa I have eaten. Melted cheese and a sweet dipping salsa made for a wonderful flavour on the tongue.
I would go back just for this dish.  In fact I want it again now!

I could not be more happy that I have finally found a restaurant in the UK worthy enough to be called a taperia.  Even better, it is right on my doorstep in the amazing food hotspot that is Ramsbottom.

One thing that is for sure:  when Spain and Lancashire come together good things happen.