Digest

THREE exceptional young talents stepped blinking into the spotlight at the Young Star Super Chef Finale 2008 dinner, held at the City Café at City Inn, Piccadilly.

Under the watchful eye of executive chef David Gale - soon to depart to Podium at The Hilton - David Gregory from Las Iguanas, Trafford Centre, Ashley Salmon from Urmstons Isinglass and City Cafés own Caroline Shaw, each cooked a signature course. It was the climax of an 18-month project to showcase the achievement of Manchester area chefs aged between 17 and 25 (and amazingly the final trio looked even younger!).

It was organised by Marketing Manchester in partnership with Springboard. It is not a competition as such. Each of the dishes was a winner.

David Gregorys starter paired the freshest of langoustines and sea bass with tropical fruit and herbs in a ceviche. Ashley Salmons main felt very Isinglass - a compliment. A dense nettle and barley stuffing accompanied saddle of spring lamb. Purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, ewes milk cheese and roast potato made it a substantial treat. That applied, too, to Caroline Shaws characterful trio of desserts - chocolate and cherry victoria sponge, strawberry trifle and sticky toffee pudding. A lass to look out for.



NORTHERN Quarter bar stalwart Cord is, unbelievably, seven years old. It has survived despite hosting the annual CityLife party! To celebrate, this godfather of NQ bars - tucked away in Dorsey Street, off Tib Street - is holding its own party from 7pm next Thursday.

A special mention for the loos - not something these pages often celebrate. The urinals in Cord are the ones from the Hacienda, manufactured by the Saville Stainless Steel company (little known fact, run by Factory Records design guru Peter Savilles cousin).

For further details (of the event not the urinals) ring 0161 832 9494.



THERES more to Lebanese wines than the legendary Chateau Musar. Harvey Nichols is hosting a spectacular wine dinner on Friday, April 18, to press the case of perhaps that troubled countrys hippest winery - Massaya. The Second Floor restaurant event offers diners the chance to meet Massayas acclaimed winemaker Sami Ghosn and taste the three reds, two whites, rose and Arak spirit it produces in the shelter of the mountain chain separating Lebanon from Syria.

The boutique winery was founded by the Ghosn brothers in association with the Brunier brothers, from top Chateauneuf du Pape estate Vieux Telegraphe, and Bordeaux legend Dominic Hebrard from Chateau Cheval Blanc. The dinner costs £55 per person. To book ring 0161 828 8898.



CELEBRITY Michael Caines (pictured), who has just launched a restaurant at Piccadillys new Abode hotel (formerly the Rossetti) is adding his weight to the Multiple Sclerosis Societys national conference, MS Life, at Manchester Central (formerly GMEX) this weekend.

Michael will be demonstrating his Michelin-starred cooking in The Live Kitchen from 12.30-1.30pm tomorrow. Also featuring will be Abode executive chef Ian Matfin and Gary Rhodes protégé Shahena Ali who showcase her Indian-inspired cuisine.

MS Life will be covering all aspects of living with MS. As well as listening to a number of renowned research speakers, visitors will be able to take part in a Wheel & Walk event, which is a sponsored walk around Manchester city centre, and attend the free, fully accessible club night, featuring special guest Liam McGough, star of Big Brother 8.



NORTH West Fine Food is launching a Food Lovers Festival in Oldham over May Bank Holiday weekend. The event will take place 10am-5pm on May 3-5 in Alexandra Park.

It will bring together more than 80 of the regions top quality food and drink producers in a village-like atmosphere. Michael Caines heads an array of chefs doing demonstrations. For more information visit: nwfinefood.co.uk



THE Didsbury branch of Felicini, on Wilmslow Road, has launched a Lunch Rapido menu aimed at time-pressed business folk. The £8.95, two-course menu is available from noon to 3pm Monday to Friday. Diners can enjoy a roast vine tomato soup or smoked salmon plate starter and mains such as spicy sausage penne or grilled sardines and be out within an hour. Ring 0161 445 2055.

2008-03-27 00:00:00

Report can be found on www.citylife.co.uk