Review by Collette Walsh (editor)
We could not have picked a better night to sample the delightful ‘Light Bites for Lighter Nights‘ summer menu at Manchester’s super-elegant Australasia restaurant. It was, so far, the hottest day of the year and we were in no mood for heavy eating; so the idea of a mix of light pan-Asian bites was just perfect!
Located in the city’s thriving upmarket Spinningfields district, Australasia oozes style with its tasteful cream and stone interior. It easily one of Manchester’s consistently top 5 places for food, ambience and amazing service.
Australasia…
Australasia got it right from the start when it opened its cool glass atrium “A” shaped entrance (which juts out of the ground level like an art installation) back in 2011. It’s tagline was: ‘A stylish but laid back slice of modern Australian life, down-under in Manchester.’ The menu was inventive and a breath of fresh air on the restaurant scene landscape in the city – delicious pan-Asian cuisine with some Euro-Asian twists too.
The new Light Bites for Lighter Bites menu is a clever concept. During the summer, we all naturally gravitate to lighter foods and from 4pm and up to 6pm ordering from the summer menu is a no brainer – great variety of options and a chilled pace in the restaurant.
The menu is available until the end of August and includes five dishes from a fantastic, specially curated menu for just £25pp. The value is incredible as for that price you get a wonderful medley of dishes and the chance to try ones you may not normally sample had you gone for the later main evening options.
If you’re in holiday or pre-theatre show mode, you can also add a glass of wine from a superb selection for £4.95 too. We opted for a Thai Mojito and it was just the ticket considering the humid weather outside with its lovely mint and coconut additions – very refreshing!
Our chosen selection of food included steamed edamame beans tossed in soy and sesame oil and impressive pork wontons with a sweetcorn purée, sriracha and sesame soy.
We opted for the classic salmon and the duck sushi; followed by oasted baby aubergines with caramel miso and katsuobushi (divine!), grilled seabass fillet with mango, chilli, coriander and pomegranate (cooked perfectly and just the right amount of dressing; Korean beef skewers (juicy n spicy) and Japanese curried korokke (wow!). Our sides were the spinach – light and healthy and the seriously yummy chips with sea salt as we were craving carbs!
As an additonal treat (I’ve been dragging my birthday out since 19 July!) we also enjoyed two of the best desserts we’ve ever had – the mango souffle and the chocolate bomb (which melts as the server pours caramel over it).
The service was seamless and our own server Chris, just a complete gentleman (politely ignoring my guest’s awful food puns – thanks Chris). If the weather stays this warm and balmy, I know where I will be spending my early summer evenings… Well done Australasia for brightening up the summer menu scene in the city.
To book click here – book the Light Bites for Summer Nights
To read over the full menu – go here – Menu
