In a world where plans change once, then change again and sometime later get screwed into a ball and launched in the air in utter frustration, it pays to just live in the moment. So it goes without saying we leapt at the chance to enjoy a meal at Chorlton’s latest exciting eatery, and have been impatiently waiting for them to reopen ever since.
Fair to say the food sounded pretty exciting too, a flaming charcoal grill, loads of seafood, chicken wings and a seemingly very liberal attitude to spice – not to mention it’s BYOB too.
The other great news is they’ve got a cracking sunny outdoor seating area so they are very much back in business this April and are happily taking bookings and walk ins right now.
To begin we tucked into a few Iberian classics, first Salt Cod Croquettes served with a punchy aioli dip. They’re crisp, freshly fried and as good as you’ll eat anywhere. Then well seasoned Padron Peppers, you know you have to order them because they’re moreish as hell, and also well, you’ve got to have at least one green thing on the table right?
Sticky, smoky and slightly sweet wings arrive next and prove to be exactly what you’re hoping for when you order chicken. They’re a little bit blackened, spiced just right and the sauce is going to get all over your fingers as soon as you dive in.
When done well, Octopus invariably ends up being the dish that stays with you the longest after a meal in my experience, and it fully lives up to that reputation. It’s not easy to get it just right, but here everything is spot on, perfectly tender with slightly burnt edges and doused with fresh herbs, oil and chilli. In truth there’s a charming Mediterranean-style effortlessness that comes across with everything we’re served.
Finally Atlantic prawns, split, slapped on the grill and plated up with plenty of parsley and citrus to hand – no messing but plenty of mess.
Expect to see the influences of cooking from Portugal, Argentina, Central America and Spain to come through, so think peri peri, chimichurri and total charred gratification – all served to share as much or as little as you please.
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Off The Grid
366 Barlow Moor Rd
Manchester, M21 8AZ
0161 8820172
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 6pm – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday: 4pm – 10pm
