Even with our elasticated trousers at the ready, there's so many better things to tuck into over the Christmas period than endless servings of turkey followed by heavy Christmas pudding and custard. The point is, we all want something a little bit different every now and then, and so why not ship yourself off the Canary Islands and head down to La Bandera for some authentic Spanish flavours and enough tapas to sink The Nina, The Pinta and The Santa Maria. This Christmas, La Bandera has crafted a selection of beautiful menus to suit every occasion. Whether it is their Set Lunch for £25, the £29 Evening Menu or a more extravagant Dinner Menu for £35 – they really have all your needs covered. You will begin each menu with a few nibbles – olives, artisan bread and aioli and an additional portion of mixed cured meats and cheeses. Alongside a couple of drinks, these morsels of food are just what you need to whet your appetite for the things to come. The main event on each menu will focus around a selection of traditional tapas to share like Rabas de Calamar; deep fried fresh squid in batter served with citric aioli, Estofado de Carne; a traditional Northern Spain beef stew and even Albóndigas de la Abuela; Grandma’s original recipe meatballs. A particular highlight of the £35 Dinner option comes in the form of the Tablón Guachinche - a massive meat feast board filled with all manner of Canary Island specialities. This beauty comes filled with Pollo 'Los Asadores' (Canarian marinated chicken), Costillas (ribs) and potatoes. Similarly, both the evening menus come with one of my personal favourite dishes ever from the kitchen at La Bandera - Bacalao Embarrado - succulent cod fillets that come served in a fantastic Mojo Rojo marinade straight from the Canary Islands themselves. Finally, no meal out is complete without some pudding and so La Bandera are offering the gorgeous Tarta de Santiago; almond cake served with vanilla ice cream and the Crema Catalana; the Spanish version of the classic crème brûlée. Delicious food at good prices and a fair amount of festive cheer – I cannot think of a single reason you wouldn’t want to be at La Bandera this Christmas season! ………………………………….. Festive Dining at La Bandera MENUS MENU: Set Lunch – £25 MENU: Evening Menu – £25 MENU: Dinner Menu – £35 ………………………………….. Book A Table La Bandera, 2 Ridgefield, Manchester M2 6EQ 0161 833 9019 labandera.co.uk