Christmas comes but once a year and to me, having no children and not being particularly religious, that really only means one thing; food.
I’ll try my best not to be too self indulgent here because I’m not sure you need me to tell you in detail how Aumbry’s English Truffle is one of the most pleasing things I’ve ever eaten, or that the home churned salted butter with a small selection of artisan bread and the truly impressive “Crown Prince Squash Soup” was all most too good to articulate. I’ll probably just leave it at that.
Aumbry is and has been one of my favourite restaurants for a long time. Never has “front of house” felt more appropriate a term than when visiting Aumbry, you’ll see what I mean when you get there, and being greeted by Kate an upmost professional who adds another level to the whole dining experience.
The Christmas Taster Menu is nothing short of perfect, Mary-Ellen and her team have yet again created a meal that effortlessly carries you through the evening with little touches of magic between course, such as a warm duck fat and balsamic dip that was just brilliant.
The main course; Aumbry’s “A Royal Roast” a three bird roast with toasted chestnuts and celeriac is game at it’s best. A fantastic balance with a small game pie and smattering of soft chestnut.
As for wine and after a little conversation between Kate, Mary-Ellen and I it was decided that the 2009 Crozes-Hermitage, Domaine des Grands Chemins was the way to go as an accompaniment to the main so I’d recommend that. However if you want to truly embrace this menu go for the accompanying wines option, I couldn’t this time but did last year and it doesn’t get much better.
Christmas Pudding was a tasty and delicate as you’ll ever taste and Mrs Beeton’s Mincemeat Pie with Buttered rum & Christmas spice will bring a smile to your face that can only be added to by Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh which I’ll let you discover for yourself.
So in short, Christmas does only come once a year, and if you can I highly recommend spending some of it in a little house sign posted Aumbry in Prestwich.
The Menu:
(9 courses, available Lunch and Dinner)
Amuse Bouche
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Home Smoked Mackerel
Pickled beets, mustard cream & malted rye
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Scallop Ceviche
Celeriac, cocoa butter & tarragon
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Hare Consommé
English truffle & turnip
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Poached Hake
Cockles & mussels, radish & Lapsang Souchong
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Slow Cooked Roe Deer
Sprout tops & juniper pickle
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British & Irish Cheeses
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Grapefruit Posset
Celery granita & sherbet
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Beetroot & Chocolate Cakes
Bee pollen, hazelnut, milk & honey
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Mrs Beeton’s Mincemeat Pie
Buttered rum & Christmas spice
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Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh
