RESTAURANT REVIEW: AUSTRALASIA MANCHESTER

Last Sunday, George and I had a wonderful day on the sofa, watching movie after movie and being complete and utter hermits for the day.
This was because we had a hot date with one another that evening at Australasia; a beautiful and highly talked about restaurant situated in central Manchester, Spinningfields to be precise.
I’d heard SO many rave reviews about Australasia that I was super excited to experience it for myself.

We arrived at the restaurant, which has THEE most amazing entrance EVER (check it out here if you don’t believe me) to be greeted by the most warm and welcoming staff and a really gorgeous and contemporary decor to the place.
For a place that is known for being rather swanky, the atmosphere was alive with a great buzz of young professionals, couples and groups of friends enjoying a Sunday evening out, it really was a great first impression.

Ordering our cocktails, Pornstar Martini’s of course, on the high tech i-Pad, we then perused the extensive menu which boasts “Modern Australian cuisine combining Pacific Rim flavours underpinned by European cooking traditions, a blend of Indonesian, Southeast Asian influences and Australia’s strong ties with Japan also help determine the taste and style.”

As it was Chinese New Year, there was also an awesome taster menu which we decided to go for. Starting with a platter of sushi which included Peking Duck & Tuna California Rolls and Avocado and Salmon Sashimi with ginger, wasabi and soy sauce to taste. Each piece was simply delicious and the perfect way to start a meal.

Wave two included Tempura Squid, Teriyaki Beef and tonnes of Edamame with fresh sea salt; an utterly delicious second course with the beef being so tender and oh so scrummy and the edamame, one of my all time faves, simply divine. 

Becoming suitably full, wave three arrived with a bang; Duck Breast with Hoi Sin Glaze, Miso Marinated Black Cod and a Green Bean, Wasabi and Radish Salad, each mouthful was heavenly, especially the duck breast and black cod dishes.

Savoury courses demolished, it was time for desert which included a huge icy platter of Green Tea Cheesecake on a Brandy Snap Base, Lime Brulee, Sorbet and an assortment of fresh fruit including pineapple, dragon fruit and passion fruit. The epitome of the perfect desert to finish an extraordinary dining experience. 

We had the most incredible time at Australasia, the perfect place to celebrate (which we were most definitely doing that evening) to spend time with friends or a loved one, in fact it’s the perfect place for a Valentines Day meal, so if you haven’t got any plans yet, get booking your spot ASAP, you will not be disappointed.

x M

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