Tasty Thursday at Ibérica with Eleanor Graceful #Blog

Eleanor
9th August 2018

At Taste Cheshire, we like to support the food and drink industry from local producers to local restaurants but we want to give you more. We’re now introducing Tasty Thursdays where we will have a Guest Editor on the website publishing content. This way you can find even more hidden gems in Cheshire and the North West. This week our featured editor is Ellie, otherwise known as Eleanor-Graceful.

I absolutely love eating out; it’s one of my favourite things to do, especially when it’s a new restaurant that I’ve never been to before, and even better when the experience is one of the best which is why I couldn’t wait to share it.

When I was invited to try the new spring dishes at Ibérica, I couldn’t reply quick enough: Ibérica has been on my hit list for as long as I can remember, and every time I work in Manchester and walk past it (our office is just around the corner) I feel like I wrack my brain for an excuse to visit because it’s a little bit too fancy for your regular going out occasion. It’s situated in the very popular area of Manchester called Spinningfields which is full of restaurants, bars but also businesses.

Spanish food is one of my absolute favourites, so much so that we are toying with a tapas menu for our wedding. I’ve been to a few different places in Spain, and every time the food has been incredible, so I knew that Ibérica had a lot to live up to when it came to authentic Spanish dishes.

The first thing that struck me about the restaurant was how lovely the outside terrace was. We went on a very sunny Friday evening, and it was packed with date nights, birthdays and after work drinks soaking up the Manchester sunshine. We opted for a table inside and were seated upstairs which had big windows and also a view of the kitchen. As we walked up, I noticed how lovely the downstairs bar was too with its Spanish-inspired tiles and gorgeous decor.

We were greeted by a waitress who talked us through a few of the dishes and brought us a jug of sangria. We were also treated to a plate of Juan Pedro Domecq ham, which had been cured for 42 months, and the toasted bread with tomato. The ham was some of the best Ibérica ham I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot in my day) and the bread was the perfect accompaniment with lovely sweet tomatoes on top.

For the main, it was a tough choice because I could have quite happily eaten everything. We went for the classics – patatas bravas, manchego with quince jelly and calamari, and also went for the chorizo lollipops (which someone from work had recommended). As we were there to try the spring dishes, we also went for the warm lentil salad (with poached egg, pea shoots and baby carrots) spring vegetables (sauteed seasonal vegetables topped with melted idiazabal cheese) and the cod brandada (salt cod with vegetable crisps).

I’m not joking here when I say this was one of the best meals I’ve ever had – not just Spanish meals – actual, all-cuisine-encompassing meals: It was incredible and the sangria washed it down perfectly. The spring dishes were so fresh and full of flavour, and the others we ordered were amazing as well. My favourite (which surprised me a bit) was the spring vegetables, which were so heavenly, and quite a light dish, even with the melted cheese. I’ll definitely be trying to recreate that at home.

Even though we were absolutely stuffed, they tempted us with dessert (which didn’t take much if I’m honest). I went for the caramelised Spanish rice pudding and Jordan went for the churros. The desserts were the perfect thing to finish the meal, and the rice pudding was lovely. It was the Spanish version of a Creme Brulee which is one of my favourite desserts of all time.

If you are after incredible Spanish food, a stunning restaurant and really attentive, lovely staff, then I would highly recommend giving Ibérica a go. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or if you’re a bit of a foodie – definitely one I’ll be going back to soon!

*Ellie’s meal at Ibérica was complimentary in exchange for an honest review.

Ibérica is Spanish restaurant in Spinningfields, Manchester. Take a look at there fabulous website. We thank Ellie for this fabulous contribution and can’t wait to hear more from her soon, so look out for more of our Tasty Thursdays features. Check out more from Eleanor Graceful or find her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.