Manchester Rocks a Superb Seafood Odyssey Supper Club by The Gourmet Gays

Ginger & Lime Gin Martini served with Salt & Vinegar Cockle Popcorn

The last Supper Club of the year by the remarkable Gourmet Gays rocked up this week in Manchester. Anyone who read my previous posts will know that we are massive fans of these events. Stephen and Carl host THE BEST nights and if you're lucky enough to get tickets - you know you're in for a treat indeed.

Attention to details with the wonderful table centre piece

"Food's going to taste so boring tomorrow" Chris Heptinstall, guest

Tamarind Salmon, Mint Raita served on a mini popadom 

So the evening kicked off with fabulous (and strong) martinis as we sat down to the salt and vinegar cockles - normally something I wouldn't dream of eating. However these were really light and crisp....and the only way I'll eat them in the future!

We celebrated 2 years of business while we were there!

"It's all F**king GREAT!" Mr Bouchard, guest 

The monkfish goujons (the tastiest fish in the sea in my opinion) were light, delicious and had a lovely zing of lime through the jalapeño jam - truly lovely. My most fav course was next - I seriously could eat a dozen of these bad boys: the seafood lemongrass sliders. What a surprise these were. I've never particularly been a fan of tofu (unless its silken and in a miso soup) and I would never have even dreamed of substituting the bun on a burger with it. I was such a great idea, this is one of the reasons that The Gourmet Gays Supper Clubs stand out so much. The menu is incredibly creative. I've been cooking a long time, in all forms, but these ideas and challenges to conformity are what makes the evenings so exciting. You find yourself asking afterward "why haven't I thought of that and tried it before?"

Marinated monkfish goujons, tequila batter and homemade jalapeno jam (top)

Tofu Slider, Seafood lemongrass patty, pickled shiitake, unami ketchup, truffle ponzu slaw (middle)

Ginger cured mackerel, sesame kimchi (bottom)

The next course was the mackerel with homemade Kimchi, a perfect balance together on a plate of the soft succulent mackerel with the spicy Kimchi. It takes a very advanced palate to get that balance correct without overpowering the mackerel and this was it.

Green Ceviche, Tortilla, Morecambe Bay shrimp piri peri, Mojama, piquillo pepper, caper berries, rye sour dough toast and butter

The Ceviche, shrimps etc etc were great fun and I must apologise to those sharing from my side of the table as I think I woofed down most of the shrimp, just the right amount of spice to really enhance the sweetness of the shrimp - Morecambe Bay Shrimps are a fav of mine, if I could buy a bucket of these cooked this way I would in a heartbeat!

Surf n' turf - short rib, beetroot, horseradish, cod, orange and ginger

The Surf n' Turf was a deep, rich sauce with tender beef and beautifully cooked cod. In a meal of stars this was definitely a highlight for everyone, with one guest remarking "That's the first time I've ever liked Surf n' turf!"

Chocolate, mint, pistachio shortbread

A very light and creamy dessert of chocolate and mint with fabulous biscuits - we expect no less from the Gourmet Gays patisserie chef!!!! I almost just wanted to pop them in my handbag and bring them home (wait I said almost!) but I couldn't resist dunking them in the beautiful rich glass of goodness!

Amazing biscuits and so brilliantly done!

The full menu

And on the way out we got a scintillating cinnamon bun for breakfast the following morning - in a fantastic 'tongue in cheek' take away bag!

All in all just a wonderful experience, the food, the hosting, the apartment, the service - we knew it was going to be good....and we we're certainly NOT disappointed! The Gourmet Gays Supper Clubs return in 2017 but be warned you best book as soon as they release the tickets, their reputation is deservedly growing and this December edition sold out very quickly.

You can read all about The Gourmet Gays on their website and they are absolutely worth a follow on their Twitter account too!