Tast Manchester

Tast is a relatively recent addition to the Manchester dining scene. A venture that involves Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola and  CEO Ferran Soriano. Michelin Starred Catalonian chef Paco Pérez is responsible for the menu and the quality here shines through.

On the ground floor is the bar and a communal seating area suitable for those who only need a quick bite. The first floor is for a more formal experience while retaining a casual atmosphere for the diners. There is also a private dining room available on there second floor. I liked the restaurant design, unfussy with lots of wood to give a natural and warm feel.

The menu is based around small plates and it is possible to order any number depending on how hungry you are. We chose the longer of the two set menus on offer as we were in no particular hurry and wanted to sample a good range of dishes.

  • Duck’n Donut (2012)
  • Sandwich de Fromatge Trufat

The Duck’in Donut was a truly exceptional start to a meal. Duck liver parfait encased in white chocolate and covered with dried raspberry powder. It sounds bonkers but it works so well, I cold have eaten a whole box of them. The sandwich worked less well but then again it was a hard act to follow.

Oyster with salmon eggs and sodium seaweed

I have never really been a fan of oysters but this was rather special. Served slightly warm on a bed of crushed ice with enticing aromas of the sea it was a delicate and elegant dish.

Tartar de Salmo.

The salmon was delicious, melt in the mouth and the dill flavoured creme fraiche just added the right amount of richness to balance the delicate fish. Another winner of a dish.

Traditional Catalan Christmas broth, pasta and meatballs.

The success of a dish like this is in the quality of the broth and this did not disappoint. The meatballs were very good, gently spiced and lovely texture.

Next up was a lovely, savoury dish with the most perfectly cooked egg. The flavours here were deep and powerful. 

  • Mushrooms, egg, braised sauce
  • Scallops, fricando, vegetables
Wagyu loin with vegetables

The Wagyu was a little disappointing, lacking a little in flavour but the sauce was excellent. The vegetables were served at table en papillote and were rather good.

  • Passion fruit sorbet
  • Chantilly, apricot, sponge cake

The sorbet was so refreshing with intense passion fruit flavour. The sponge cake was light and was an excellent desert, I could have eaten another portion it was so nice.

Two wines to accompany our lunch.

Amic Blanc. Clos d’Agoni. Emporda. 2017. Dry and well balanced with some delicate floral notes and nice texture.

Modernista. Pagos de Hibera. Terra Alta. 2017. Bright red berry fruit with some gentle peppery spice.

Overall an excellent lunch with the tasting menu giving a good introduction to the range of dishes available. Cooking was of a high quality as you would expect and the prices here reflect this. In my view if offered good value.Service was excellent with a very detailed explanation of the menu and individual dishes. It was attentive without being overbearing.Â