A restaurant
named The Rose Garden conjures up
images of a quaint country cottage fronted by an ornamental lawn with rose shrubs
and a neatly trimmed buxus hedge. With its clean lines and stark white canvas,
the West Didsbury favourite is more like a city centre balcony space. Pops of bold
colour – electric blue, saffron and candy apple red – complete its bright,
modern décor.
Where it
matters – on the plate – the food is equally vibrant. The food is seasonal with
a regularly changing menu. Where possible, ingredients are supplied by some of the
area’s best independent retailers – fish from Out of the Blue and meat from W.H. Frost.
I started
with ‘Green, Eggs & Ham’ – a pea
velouté with capers & parsley, ham hock and a crispy poached quail’s egg. I
love anything with a caper and this was no exception. All aspects were cooked well
– with the expected “money shot” coming when I cut into the crispy poached quail’s
egg. Although, I did find heavy handed pepper seasoning overpowered the more spring
like flavours.
My wife had
the ‘Assiette of Scallops’ – a
garlicky tartare with tangy apple and sweet vanilla cured and brûléed scallops.
Once again, we both felt the seasoning to be “generous” in the least.
My main ‘Lamb & Peas’ – rump pf lamb was a
better dish than the starter when it came to seasoning. The meat, lamb jus and jersey
royal rosti were delightful with the peas and caper salsa adding a spring of
freshness. My most unpernickety criticism would be with regards the ‘sweetbread
croquette’ which I found an unnecessary bastardisation of a sweetbread.
My wife
opted for the ‘Sweetheart Cassoulet’
– a flavourful veggie option that I’m sure would keep many meat eaters
satisfied. An acidic mixed bean cassoulet with dinky Jersey Royals, saffron aíoli
and roasted sweetheart cabbage.
Sides of Colcannon Mash and Truffle & Parmesan Chips were spot on!
We finished
with ‘Malted Milk Bavarois’ – salted
caramel, peanut butter ice cream, bubble wrap chocolate crisp (yep, you read
that right). A mighty fine dessert – lovely textures and flavours.
I like The
Rose Garden – it’s a family run independent that offers great value for money. What’s
not to like? There are always interesting, seasonal dishes on the menu which
showcase some delightful ingredients. Give ‘em a follow on Twitter @rosegardendids to keep updated.
I previously
posted blogged The Rose Garden in May 2012 – see here.
