Showing posts with label hipster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hipster. Show all posts

Filthy Cow is the new baby on the block when it comes to the  big filthy burgers that Manchester City Centre has taken to their hearts, as it's only been open for three months, but in that time it is becoming extremely popular, and the owner is seeing the success and popularity rate continuing to soar!

Why, you ask? Because the food is $#!@ing amazing, and for Manchester City Centre it's very reasonably prices considering the quality of food you get!



Sorry, I'm getting a bit over excited! Let me pull back a little first.

Filthy Cow sits down one of the side-streets near the town hall, and as you step inside, you see the décor is the popular industrial and brutalist style that is popular with the hipster crowd in modern city restaurants lately, but the brick walls and raw plaster walls, graffiti, chains and metalwork really seems to work for Filthy Cow because it goes with the filthy raw naughty feel of the place, which takes its fabulously pervy meaty double-entendres as far as possible. I like it.


The staff are friendly and professional, and I was greeted by who I believe was the owner as I walked in, who welcomed me and asked if I'd been before. It's always nice to be acknowledged when you enter a restaurant.

The menu is refreshingly simple, with half a dozen burgers, a few sides, drinks, and some ice creams and shakes provided by the fabulous Ginger's Comfort Emporium over in Affleck's. There's something nice about a simpler menu like this, as you know that they are focussing on their core dishes being as good as possible, and easy to take in.



I ordered a Filthy Cheese burger without lettuce, some fries, and a Coke. This came to just £10.50, which for freshly made-to-order food in a modern and new restaurant bang smack in the middle of the city centre is remarkably good value, especially compared to some similar offerings over in the Northern Quarter.


Food is presented in a classic American no-frills style with a wrapped burger and fries, and napkins bearing the filthy plea of "rub your greasy fingers all over me!". It was nice to see that the stickers on the burger clarify the burger type and any special requirements (like me not wanting lettuce), as it saves that pain when you're in a group of unwrapping burgers and lifting the lid to work out who has what burger. I was also informed that the burger would be a bit pink in the middle... GOOD! That's my preference! Too many places provide brown "well-done" burgers which are alright, but nothing special compared to a good medium rare burger or steak.


They say you eat with your eyes, and unwrapping that burger certainly played on that. I see why the filthy cow idea is in play now, as this was food porn of the highest degree, and I hadn't even tasted it yet!



I did that cursory thing of trying a fry or two first, pretending to myself that I wasn't going to just shove my face into that juicy burger straight away. The fries were excellent! I must admit that at first glance I thought, "oh these are bog standard chips", but no, they were hot, crisp and tasty, and seasoned in a delicious rosemary salt, which really gave them some tasty flavour!

Now... that burger... as I sunk my teeth into the soft juicy meat, I coudln't help but close my eyes and let out a little quiet whimper at how absolutely stunning this burger was. Soft, tender, PERFECTLY pink and unbelievably juicy... I am not afraid to say that this is one of the best burgers I have ever had in my life, and it wasn't even seven quid! The brioche bun beautifully soaked up some of those tasty meat juices and the fabulously melting cheese, the culmination of all the elements coming together to form what a burger SHOULD be but so often isn't anymore.

No it's not a gigantic tall stacked burger slathered in all sorts of sauces and toppings and flags and with a knife in it and sparklers and a rocket and all the other gimmicks a lot of modern burger places go for now, but it does burgers as they SHOULD be... simple, tasty, well made, and pure comfort food... pure filth! FILTH!

I highly recommend this place to anyone in the city centre who fancies a really good filthy lunch at a surprisingly decent price.

Well done Filthy Cow, I had my doubts given the big burger joint trend in Manchester right now, but you truly wowed me, and I will without the slightest bit of doubt be visiting you whenever I get chance when I'm in the city centre! I can't stop telling my friends, colleagues and family about you, and showing them those illicit photos of the food on my phone! Bravo!



Filthy Cow
10 Tib Lane
Manchester
M2 4JB
www.filthyfood.co.uk
(0161) 839 5498



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Filthy Cow

by on 16:41
Filthy Cow is the new baby on the block when it comes to the  big filthy burgers that Manchester City Centre has taken to their hearts...


Cane & Grain only opened recently in Manchester's trendy Northern Quarter, and billed itself from the beginning as being a bar and rib joint, spread over several floors, including a tiki lounge.

I decided to pop in for lunch one day whilst I was in the city, and was pleased to see there were some tasty and very affordable lunchtime offers available, so I wandered inside.

The décor is that modern-hipster style of rough-and-ready, distressed paint and textures etc, but still spacious and colourful with art on the walls. Also it's not really related, but I love their logo!


From the lunchmenu I ordered the rib-roll and fries, which I thought for £5 was very well priced! I also ordered a lemon-lime Ting (£2 a can, but hey you can't win them all), which was perfect for the sunny hot day, which also prompted me to sit outside in their outdoor seating area, and people watch... which in the Northern Quarter is a bit more interesting than in the rest of the city!

The staff are young, friendly, and professional, which is pleasant and welcoming to those of us who might otherwise feel a little out-of-place in modern and dare I say "hip" places. Yes I said hip. Shut up.

My food arrived looking delicious, and served on a metal tray and with a metal mug of fries (hipster places don't like plates). The pork roll was succulent and tasty, served with red onions and gherkin slices. The fries were seasoned absolutely perfectly, with "tiki salt" according to one of the staff. They were hot, crisp, and very tasty indeed!


I only popped here for lunch during the day, and I imagine when it's busy at night and the cocktails are flowing in the Liars Lounge it may have an atmosphere different altogether, but I think it's one I'd be quite happy to check out sometime, as this came across as a friendly and good quality venue which I can imagine hanging out in with my friends.

I'll definitely be back for that fabulous lunch deal again! 7 quid for a large freshly made pork roll with seasoned fresh fries and a drink in the city centre is a steal!




Cane & Grain
49-51 Thomas Street
Northern Quarter
Manchester City Centre
M4 1NA
(0161) 839 7033
www.caneandgrain.co.uk






Cane & Grain

by on 19:57
Cane & Grain only opened recently in Manchester's trendy Northern Quarter, and billed itself from the beginning as being a bar ...


I had to check the spelling. I can never remember the name! Ziffy something... ziggy? ziggyblart? Something like that... *checks online* ah yes... Ziferblat! Ziferblat started in London but now is here in Manchester, and is a unique concept which a lot of people are investigating, as it's that rare beast of being something Manchester City Centre hasn't seen before!


The concept is that of "micro-tenancy", where instead of paying for the food and drink you consume, you are instead paying a per-minute charge for the use of the space. The food and drink part is free! You're coming "home" to relax, where the food and drink is laid out for you. The best way I could describe it is a youth club for adults: you're buzzed in through the front door (which is tricky to find really... it's not massively signposted, but it's near Home Sweet Home in Manchester's trendy Northern Quarter), where you then go upstairs and "check in" at the main desk, where you give your name and are explained the concept and charging system, and asked to simply clear away after yourself. From there... well do what you like really!


For 5p-per-minute you can use the space to your heart's content... whether you choose to find a comfy couch and chat with your friends, a quiet chair in the corner to read, or just listen to the music whilst playing chess with someone you've just met, the environment is that of a social comfort space. At first I wasn't sure about the concept, and worried that in being given a little alarm clock at check in, you'd feel "metered" as it were, but although they don't seem to give clocks out now, I didn't feel pressured, in fact I felt very relaxed. There was no rush, they didn't want you out after your drink, or need to clean up after you, so you didn't feel you were being an imposition, and in this spirit, there are board games, magazines, and papers dotted around for you to enjoy.




The food and drink situation is that of a communal kitchen area, where you can help yourself to both hot and cold drinks, cereals, snacks, biscuits, and tasty cakes, plus as much toast as you can handle with a bunch of tasty toppings and spreads to your delight. The kitchen is equipped with plenty of cupboards of plates, mugs, and cutlery for you to do what you want to do, including things like a coffee machine, ice machine, and a dishwasher. The only request is that you clear up after yourself, and if the dishwasher is on, wash your plate/cup and set it in the drainer. Seems fair!


The venue itself is bright and airy with both modern and kitch vintage touches, and lots of comfy couches and chairs, as well as tables,  chairs, and a breakfast bar, which seems fine for the customers, which seemed to vary from business types having a bowl of cornflakes and a quick meeting, to the hipster types sat around being beardy together whilst drinking camomile tea. I noticed a highchair available, a couple of toilets, and elevator access to the place itself, so they seem to be trying to cater for everyone where possible, and to be honest that seems to be their ethos; come in, chill out, relax, and have a nice time. Even their wifi password is "takeyourtime". I could come here with friends, colleagues, or even just come here with my dad (who I think would love it here).

In the time I was there, I was able to use their lovely fast wifi, gorge on toast and marmalade, then some ginger cake and chocolate biscuits, and feel thoroughly relaxed... and upon settling my "bill" at the door... it came to £2.50! I felt like I was undercharged, so left some cash in the "donations" suitcase by the door, especially considering how friendly and welcoming the staff were.

I've decided that I love this concept, and I can see it doing very well with others too, who will also come to love the idea after they experience it!

I will most definitely be back. Guaranteed.





Ziferblat

by on 14:58
I had to check the spelling. I can never remember the name! Ziffy something... ziggy? ziggyblart? Something like that... *checks online*...
It's freezing cold, it's windy, and the icy wind is blowing cold fine rain into my face as I'm striding across Piccadilly Gardens. It's hellish!

Then I step into the doorway where it's dry, warm, the smell of fresh coffee gently lingers in the air and a smooth jazz version of "I Get A Kick Out Of You" is playing. This is Moose Coffee, and I instantly know I'm going to like it here.



I only popped in because I needed a bit of breakfast and in passing it remembered how many of my friends have mentioned it positively, but from what I knew of it, it was good for American style breakfasts (including pancakes!) and good service.

As I wipe my feet, a staff member asks me to take a seat where I'd like and that she'd come over to take my order. As I sit, I realise that above my seat and several others there is a metal trough shelf on the wall, to put your belongings in! Genius! Way too many places forget that you may be visiting with coat, hat, scarf, umbrella, bag etc.

The trough in action on another table

The decor is modern and fresh, in dark wood tones and cream touches, with antler chandeliers that Gaston himself would be proud of.  The menus have an extensive breakfast selection, and although they do hotdogs, salads and burgers etc, it's really nice to see somewhere that prides itself on its breakfast/brunch offerings!

A friendly staff member came over to take my order, telling me that I'll warm up in here in no time. I was only popping in, so I ordered a pot of English Breakfast Tea and a hot buttery bagel. These came promptly (the food before the drink, but not by long!) and both were delicious.

Just before being smothered in marmalade!

When I paid, I had a quick chat with the staff, who were friendly, professional, and made me feel welcome from the moment I stepped into the door and throughout my meal. They were lovely, and even gave me a take-away menu so that I could "plan what you fancy for breakfast when you next visit!", which was savvy salesmanship, as well as friendly and helpful.

This was only a fleeting visit, but until I get chance to return and try a big breakfast or one of their other tempting sounding offerings, I thought I'd do a little write-up to put their name out there, as they're a chain of 3 stores (2 in Liverpool, with another opening soon, and 1 in Manchester), and I think deserve the recognition. Forget Starbucks or Costa, try popping in here when you're next in the city centre, it's only near Piccadilly Gardens, and it's a much more pleasant experience :)




Moose Coffee
20 York Street
Manchester
M2 3BB
(0161) 228 7994
www.moosecoffee.co.uk




Moose Coffee on Urbanspoon

Moose Coffee

by on 13:30
It's freezing cold, it's windy, and the icy wind is blowing cold fine rain into my face as I'm striding across Piccadilly Garden...