Getting an invitation to try out the new summer menu at Chez Mal, in the Malmaison Hotel on Piccadilly, Manchester, is always something to look forward to. And it’s even better when you remember that Canal Street VIP cardholders get a rather good 20% off their entire bill – a welcome saving.
The menu promises a lovely taste of summer dining, and it certainly delivers, with a focus on classic dishes put together with real care. We started our meal with a good look at the starters. The Padrón Peppers had that fun, slightly risky heat, while a hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup felt both warming and fresh. The Fried Calamari was perfectly crisp, and some Tuna Tartare Tacos offered a lighter, zesty alternative. For many, though, the Classic Prawn Cocktail would be a real highlight. Plenty of juicy prawns were beautifully presented, making it not just a treat to eat but also very easy on the eye – a genuine taste of smart summer food. The Sticky Beef Fillet Noodle Salad also got nods of approval for its nicely judged mix of sweet and savoury flavours.
Moving on to the main courses, the dedication to good ingredients and skilled cooking was still plain to see. A Seared Tuna Niçoise Salad was a satisfying and attractive plate, with the tuna cooked just right. The ever-dependable Mal Burger was also on offer. Yet, it was the Pan-Fried Hake that really stood out. This kind of fish needs careful handling, and the kitchen here showed they knew exactly what they were doing. The hake’s delicate flavour came through beautifully, and it flaked perfectly – a clear sign of expert cooking and a fine example of a classic white fish dish done well. To go with these, we had some well-made sides, including crisp Fries, a fresh Mixed Leaf Salad, proper substantial Triple Cooked Chunky Chips, and tender Green Beans.
To round things off, the Salted Caramel Popcorn Sundae arrived. This was an indulgent and cleverly put-together dessert, looking as good as it tasted – a fitting sweet end to the meal, especially if we’re lucky enough to get some warm English summer weather.
Our meal was enjoyed with a good selection of drinks, including a refreshing Bombay Bramble Gin, a smart non-alcoholic Cos-no-politan, a pleasant Zinfandel Blush Rosé, and a reliable Maison Rouge, as well as a classic Coca-Cola.
All in all, the summer menu at Chez Mal offers brilliant food for the season. There’s a clear focus on classic dishes, beautifully presented and perfectly cooked, with a really pleasing balance to everything. The whole experience shows real quality and care.
The offer
For anyone thinking of visiting, that 20% discount for Canal Street VIP card users is definitely a nice bonus. Chez Mal is a very good choice for anyone wanting well-crafted, classic dishes in a smart but comfortable Manchester spot this summer.
By James and Dan.
for Canal Street Manchester