Recently celebrating its 5th year in business, Delifonseca Stanley Street continues to grow its reputation as a top notch delicatessen.
Following a recent refurbishment, the Deli's restaurant is fast establishing itself as an evening destination for diners as well as drawing in a roaring trade at lunch from regular business district patrons.
Visiting for the first time, on a drizzly mid-week evening, we were met with a fairly bustling crowd. For what at first seems a small dining space, the restaurant hosted a large party of nine celebrating a birthday along with several groups of friends, or perhaps colleagues, as generously heaped plates of gastric treats were presented before them.
With welcoming, warm wooden decor the refurbishment has proved a success. The restaurant feels modern, with up-market cafe style tables and chairs offset by dark brown leather booths of ample size to seat six comfortably.
My friend and I sank into the cushions of the only booth left unoccupied and prepared to peruse both the printed menu and The Blackboard. Delifonseca prides itself on fresh produce prepared on the premises daily, and as such, you are unlikely to find exactly the same fare presented on its Blackboard two weeks running.
Our amiable waiter Angus talked us through the ethos at Delifonseca and invited us to ask him any questions or express any special requirements as we took our pick of a very tempting bunch of starters.
Eager to try the lot, we settled on sharing the Vegetarian Platter. Priced at £11.75 this dish can be shared or eaten as a main. Individual dishes of homemade hummus, spiced aubergine pate, tahini dip, marinated feta cubes, olives, tabbouleh, 3-bean salad, dolmades and feta-stuffed chilli pepper are presented neatly on a large round plate with plenty of crostini to go round.
As both of us were driving, we decided to stick to soft drinks. That is, until I was tempted by Angus' enthusiastic description of the Nuviana Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon (£3.55/175ml glass, £4.65/250ml, £13.75/bottle) Ripe dark berry aroma with a hint of spice, exceedingly smooth, and before I knew it the sweet red nectar had disappeared. I followed up my alcoholic tipple with a Fentiman’s Traditional Dandelion and Burdock (£2.30) and a glass of thick Mango juice, both thirst-quenching and satisfying, proving alcohol isn't a necessity for a good time.
A host of unusual soft drinks are on offer at the Deli (49 to be exact), which is great news for designtated drivers usually stuck with coke, lemonade or orange juice. My friend tried Fentiman’s Tradtional Ginger Beer (£2.30) followed by San Pellegrino's Sparkling Blood Orange (£2.20) and both were given an enthusiastic nod of approval.
For main I was torn between two popular dishes, or "Blackboard regulars" as Angus described them, Sausages & colcannon mash served with onion gravy made with Cains Raisin beer, and Mutton & spinach curry (Cumbrian Herdwick mutton), served with spicy dahl, basmati rice. Opting for the mutton, I was more than pleased and at £12.45 it was great value for such a large portion. It could easily have been shared between two!
My friend felt a little more adventurous and went for Blanquette de Veau-classic. Veal stew with Parardelle pasta in a creamy sauce (£13.25). The veal was melt in the mouth although the huge serving of pasta conquered her appetite after such a generous starter.
Still, wooed by The Blackboard, we found room for dessert. All priced at £5.45 we were hooked by Crack Pie with Hazlenut ice cream, and Pecan Pie with Cheshire Farm vanilla ice cream. Both American in origin, the warm pecans held a delightful crunch against the soft, sweet and creamy ice cream while Crack Pie could most be likened to a crumbly flap jack filled with an oozing liquid caramel centre... A must for the sweet-toothed!
Instantly converted to Delifonseca's relaxed atmosphere and quality cuisine, it was disappointing that the deli downstairs closes at 9pm and thus late diners are denied the chance to take home some samples. However, a return visit is inevitable!
So often food critiques describe restaurants as 'hidden gems', but with its honest, hearty dishes and genuinely friendly service, Delifonseca must be the entire hidden treasure.
9/10
Opening times
Restaurant 8am - late (Mon-Sat)
Deli 8am - 9pm (Mon-Sat)
Call 0151 255 0808 or visit www.delifonseca.co.uk for more information.
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