The time I tried Crack

I know everyone says you shouldn't do it.

I know how it affects your brain, your body and your health.

I know it's addictive, I know it's bad.

But it's so, so good.

Having had my first hit from the side of a van at a festival back in 2013, I was instantly hooked and suffered severe withdrawal symptoms, trying to supplement my addiction with the placebo of Sainsbury's own caramel and peanut soft scoop.

It wasn't the same.

I tried everything: squeezy caramel sauce and dollops of melted peanut butter, vanilla ice cream sprinkled with sea salt and drenched with sugar. My housemate found dirty spoons and used wrappers in my handbag, and I knew it was time to stop.

I went cold turkey for a while, six months went by and I couldn't even look at a jar of skippy. I was ready to accept that my search for that rosy-pink truck with its supply of unbeatable quality would never again be on the market. Never again would I reach that high.

Life was okay, I ate chocolate fudge brownies and gorged myself on jam doughnuts whilst watching the mundane world go by. In an attempt to feed my adrenaline craving, I turned to the vice of piercing and tattoos, which by fate or fortune led me to Affleck's Palace, home of all things alternative. Amongst the webs of gothic jewellery, salvaged 80s footwear, pothead paraphernalia and offensive t-shirts I stumbled to find the dream-like sight of Ginger's Comfort Emporium. Was this real? Was I hallucinating? Plush velvet booths in deep crimson, an Alice-Through-The-Looking-Glass chessboard floor, and a towering chalkboard listing the reams of flavour combinations of which my heart had eyes to see only one.

I'm talking of course about Chorlton Crack, Ginger's Comfort Emporium's intoxicating combination of salted caramel and peanut butter in an ice cream. It's available in Elvis-style dosage between brioche toast and smothered with jam, Ginger now even cooks up with a brownie for the hard-hitters, but I personally like it pure.

Now there's a steady supply, I'm back on the wagon and my habit is under control. Why get clean when I can afford not to?

Chorlton Crack, 500ml, £7.50

Pick up: 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW

http://www.gingerscomfortemporium.com/

Review: Electrik Food

Meeting my Dad for lunch in Manchester, I happily seized the offer of taking the car to try somewhere a little different. We ventured to Chorlton, a small town just outside of Manchester between Fallowfield and Didsbury. Note for Fallowfield dwellers: it's very easy to get to with the 168 or 169 bus, especially great if you have a bus pass!

When it comes to restaurants, I am very guilty of judging a book by its cover, but I think a lot of the time the judgement bodes true. I see clean lettering, rich wooden surfaces and bold colours and assume a menu that consists of food quirks and on trend dishes. In this case, I was right, and even taken beyond my expectations.

Observe the wood

Drawn in by the striking black & orange sign and little outdoor front seating area, we were enticed further by the layout as we entered to bright pink walls and soft blue seating. The bar is well lit and adorned with homemade cakes, colourful teas and a wide selection of spirits. Some were sat on high chairs with pints of craft ale, showing Electrik's versatility as a place for drinking, dining, snacking or coffee-and-cake-ing.

As if we weren't already, the bonus of 50% off all food in October had us sold, and we made our way to a booth-style table. Impressed by the menu's variety yet simplicity, we chose Patatas Bravas (one of my favourite tapas dishes, when done properly) and the Teriyaki Salmon. Due to the offer on food, I went all-out and got a soft drink - elderflower & lime cordial with soda. Wild, I know.

Food arrived shortly and was beautifully presented. I dived into the fried potatoes first, tweaked with the addition of chorizo, small capers and a fried egg. The chorizo was delicious, and the egg was a lovely addition to an authentic Spanish classic. However, the whole dish was a little oily for my liking, as I prefer really crispy dry potatoes with a fluffy centre. I also had extra mayo as the dish didn't come with the traditional garlic aioli and tomato sauce. I think the red oiliness may actually have been their version of the tomato sauce, but I don't think it worked as well as it could have. Still, a great innovative dish with a lot of thoughtful touches.

Observe the oil

The teriyaki salmon was faultless. Sat on a bed of ripe green pak choi and red onion salad, the black sesame skin made the dish look stunning. It was sweet and tangy, the textures of the crunchy salad and soft fish contrasting perfectly. I also liked that this dish was an interesting healthy option. Flavours were used cleverly to make simple food taste delicious; the salmon was glazed with japanese teriyaki, and the salad tossed in chilli and fresh lime. 

Observe the beauty

More than contented with our mains, we stayed for coffee and cake/cappuccino and carrot. Carrot cake is always a winner and this one didn't change that sentiment, the experimental courgette and lime cake was also a pleasant surprise. Our waitress was highly apologetic about the delay of my cappuccino as they had to run and get milk from downstairs, I was happy to swap to a black americano but she insisted and I was glad as the coffee was worth the wait. The overall service was great, all of the staff were very friendly and receptive to engage with my ever-chatty Father.

There were plenty more things on this menu that I'd like to try, particularly including the beef bourguignon with mash, bacon and onions and the Spanish omelette with broad beans and pomegranate. Electrik have taken inspiration from a variety of cuisines to create an interesting, accessible and exciting menu. I'll probably be returning in the near future - before the month is out!

Electrik Bar
50% off food all October

559a Wilbraham Road
Chorlton
Manchester 
M21 0AE

http://www.electrikbar.co.uk/