The last time I wrote about Grand Pacific, I told you about the beautiful building and the changes that had been made to the space since Living Ventures took over the site. I won’t tell you about it again, although you can read the old post as it looks so pretty. What I will tell you about are the changes to the menu and the difference since my last visit.
During the week, the ambience in Grand Pacific has changed to how it was when I first visited. I remember commenting on the music being too loud and they have really rectified that now. We visited on a Tuesday, early evening and it was audible but in the background rather than dominating the room.
Anyway, onto the food. There isn’t a full menu change which is a good thing. The Grand Pacific favourites, such as the sushi bowl starter and the lamb massaman, are still there but complimented by the odd change for a quick refresh. We tried some of the new additions to see how they would fare.
The ‘Thali’ Plate sharing starter is supposed to be for two people but it is a really generous size and you could easily split it between more for a smaller starter. It is packed full of flavour with the creamy forbidden rice balls being my favourite. I expected them to be dry and heavy but they were soft, moist and light. The bakwan sayur was also a favourite with deliciously deep fried vegetables, delicately spiced for something a little different. The Thali plate also includes duck gyoza, glazed chicken skewers, prawn tempura and chicken wings, all served with dipping sauces.
For mains I went for something a little different and tried the Buri Bop Korean Hot Plate. Inspired by the traditional Korean dish, you choose a protein (I went for beef) and the whole thing is served with a hot plate to cook yourself at the table. I loved how the raw egg yolk can be mixed into the rice on the hot plate to make a DIY egg fried rice, although did find that the bottom the rice burnt a little due to spending so long on the hot plate. The beef is a lovely cut and, even cooked fully through, it was soft and flavourful. Usually well done meat goes chewy and dry but not being cooked in this way. There is a Korean restaurant near where I live in Stockport so I’ll definitely consider giving it a go if they serve dishes like this!
My friend chose the Cod Loin, served with bok choi and a lobster sauce, which is poured on the dish at the table with extra left over should you need it. It is a colourful dish and the fish was cooked perfectly so the fish was still flaky yet meaty in texture. At £17.95 though, I do think it was expensive considering it was not served with any side dishes. The Korean plate cost less at £14.95 and came as a full meal with the egg fried rice.
To end, my friend chose the Iced Peanut Butter Parfait, which the wait staff told us has been a huge hit. The parfait style of the dessert means it is surprisingly light for a peanut butter pudding, with the caramel miso, chilli and almond brittle adding a little heat alongside a lot of crunch. I didn’t get a look in which means I’ll need to return to try it!
I chose the most summery of puddings with the Peach Summer Pudding. Peaches are my favourite fruit and I love spending time in America, where the humble peach is a predominant flavour in a lot of desserts and drinks. This layered pudding includes pomegranate for a touch of sour and pistachios for a nutty crunch. It was light and the epitome of summer on a plate. Would it be wrong to call in for a drink and a pudding alone? I can think of worse ways to pass an hour or two!
The team are working on their new cocktail menu but there are some good Seedlip options for those who prefer not to drink alcohol. There are also some summery choices on their specials and the Gin Mojito is well worth a look.
I really enjoyed visiting Grand Pacific during the week where the staff were attentive, friendly and explained the menu with ease. They made some great recommendations (the cocktails and that iced peanut butter parfait) and allowed us as long as we needed to natter and enjoy our meal. Here’s hoping for a peach cocktail to pair with that summer pudding, I’ll feel like I’m back in Philly!
I was invited to dine as a guest of Grand Pacific and was not asked to pay for our meal.
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