This week Michelin releasesd its list of new Bib Gourmand restaurants for 2023 in the UK and Ireland, and Green Quarter restaurant The Sparrows scored big.
Having recently been featured in the prestigious Guide’s list of recommended Manchester restaurants in January, the team was already on a high – but now all that has been blown out of the water by a second honour from inspectors.
Recognising the high quality of their food as well as the restaurant’s great value for money, the news has left its owners Kasia And Franco Hitchcock absolutely enthused – prompting an outpouring of gratitude on social media last night
Sharing the news with its followers yesterday, owners explained how Bib Gourmand is ‘one of the famous Michelin restaurant guides’ before going on to say that they are ‘ever so proud and honoured to be recognised by this prestigious gastronomic family.’
They explained: “Bib Gourmand restaurants may not have a Michelin star, but the food must still be delicious, and the total cost for three courses should come to under a certain amount, depending on the local cost of living.”
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Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
The post then continued to thank their fans and followers, with owners writing: “We are grateful for your appreciation and ongoing inspiration.”
The post has already been liked over 500 times on Instagram at the time of writing, with followers pouring into the comments to offer up words of support and congratulations to the South Tyrolian restaurant.
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One person wrote: “From dining at your original site, to the many delicious meals at your new home, every time it is delicious. Congratulations”
Another said: “Bloody fantastic well done can’t wait to see you both on Sunday … Any chance lobster or crab … no pressure !”
The full post read: “GOURMAND 2023 lip licking Michelin Man.
“Bib Gourmand, one of the famous Michelin restaurant guides, recognises restaurants that offer great food at reasonable prices. Bib Gourmand restaurants may not have a Michelin star, but the food must still be delicious, and the total cost for three courses should come to under a certain amount, depending on the local cost of living.
“The Sparrows are ever so proud and honoured to be recognised by this prestigious gastronomic family for our delicious spätzle and fresh pastas shared everyday with Manchester’s guests.
We are grateful for your appreciation and ongoing inspiration.”
Feature image – The Manc Eats
Eats
Family behind Salvi’s launch new concept, weeks after iconic restaurant closure
Daisy Jackson
Just weeks after the closure of its iconic, 16-year-old Italian restaurant in the Corn Exchange, the family behind Salvi’s have revealed a brand-new concept.
And this time, the reins are being handed over to the next generation.
Salvi’s founder Maurizio Cecco has helped to shape Amò, but it’s all the brainchild of his daughter, Sienna.
Sienna will run the business out of a unit up on Deansgate Mews, serving fresh pasta dishes, pizza sandwiches, tubs of tiramisu, and two-for-£10 spritzes.
The deli aspect of the original Salvi’s has been carried over to Amò too – you’ll find shelves almost to the ceiling filled with Italian pasta, wine, olive oils, pistachio spreads, and more.
Sienna has grown up in restaurants, with her parents launching Salvi’s when she was just two years old.
She said she wants the space to be a livelier, fresher version of the Italian restaurant that has been so loved by Mancs for so many years.
Sienna outside AmòFresh pasta dishesInside Amò by Salvi’sTheir viral frozen crema di caffeLemon granitaInside Amò by Salvi’sTiramisu pots
Amò, which is Neapolitan slang for ‘my love’, will have loads of fresh Italian dishes, including arancini, gnocchi, and hearty pasta plates.
At lunchtimes, guests can order from a £10 lunch menu, with dishes changing daily depending on the best produce the kitchen can get – it could be a pizza sandwich with proscuitto and tomato, a spicy pasta, or a gnocchi bake, always served with your choice of soft drink.
With its position on Deansgate Mews, Amò basks in the sunshine at lunchtimes.
And while it’s definitely a different concept to the original Salvi’s, Amò looks set to carry the family’s Italian food legacy into its next generation.
Award-winning Didsbury bakery La Chouquette reveals incredible new site
Daisy Jackson
La Chouquette is one of Greater Manchester’s top bakeries – an award-winner, with queues down the street every weekend for its authentic French pastries and loaves.
And now they’re ready for a new chapter, revealing a major expansion today.
Owners Catrina and Flo have painstakingly expanded the bakery into the unit next door, creating what feels like a true French bakery.
And in the midst of this huge renovation project, they’ve welcomed a tiny new baby boy – quite the summer for the couple.
Catrina and Flo launched La Chouquette in lockdown, and in a time where people could only get their hospitality fix from takeaways, immediately became one of the most popular spots in the region.
Their success has been so great, you’ll still consistently find queues down the street every weekend, for their top sellers like their authentic almond croissants.
Then in October 2024, they grew the business and launched Piqniq, a new deli in Didsbury village, serving freshly-baked baguette sandwiches, breakfast butties, toasties, tiramisu pots and their legendary pastries.
The new-look La Chouquette features beautiful details like mosaic floors, rich blue walls, wooden shelves, and brass light fixtures.
La Chouquette’s best-selling almond croissantsInside the stunning new La Chouquette in DidbsuryNew savoury bakesThe chausson aux pommesThe counter stuffed with artisan French bakesChocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns
The huge new counter displays more pastries and breads than ever before, like a hearty chausson aux pommes filled with apples that will be perfect for autumn, plus seasonal treats like a rhubarb creme brulee pastry, and homemade quiche.
Speaking at the grand relaunch today, Catrina said: “The layout has changed, it looks so much more chic, it looks like a traditional French bakery. We’re really excited about it.”
As for what’s on the counter, Flo reassured fans that their beloved almond and pistachio croissants remain, but with some new savoury editions, like a truffle croque monsieur made with croissant dough.
La Choquette has reopened today, and will be open seven days a week from 7am until 5pm.
Georgina Pellant -
24th March 2023 
