Today’s lunch was at one of the regular haunts of 34SP.com – New Samsi. New Samsi is one of Manchesters very few Japanese restaurants. Thankfully it is also excellent. The restaurant is located on Whitworth street, just across from the former UMIST building. Whilst situated in a converted warehouse, the restaurant has a contemporary airy feel, light woods with subtle lighting.

Mention Japanese food and many people invariably imagine raw fish and turn green; whilst New Samsi has its share of Sushi (maki, nigiri, sashimi etc.) the menu is quite diverse and by no means limited to fish.

Lunch comprises two options – sushi buffet or bento box. Sushi is a particular favourite here at 34SP.com (see Keith top left and myself bottom right digging in!). �10 gets you a bowl of miso, 8-12 mixed pieces of sushi (choice of the chef) and if you like, another serving of sushi once you’re finished with the first!

The other choice of bento box is also great value for money. Ranging from �6-�12 the bento boxes are large compartmentalised trays. Each little compartment is stuffed with something different: noodles, rice, chicken, beef, pork, vegetables, sauces, skewers and so on.

Whatever you choose, its a certainty you won’t leave hungry – Japanese also makes a nice change from the more prevalent Chinese eateries that abound the city centre of Manchester. A big 34SP.com thumbs up!

New Samsi

A very grey, and drizzly *summer* day in Manchester today. To lift the spirits lunch today was at the funky and continually reliable Eden Bar.

Eden sits on the edge of the Rochdale canal accessible from Canal Street by a small bridge. As you cross the bridge you also pass the permanently moored canal barge owned by Eden. Perfect for a cold drink on one of the five sunny days we get in Manchester each year. Today however, bobbing up and down in the rain did not appeal. Indoors we went.

Inside, Eden is a dark wood and candlelit affair (sometimes a bit too dark). Plenty of big leather sofas circle the edges to laze on once you have had your fill. There is also a well stocked bar if you were to make it an evening out.

Lunchtime at Eden comprises sandwiches, burgers, soups, pizzas etc. Bar food with a nice twist. Service is also friendly and fun – today we even had assistance naming the songs playing on the PA

The half pound lamb burger served with a nice big salad and side of fries should be plenty to keep anyone going for most of the day (and into the night!). Something lighter? The salami and emental cheese sandwich (again with a nice big salad) went down a treat today.

For lunch (or dinner) Eden is another 34SP.com favourite destination and well worth the trip, especially if you come on one of our sunny days

http://www.edenbar.co.uk/