Chowing Down on the Manx Menu

Prepare your tastebuds and fasten your gastro seatbelts, we’re going on a journey of fine foods, great gins and tantalising treats on the Manx Menu.

The brainchild of Gef’s pals at Visit and Business Isle of Man, the Manx Menu is all about celebrating culinary talent and supporting the hospitality sector.

There are over 120 dishes, drinks, and products to try, and behind each of the growers and brewers, chefs, and bakers who, not only call the island home but look to our hills, skies, and seas as the inspiration for their creations.

Without turning this into a Ted Talk, there really is no better time than now to get out and try some of the amazing dishes, drinks and desserts on the menu, supporting not only the hospitality sector but the important producers too.

Plus, think it through – an excuse for a midweek bev-er-age, no washing-up, delicious scran while buying local, just adds that cherry to the top of the cake (we’re not advocating cakes over any other desserts it’s just an expression, don’t @ me).

Not only can you experience the explosion of flavour (again just an expression, calm down), but there is also a chance to vote for your favourite starter, main, dessert, speciality drink (a real catchy name) and the Overall Manx Menu Award.

Plus, because ‘what is a restaurant without its staff’, there’s a Manx Menu Customer Service Award, recognising the front-of-house staff and the many hours they work, just to be spoken down to by your uncle when they say they don’t sell Carling.

The final category is the Manx Menu Product of the Year, where the Manx public can vote for the most innovative product or ingredient that has made the biggest impact on the Island’s food and drink scene over the past year.

You’ve almost certainly read enough about the competition by now, but ‘what is actually on the menu’ I hear you cry. Well, everything that’s great about Manx produce basically.

There’s loaghtan lamb, so full of flavour your taste buds will be dancing, Queenies, fresh from the Manx seas and caught by Manx fishermen, the finest Manx pork, amazing local veg, potatoes, straight from the ground with Manx cheese straight from, well ok not straight from, there’s a process it goes through where it sort of…, don’t worry about that bit – it’s the best cheese in the world and we all know it.

Plus, all diets are catered for, with some great vegan options on the menu.

Fancy something sweet? There’s popcorn (yes Manx popcorn, what a time to be alive!), Manx gin and lemon mousse, banana bread and yes, of course, Manx ice cream.

Prefer a drink, or four, why not hey? Fortunately, the island is home to some amazing gins, whiskies and cocktails. If booze isn’t your groove, there’s Okell’s ZERO, described by one fan of the Manx Menu as ‘one of the best non-alcoholic beers I’ve ever tried’, or perhaps you’d like a milkshake to slurp, maybe even a Manx hot chocolate.

So come on, wipe away those February feels, step outside and go out for dinner at one of the brilliant establishments featured on the Manx Menu and then vote for your fave for a chance to win a £100 voucher for a local restuarant. Not only a great way to wash away the winter cobwebs, but a fun way to show your support for local too.

Find out more about the Manx Menu and how to vote – click here for more info.

Voting closes Friday March 1.