Cesare's San Rocco Italian Restaurant

14, South King Street
Manchester M2 6DW

Tel.: 0161 832 7669

Wed. 11th July 2001 The family has been out to the Lowry centre this afternoon, to witness my son's graduation (Well done, Lee!). We had planned to have a simple meal after the event, and have a more elaborate meal the evening after because we thought it would be too late after the ceremony.

We headed towards Manchester centre, looking for a Pizza parlour. We found a parking place just off South King Street and happened across San Rocco. It looked quite inviting, and we were welcomed in to a smart, modern restaurant by pleasant staff.

A couple of beers, a Gin & Tonic and a coke

Kathryn decided to try the Calamari, I went for the Carpaccio, and Lee selected the Sardines. Marg didn't feel hungry enough to warrant a starter.

I managed to try some of each of the other starters, and they were all excellent. The Carpaccio literally melted in your mouth, and the squid was not at all rubbery, and was fresh. Sardines were good.

A bottle of the House Red

For mains, Marg went for Vitello Milanese, Kathryn for Bistecca Pepe Nero, Lee for Monkfish and Scallop Kebab. I tried the Lupo di Mare al Sale: Sea Bass cooked in salt. I ordered a side dish of red bean salad.

It was just now that things started to go wrong. Marg began to feel queasy and could not face her meal. Kathryn tried her steak and found the pepper sauce much too powerful for her taste and swapped meals with Marg. We all (except Marg) tried the steak and agreed that the sauce was overpowering and unrefined.

Lee, in the meantime, was enjoying his Monkfish kebabs, and I had made a start on the Sea Bass. I had not had it cooked this way before, and was surprised when there was a distinct flavour of char-grilling on some of the fish. The flavour was just what you'd expect of Sea Bass, and only once or twice did I manage to pick up a sliver of salt! The bean salad was welcome, as it was getting hot and I preferred that to the vegetables - Cauliflower Gratin, Broccoli, Potato.

3 Coffees to finish brought the bill to just £100 with a tip - the waiters had been quite efficient and friendly.

Verdict: Passable

Sandro (& Family)