Brindleyplace Estate and Marketing teams were recently invited by the kind people at Wagamama to sample their new food and drinks menu and it’s taken a few weeks for us to finally stop talking about it and get down to writing this blog…
Wow!
Described by one team member as a ’hidden gem’, Wagamama didn’t disappoint. A Brindleyplace staple for over 15 years and positioned at The Water’s Edge with views down the canal, Wagamama’s concept is inspired by fast-paced, japanese ramen bars and is a celebration of asian food.
We all arrived at the restaurant with our own firm favourites but were convinced by the lovely Marina, to choose items from the new menu. However, eager to please our hostess, we yummed and aahed over the delicious-sounding new choices while the excellent Wagamama waiting staff took our drink order and brought us a selection of delicious starters.
The thinly sliced beef fillet or sashimi salmon drizzled with a zesty yuzu sauce and served with pickled mooli seared tataki were very popular as were the selection of flavoursome gyozas. We were also treated to a variety of crispy ‘otsumami’- either beef fillet, sashimi salmon or pulled shitake – which were six squares of crispy fried rice soaked in a soy and yuzu dressing. topped with smashed avocado and edamame and sriracha mayo. garnished with coriander cress – delicious! The final new starter for us to sample was kokopanko chicken – crispy, zesty panko-coated chicken goujons, tossed in a coconut, chilli and lime salt rub.
At this point it is worth mentioning that one of our party is gluten intolerant. We mentioned this to Marina on arrival and he was instantly given a menu with gluten-free options as well as variations of the main menu items – he was quickly indulging in gluten free versions of the new starters within minutes!
By the time, the main courses arrived our tastebuds were tingling from all the amazing sauces and spices! Our tummies were also already well-stretched, but this didn’t stop us continuing on with our culinary journey…
And what a journey! From Saku saku soba teppanaki which is noodles cooked in sweet amai sauce with crispy shredded duck, egg, beansprouts, leeks and chunky spring onion. topped with chilli and drizzled with spicy teriyaki sauce to succulent hoki coconut kare which is a very rich and warming fish curry with a hint of chilli. crunchy tenderstem broccoli, fine beans and squash and served with a dome of white rice and asian slaw topped with pea shoots and a lime wedge. The food was not only delicious but also very beautiful!
Other favourites from the new menu included a thai beef salad with tender strips of marinated premium cut steak on mixed leaves in a zesty yuzu sauce with fresh asian slaw, beetroot, red radish, edamame beans and sunflower seeds all drizzled with an aromatic turmeric dressing and garnished with sliced chilli as well as the grilled chicken ramen – a marinated chicken breast with ramen noodles in a rich chicken broth and topped with pea shoots, menma and spring onion (this was the choice of a gluten-free team-member).
The drinks menu is extensive and offers something for everyone and our team ordered a varied mix! From the ‘High Five’ fruit drink with melon. pineapple. lemon. apple and orange juice to a mindful ginger no-jito with zingy, cold-pressed ginger and coriander seed syrup topped with sparkling water, fresh mint and a lime wedge. The yuzu lychee g and t, described on the menu as ‘sophisticated and citrussy’ was very popular, with the gin swirled with yuzu and lychee purée and garnished with orange. The lemon and ginger hot tea and ice cold brew coffee were delicious too.
Thanks to Wagamama for inviting us, the service was impeccable, and we’ll definitely be back and certainly recommend that the next time you’re in Brindleyplace you pop into Wagamama for fresh, fragrant food and a fun, Water’s Edge experience.
