Manchester Evening News | 20.12.2002
Each week a reader reviews a restaurant
of their choice. Today it's...
ABACUS ORIENTAL Horwich
By Les Holt of Prestwich
A TASTE of the Orient on the outskirts
of Bolton hardly seems feasible. But given the nomadic
passion for exploration into every nook and cranny of
the globe it's not surprising the Orientals moved in
lock, stock and chopsticks to the Middlebrook Leisure
Park adjacent to Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium. Soccer
and fried rice make a pleasant combination. You score
on both counts of value!
Which brings me to the Abacus Oriental.
It's sumptuous, irresistibly inviting because of it's
magnificent ambience designed by the restauranteurs
themselves. What strikes you is the expansiveness. No
expense has been spared to create a truly luxury environment
with ultra-modern decor and stylish table arrangements.
In my time I've savoured what Manchester's famous Chinatown
has to offer. But Abacus is tantalisingly different.
My wife, Trish, was so entranced by its Far Eastern
exotic menu that she fancied everything.
If you arrive before 5pm there's a special
three-course mouthwatering menu for £8.50 per
person. Living dangerously we lapped up chicken and
sweetcorn soup, spring roll and seaweed (nutritionists
say it's full of healthy things), then sweet and sour
chicken with boiled rice.
I'm a demanding diner, appreciating quality
food prepared to perfection. I've come a long way from
chips and mushy peas. Hand on heart this was cuisine
at its best. And the full, incredibly large menu with
a variety of exciting dishes from Thailand, Malaysia,
Singapore, besides Cantonese favourites, has been chosen
to reflect each country's origin.
Obviously the wine and drinks (non-alcoholoc
selection plentiful) list is comprehensive, and won't
disappoint you. It's bursting with original ideas. And
the coffees are delicious.
But what impressed me was the careful
thought that has gone into presenting dishes that appeal
to every palate. Lots of vegetarian too. When I see
the festive meals at most hotels and restaurants. Abacus
are offering a wonderful fayre from £16.90 to
£23.90 per head, though they are closed Christmas
Day.
A massive car park is immediately outside
with window tables available to lovingly ogle your vehicle.
Odds on the food will grab your whole attention. If
it doesn't, your tastebuds need a MoT!
The restaurant's slogan is, "Originality
is our quality. Quality is our name. And our name is
Abacus!"
Even if you don't fancy footie at the
Reebok, you'll fancy the Oriental splendours that will
seduce you.
|
