Inspired
by
Manuela Quesada

At The Lowry Hotel, we are passionate about nurturing the creative potential of our team members. Each month we are highlighting a member of the kitchen team by allowing them to develop a dish for the main menu.

Each month, a newer member of our Chefs team develops a dish, that is uniquely theirs. This month’s meal is the sweets selection on the Afternoon Tea, created by Pastry Chef Manuela Quesada.

Describe your dish to us.

The August Afternoon Tea consists of a lavender crème tart with blackberry meringue, a passion fruit macaron with orange mousse, a red currant roulade with fromage fresh mousse and a matcha tea and almond gateau with caramel buttercream.

What makes this dish significant to you?
Its significant to because it shows my development and improvement as a Pastry Chef. It means that my ideas have been listened too and approved of by the Head Pastry Chef, Executive Head Chef and the team. We made it real. The afternoon tea is seasonal, colourful and reminds you of the summer.

What is your favourite element in this dish?
My Favourite is the macaron; a classic dessert with the tropical touch of passion fruit, perfectly matched with the orange mousse, sweetened by the white chocolate garnish. It looks very beautiful with its colours and tastes delicious.

Tell us about your role at The Lowry Hotel?
I have worked at the Lowry Hotel since last December as a Demi Chef de Partie. I had never worked in such a big environment before, and I struggled a bit at first, despite my pervious experience. My supervisors are very skilled and understanding and are great at supporting and teaching us. Today I feel part of a team and more capable and confident. I enjoy working on the special dietaries and I put lots of effort into perfecting the vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free desserts. I have a sincere interest in developing these recipes.

What is your favourite thing to cook?
I make an apple strudel, with my dad at Christmas Time.

What is your favourite item on the menu (other than your dish)?
The Vegan Curry (Sweet Potato Massaman Curry). I am vegetarian and what I love on this dish is the sweet, creamy texture and the contrast between the spiciness of the curry and the freshness of the lemongrass.

If you could cook for anyone real or fictional who would it be and why?
I would love to make a cake for David Bowie. He is one of my favourites and I’ve read a lot about him. I found his personality very fascinating and complex, ironically insecure. I would make a passion fruit macaron to tell him how great he was and how much he inspires me.

If you would like to sample Manuela's Afternoon Tea, book here and receive 25% off!.