We got caught up in the Great Northern food debate recently when we discussed a news article on Manchester restaurants. One of the experts quoted in the piece was Sarah Hartley, esteemed foodie and head of online editorial for MEN Media. She’s an intriguing prospect; as well as writing about food in the Manchester Evening News she writes their food blog, Life Through Food, co-writes another blog called The Mancunian Way about Manchester’s online activity and somehow finds time to write a personal blog on social media and online journalism.

We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give her a grilling on the best Manchester eateries, her blogging background and favourite home cooked dishes, so read on and enjoy!

Your blog “Life Through Food” started in 2006. How did it come about?

I’ve always written about food and restaurants for newspapers and online so when we got our blogging platform at www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk I saw it as a great opportunity to expand what I do and involve other people in it more.

Had you blogged before?

Had to think about this question - I’ve been writing and commenting online since 1999 but didn’t have anything that would pass for what’s established as a blog before.

How have you found the blogging experience?

I love it! Its the most rewarding medium to work in because it allows for so much more interaction. It’s also brought me into contact with other foodies and food writers/photographers/bloggers from across the country - something that couldn’t have happened any other way. After all, isn’t that how TrustedPlaces came to contact me?

What is it about food that you love so much?

It’s a sensual pleasure open to all. It isn’t just about fancy restaurants, it’s also about those little pleasures. A piece of fresh, crumbly, salty cheese or the lightness of a fresh picked berry. The taste, smell, feel of something which can just lift your spirits.

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” - J. R. R. Tolkien

Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out?

I do enjoy both but I’d eat out all the time if I 1) could afford it and 2) had enough good places on hand. Having said that I hate eating out and getting something I could have cooked at home.

What is your favourite dish at home?

Home cooking is at its best when its simple and comforting. Fish pie - particularly this one - is perfect.

And your favourite in a restaurant?

For restaurants it would be spaghetti with clams. Such a simple dish but no-one can make it like the Venetians.

You recently wrote that good art and fine food have a lot in common - can you explain what you mean by that?

Just as a great artist paints with colours which retain their essential integrity while forming a new coherent whole, so does the expert chef. No muddy colours - distinct flavours sitting within a greater oneness.

You’ve made a few references to Manchester not having a Michelin starred restaurant yet. Do you think it matters?

It does matter because it gives people from outside the area the impression there aren’t any restaurants worth visiting which just isn’t true.

What are the best places to eat in Manchester and why?

Now that is a difficult question because it really does depend what you’re after! My own recommendations are Red Chilli in Portland Street for Chinese, Dimitris on Deansgate for Mediterranean, Tampopo (anywhere) for noodles, Tom’s Chop House for British food, the Punjab on the curry mile for, er, curry, Luso’s in Bridge Street for fish and Abode in Piccadilly for top end.

And can you recommend any other food blogs for us to read?

Sure here’s some of those I follow:

Around The World In 80 Dinners
GastroGrrl
Secret Lunch
Foodari
Noodlepie
Top Cafes
Word of Mouth

But don’t forget twitter as well - there’s plenty of good foodie activity going on there and, of course you can follow me here.

Calling all Manchester readers! What do you think of Sarah’s recommendations? Is she on the money or missing out on somewhere brilliant? Is a Michelin star just around the corner or could you not care less? We want to hear your opinions…

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