PETER AND ELAINE KINSELLA HAVE AN ENVIABLE REPUTATION FOR DELIVERING AUTHENTIC FINE DINING. THEY ALSO REPRESENT, THROUGH THEIR SPANISH TAPAS RESTAURANTS LUNYA, THE CHANGING FACE OF EATING OUT IN LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER.
Words: Jean Hill
Lunya at the edge of Liverpool ONE, is a large open space with bar and delicatessen alongside the dining area.
We have visited Catalan restaurants in Barcelona, and loved the food. So it is thrilling to be able to enjoy that same experience at the Albert Dock in beautiful surroundings. Lunyalita is the little sister restaurant to Lunya, complete with a balcony that overlooks the Dock. The traditional vaulted brick ceilings and original art pieces from Spain make for a totally elegant and relaxing atmosphere.
Lunyalita offers an intimate dining experience. The food is all cooked from scratch. We sampled Morcilla de Burgos, which is Spanish black pudding, apple purée, and onion rings. Tastes as delicious as it sounds. The black pudding has a spicy, subtle flavour and melts in the mouth. Nothing overwhelms. Smooth beetroot remains a subtle background taste, whilst its accompanying blue cheese delivers the hit. It all sounds so simple, yet it is skilfully constructed. A chickpea stew is simmered for hours, until totally smooth, to create a dish with butternut squash and almonds. This adds a spice infused middle eastern relish to the cuisine.
Lunya cuisine is classic Catalan with one or two added influences. Paella, using Bomba rice from Sueca, can be made fresh to order and is well worth the wait. There is a rich vegetarian version. We discovered a dizzying range of both goats’ and cows’ Spanish cheeses. Have not tried them all yet, but so far the blue cheese is my favourite. I am looking forward to trying Piquillo peppers stuffed with cream cheese and tuna. The choice is, very much, yours. Perhaps a range of tapas dishes, or platters or a banquet. The aim is to try a wide variety of dishes, and that is no hardship! The wine menu is impressive. We enjoyed a deliciously smooth, rich Malbec. The larger venue is ideal for eating with friends and family and for birthday bashes. For quieter moments, Lunyalita offers a magical experience. Their family of restaurants’ motto ‘passion on a plate’ rings true.
0151 3177199 (phone line will, imminently, go live).
Related feature: Here’s how the team behind Lunya launched Lunyalita.
