It is widely quoted that first impressions are the most truthful; I have to confess that with respect to Mamasan Liverpool, they are indeed correct. The refurbishment is outstanding, and to paraphrase a leading character in Oliver Twist, must have cost a pretty penny. The attention to detail is breathtaking, from the mixture of tables and chairs to the canopy of Jasmine that envelopes part of the mezzanine. A special mention must go to the lighting designer; the premises are so beautifully lit that you are soon transcended into a state of blissful relaxation. Not bad after walking through the entrance!
This attention to detail is personified by the front of house staff, all uniformed in a simple and elegant fashion. They seem to know their way round the menu also, and can answer any customer’s culinary curiosity with aplomb. Our instructor in all things gastronomic was Cat, a Maderian Princess who guided our Mamasan adventure with considerable skill, insight and enthusiasm. Her recommendations managed to highlight just how high the standard of food is at Mamasan, but never forgetting the philosophy that energises and drives this establishment. Every course is beautifully presented, the artistic endeavour only surpassed on one’s palette. For example, the Lobster Tail and King Prawn Toast looked like Christmas chocolate bob bons, your visionary expectations heightened as you bit into each succulent centre. My Thai Chicken and Prawn Tacos were a moreish delight, the flour shells so light, the perfect nest for each delicious filling. The accompanying dips equally inspired.
The mains even exceeded expectations, which were already stratospheric after our starters. Cat almost conspiratorially, confided – with a touching element of pride – that the coconuts used in the curry were fresh. There would be no pre-packed nonsense here to sully the alchemy. And you could really tell. The curry of coconut really enhanced the smoked short rib of beef, itself masterfully cooked, the dish promising to deliver a sense of delight to the most jaded of taste buds. The Green Curry of Monkfish Tail and Tiger Prawns subtly delivered a nuanced heat, with the monkfish and prawns perfectly cooked. The accompanying mushroom and bone marrow fried rice and jasmine rice respectively were on message, especially the former, which managed to combine the states of fluffy and moist all at once. A sort of Oryzain quantum entanglement.
Deserts of Marbled Black Sesame Cheesecake and Nashi Pear Sticky Toffee Pudding were appropriate dishes to round off a truly satisfying meal, although I must confess a deconstructed cheesecake wouldn’t be my first choice. These molars relish the challenge and crunch of a firm base, and have little work to do with granular sprinklings…But washed down by a delightful house white – the Vine Trail Viognier – this was a three course meal that certainly didn’t disappoint; far from it.
By this visit, Mamasan seems to have nailed the three elements that make up the perfect dining experience – food, service, atmosphere. And because of the staff training, the quality of the cooking, the eye for detail, this establishment will soon rocket to the top of the Liverpool dining fraternity must-visit list. A couple of hours at Mamasan will be time certainly well spent. You have my guarantee.
Thank you to Cat and the rest of the Mamasan team. Truly #Inspired.
To book a table visit https://mamasan.uk/
Steve Kinrade
