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hand picked restaurants

When you enter a chain restaurant there is always a sense of déjà vu, yet with the twelve outlets of Giraffe, this may not really be true. Russel and Juliette Joffe and Andrew Jacobs' philosophy behind this group of restaurants is sustaining the driving force of healthy, happy eating, while retaining the difference each location brings. This includes minor variations in the menu too, and explains why the restaurant does not like to be called a chain, but prefers being referred to as a herd. The origin of its quaint name too, is interesting. The giraffe has the largest heart in the animal kingdom, and with its magnificent height is able to perceive things differently. These two features of being different and large hearted sum up the restaurant's proclamation of 'love, eat, live'.

Giraffe offers world food and adds an unusual twist to some familiar dishes. Their breakfast menu has stacked pancakes with bananas and blueberries, warm waffles, ranch styles tostadas and healthy veggie options. Some great starters are a mezze plate with warm naans that offer the best of many cuisines - grilled halloumi, hummus, tzatiki, ratatouille and falafel.  Japanese king fried prawns are a hit, while another bright spot on the menu, is the colourful sunshine antipasti bruschetta, a clever combination of artichokes, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, roasted peppers, red onion and rocket on pesto foccacia. If this long list of ingredients is intriguing, just wait until your palate takes over.

The house's special salad, cheekily called 'more than love', is colourful and has crunchy appeal. The Thai chicken and vermicelli noodle version is an equally enticing starter. For mains, there are plenty of options like roasted corn and chilli bran burritos, tangy turkey enchiladas and the much loved sweet potatoes, asparagus, green beans and broccoli served with organic brown basmati rice. One can also settle for a good old burger and wash it down with interesting smoothies. They also offer world wines and unusual cocktails with catchy names like Bombay flower and pomegranate caipirinha.

The dessert section comprises of not just fruit based healthy desserts, but brilliant stars like Swiss mountain chocolate cheesecake, banana waffle split and rocky road ice cream sundaes, which transport the diner to a state of bliss. The friendly staff, who are carefully hired for their sunny disposition, and children's activities help make these restaurants a very special, happy and healthy treat indeed.

It is indeed hard not to notice Bar 38 in Manchester, housed as it is in a striking triangular wedge shaped building made of steel and glass. Inside, it gets even more interesting, as by day this seems to be just the place to enjoy some delicious sandwiches, wraps, burgers or even a classic Ploughman's. At night however, it turns into a swanky, club-like space with a dancing area, heated terrace and spectacular décor, along with some great eating options.

For starters, the chilli beef nachos or butterfly breaded prawns do very well, while more substantial choices such as salmon béarnaise, fillet topped with tarragon flavoured butter sauce are excellent for the main course. The tapas dessert, for those beleaguered souls who can't decide, has all their homemade puddings on one plate. Cocktails and fine wines feature in their versatile drinks list while special offers and happy hours help make the pleasure easy on the pocket.

Located by the wharf in The Quays area of Manchester, Water's Reach is a striking contemporary restaurant perfect for a stylish post-match meal after a game at nearby Old Trafford. The snug booths and intimate tables of the dining room are split in two by a beaded crystal curtain, with subdued lighting that adds to the air of casual sophistication.

Chefs trained by Gary Rhodes cook up a modern European storm in the sizzling open kitchen. Offerings include seared large scallops, pine nut and rocket warm salad and sea bass fillets served with red pepper salsa. Diners can enjoy post meal coffees prepared by trained baristas, at their separate lounge area.

Waxy O'Connors is an Irish pub and bar which is located in the heart of Manchester city centre that is very atypical in its design.  It comprises numerous bars and areas and has a layout which is very unusual and quirky. The wooden chairs, tables and staircase combined with bright lighting reflect the medieval feel and makes for a unique experience.

Its proximity to Arndale Centre and the MEN Arena also ensures a regular flow of visitors and makes it an ideal pit-stop for lunch or dinner. Diners who want to grab a quick bite can opt for smoked fishcake, seafood chowder and chicken toasted sandwich. For those, who wish to take an alternate route can select dishes such as Waxy's Irish stew with soda bread, or grilled sausages with creamy colcannon mash and gravy. The dessert options consist of apple and cinnamon crumble, banana cheesecake and iced chocolate brownie.

An impressive list of wines and champagnes provide ideal accompaniments to the meal.