On another note ( no. 8) - Las Paelleras

Another British Street Food Review. This one taken from the Treacle Market, Macclesfield, which I can't speak too highly of - I think they do a wonderful job there, and have added greatly to a slightly flagging town that needed a bit of a leg up.

LAS PAELLERAS

Stephanie Probert
Tel. 07922778737
email: Steph@Laspaelleras.com
Lee Pointon
Tel.07717 848649

Tel. 07717848649
email: laspaelleras@hotmail.co.uk
www.Laspaelleras.com
Las Paelleras' Twitter Page
Las Paelleras' Facebook Page 

I visited the Treacle Market, Macclesfield on 31st March 2013. Las Paelleras visits  The Horse and Jockey Farmers market, Chorlton Green, Manchester (last Saturday of the month), and Treacle Market, Macclesfield (last Sunday of the month). Also various festivals.


LAS PAELLERAS

From small beginnings on a market stall in West Didsbury with only a couple of paella pans, to a thriving Street Food business in only two years, Stephanie Probert, Lee Pointon and their team have taken South Manchester and the surrounding area by storm with their Authentic Giant Paellas, bringing sunshine and a taste of Spanish Street food to one of Britain's coldest corners.

All the food is cooked from scratch in huge iron Paella pans, which bring a wonderful carnival atmosphere to the Red Tent. Every time Stephanie seems to expand the business she buys an EVEN BIGGER Paella pan! There is a riot of colour and texture in the Red Tent with piles of Patatas Bravas, rich golden Paellas with blue/black Mussels scattered on the surface, and a thick red Tomato sauce bubbling in a pan. And movement -  as the food is snapped up as fast as the team can serve it out. In a sea of busy, thriving Street Food Stalls at Treacle Market, Las Paelleras was holding its own as the long queue was proving. Punters know where the going is good - and here it was certainly going. Trying to take a decent photograph was a tall order - and I'm not that tall.

Stephanie, Lee and the team use fresh, free range, and sustainable produce sourced from independent and specialist suppliers in the area. Onions, Garlic, Sweet Peppers, Courgettes and Beans come direct from local growers; whilst the Rice and Chorizo are sourced from Valencia, Spain ( home of Paella). Even the biodegradable food packaging from London Bio Packaging is made from renewable plant resources with a low carbon footprint, that can be composted or recycled. Stephanie and Lee clearly have a very ethical policy with everything they do. This includes introducing a sustainable Fish Paella which promotes the use of more diverse and sustainable fish such as Coley, Mussels and Squid, as championed by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in 'Hugh's Fish Fight'.

The menu varies but usually includes Paellas, Spanish Stews ( in the Winter months), and Tapas dishes.

PAELLAS

Free range Chicken and Chorizo Paella with Green Beans and Rosemary

Traditional Seafood Paella with Tiger Prawns, Mussels, Squid and Seasonal Vegetables

Sustainable Fish Paella with Seasonal Vegetables

Spicy Vegetarian Paella with Picquante Peppers, Artichoke, Fennel and Broad Beans

SPANISH STEWS (WINTER)

Catalan Beef Stew served with Artisan Bread

Chickpea and Chorizo Stew served with Artisan Bread

TAPAS

A selection of Authentic Tapas dishes.

There is a huge attention to detail in everything Stephanie and Lee do. The Catalan Beef Stew, for instance, is made with chocolate and cinnamon which has a dark bitter sweetness that complements the meat perfectly. Served with fresh organic bread from 'Bread Connections', an Artisan Bakers and Sourdough Specialist in nearby Disley, Cheshire.

If you're looking for rich flavours and textures and something to warm the bottom of your heart then look no further than the team from Las Paelleras and their Authentic Giant Paellas in the Red Tent.

Best wishes,

Hilary