Rigatoni's Ancoats Launch

Everyone’s favourite local pasta spot, Sud, have rebranded their existing sites at Exhibition in the city centre, Ancoats, Sale and Altrincham, to Rigatoni’s. Why Rigatoni’s? Well their new menu centres around Rigatoni itself, freshly made in house-made every day. 

Offering solely this uber-versatile pasta shape allows the guys to focus on delivering a great value for money dining experience that is most of all, hearty and tasty.  The new Rigatoni’s menu focuses on ‘Asciutta’ style sauces (so a drier style of sauce that clings to the pasta) which rigatoni’s textured finish is perfect for.  This new style of pasta dish means out with the spoons and in with the forks!

Not only has the pasta section had a revamp but the whole menu has been reimagined, so when our press invitation arrived we were hungry to experience the changes.

We gratefully sampled all the appetisers;

Fried Mozzarella Sandwich; as naughty as it sounds.  A crumbed and fried sandwich, filled with oozy mozzarella.  Utterly delicious, perfect for that cheese-pull shot on the ‘gram.

Salami and Potato Crocchette; perfectly formed croquettes filled with quality salami, bound with properly seasoned potato.  This was a table favourite.

Chickpeas Fritters with Parmesan; shards of dried chickpea, seasoned with a Microplane of parm.

Focaccia Toast with Grated Tomato, Garlic and Salt; a simple classic.  Fresh, vibrant perfectly structured bread topped with tomato.  A real crowd pleaser.

Focaccia Toast with Black Olive and Caper Spread; super savoury, rich and indulgent.

Focaccia Toast with Gorgonzola Whip and Hot Honey; punchy blue cheese and balancing hot honey. Divisive as blue cheese may be this is a must try.

We were then given a choice of pasta main course, so opted for the below sauces, all served with that house made rigatoni, of course;

Fennel Sausage, Broccoli Friarelli, Chilli, Pecorino and Breadcrumbs; even the none fennel and sausage loving member of our party conceded that it’s a winning combination.

Brown Crab, Vodka Sauce, Tarragon and Breadcrumbs; was unctuous and earth, with the breadcrumbs adding a flourish of texture and salt.

Puttanesca; an absolute classic for a reason.  Simple, traditional, and supremely tasty. The only downside to this dish for me was the lack of Ricotta.  The menu made me feel as if I was upgrading the base tomato sauce to Puttanesca and would still receive the cheesy goods, but that is not the case.  Now this isn’t a complaint, just a warning to anyone who really wants the Ricotta.

Alongside the main courses we also got a side of La Scarpetta (Focaccia) and I strongly recommended you do too.  With no need for a spoon any more the new thicker style of sauce is perfect for the art of Scarpetta; mopping up the remaining sauce in your bowl with a bit of bread;

When sampling a new menu it’s only proper to taste the new desserts, so no complaints here when these arrived at our table;

Nutella Mousse and Whipped Cream; as rich and indulgent as it sounds.

Limoncello and Campari Slushy; the ideal boozy treat to end any meal with.  A digestivo in dessert form, served with a straw! For anyone old enough to remember a snowball cocktail, this dessert is going to evoke memories of Christmas past!

There’s not too many places in the city centre or indeed out in the ‘burbs where you can get your hands on such a combo of great quality and value, with dishes of Rigatoni priced from £7.50. All in all; super tasty, really something for everyone, and an ideal spot for either lunch or as part of your night out!

Get your forks at the ready! Find out for yourself in either Ancoats, Mcr city centre at Exhibition, Sale, or Altrincham.