The sweetness of the salsa complemented the rather bland cucumber creation – which came served in a small shot glass. A little work of art on a plate. For main course, Mark went for the chargrill menu, where it’s possible to select more of that tuna, king prawns, burgers or steaks, including a 16-oz T-bone. He spotted the black and blue burger (£8.95) a pure Angus beef burger, blackened and served with crumbled blue cheese, drizzled in lemon butter. The chips arrived arranged as a miniature dry-stone wall, along with salad and a grilled tomato which sat atop a Portobello mushroom.

“I suppose I’m not being adventurous asking for a burger, but this is some creation,” said Mark. “Definitely the Rolls-Royce of burgers.”

I spotted wild boar tenderloin (£14.95) which came marinated in tamarind and was served with mushrooms, sautéed vegetables and lime leaves. This was a good-sized piece of meat and the tamarind, occasionally rather bitter, set it off well – almost like a port-wine sauce while the very cheesy mashed potatoes were sculpted and the carrots and mangetout served hot and al dente.

We did ask for some roasted vegetables but they weren’t strictly necessary.

We even managed desserts from, again, a highly inviting menu. There’s a cheeseboard which varies daily and a fresh fruit platter with warm chocolate dipping sauce. Or apple crumble.

Or baked vanilla and coconut New York cheesecake, if you want to be traditional.

Which we were. I went for warm pear frangipane (£3.95) with arrived with a moat of crème anglaise: total heaven, since the frangipane was not overly sweet and the crème not overly rich.

Mark ordered ice cream and contented himself with two scoops of honey and ginger and a scoop of chocolate, all of which arrived on small shortcake biscuits.

We passed on coffee but we will admit to decamping to the bar area to sample a quite excellent sparkling Pinot Grigio Cuvee Rosé (£15.95).

An excellent end to a meal in a place which will certainly no longer be a Liverpool mystery.

OSQA Restaurant and Deli, Oldham Square, Oldham Street, Liverpool, L1 2SU.

Telephone: 0151-709 6611.

Open daily: 11am-11pm.

Disabled access: A little tricky – a fair number of steps to get to the toilets.

Parking: Multi-storey nearby.

Value for money: Good, bearing in mind the quality of food offered.

Service: Attentive and prompt.

The bill: £75.40 with wine.