Category Archives: Birmingham

Sri Lankan Vegan night with Gayanis Kitchen HQ at The Gunmakers Arms.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Events, Food, Independent, Sri Lankan food, vegan, vegetarian by

    
Fancy Sri Lankan Vegan food? 

Then on the 10th September Gayanis Kitchen HQ are offering a sumptuous and mouthwatering menu at The Gunmakers Arms in Birmingham City Centre.

On the evening Traditional home cooked dishes using exotic Sri Lankan vegetables and spices and organic rice will provide a feast for the senses and the palate.

There will be a three course meal for £25 including tasters of Two Towers Brewery vegan friendly Ale. 

Please note their is a limit of 20 places available. 

Pre booking is essential and can be done by emailing office@twotowersbrewery.co.uk

The menu is 

Gayani Sewwandi 

Gayani Sewwandi 25 August 22:43

Stsrter: Chick pea baddum with pineapple salad . 

Main with Rice , mushroom curry, Lentil curry, okra baddum, vegetable curry, spring greens mallum, pol sambol, potato baddum , popadums and exotic fruit salad. 

Sounds a magical evening of delicious Sri Lankan food and quality local ales. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Gunmakers Arms, 93 Bath Street, Birmingham City centre. B4 6HG.

The return of Opus Restaurants Vegetarian Dinner with Worcester Produce. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Colmore business district, Events, Farm producers, Fruit and Veg, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

     
 Friday 19th August sees the return of the annual Opus Restaurant Vegetarian Dinner with Worcester Produce. 

Enjoy 5 courses with wines to match  and an aperitif for £65PP From 7pm.

The night is a celebration of veg and is one of my favourite nights of the year for me with innovative dishes using fresh seasonal produce with the growers present to provide an insight into the process of seed to vegetable or fruit. As someone who grows vegetables I love the Highly interesting presentations from the growers about the process and hard work that’s put into make the produce and the journey it takes to the plate.

Opus believe vegetables are more than just side dishes… their Vegetarian Dinner proves just that.

At The Vegetarian dinner you will Enjoy a delicious five course menu designed by the innovative kitchen team, showcasing heritage vegetables and fruits, all of which are home-grown in Worcester.

Opus are running a competition to win 2 places to the dinner. See below for details, and questions and Direct message your answers on Twitter. Winners announced on 15 August.

  

PLEASE CALL 0121 200 2323 for bookings. 

Opus at Cornwall Street | 54 Cornwall Street | Birmingham B3 2DE | 0121 200 2323 

opusfamily.co.uk

http://www.opusrestaurant.co.uk/

http://www.worcesterproduce.co.uk/

For inspiration take a read of my review of last years Vegetarian Source Dinner:

http://t.co/WkopBcpQ9P

   
    
 Food Photos from last year vegetarian dinner. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

  

   
   
Opus restaurant also offer a vegetarian menu permanently 

Review here: https://t.co/AIpppfvenl

Restaurant review: Mezze at So Mezze and lounge, Birmingham.

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Gastro Card, Independent, Mezze, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

So Mezze is a reassuring place.  When you look at the menu you are greeted with a long list of Vegetarian dishes that cover All mezze bases and are salavatingly bursting with happiness. 

You cannot underestimate the comfort this brings and though the proof is in the eating its a positive start. The menu offers a mixture of cold and hot mezze, like tapas small dishes to share and ideal for grazing on with a cocktail from the long cocktail list. 

So Mezze serves Lebanese Mezze and is located in Birmingham City Centre in Holloway Head between Broad Street (near the ICC) and the Arcadian provides a lounging experience thats has a calm relaxed Arabesque feel about it and a comfortable cosy arrangement of seating and tables that asks you to linger long into the evening.

 

  
The beautiful thing about Mezze like tapas is its informality. Sharing food is one of my favourite things to do so the long  and varied vegetarian menu was perfect for Ruth and I to share, with plenty to satisfy all tastes.

We began with a couple of cocktail. Ruth the Dry Gin Martini and myself the Old Cuban. Both excellent with the perfect hit of ingredients. The rum and bourbon in mine, deep and velvety, reassuringly complimenting the informality of the dishes. Ruths with the perfect balance of gin and perfectly made. So good we had two more. Superb cocktails. 

  Gin Martini
  Old Cuban 

  

The dishes we ate were: 

Cold Mezze: Humous, Baba Ganoush, Tabouleh, Fatoush, Warak Enab,

Hot Mezze: Batata Harra, Grilled Halloumi, Sambousek cheese, and Falafal, served with flat bread. 

All the dishes were excellent, lovely examples of authenticity and fully enjoyable. 

Take the cold Mezze dish Baba Ganoush, smoky rich, creamy, the distinct aubergine flavour meltingly good on an excellent flatbread.

The Warak Enab, vine leaves stuffed full of rice and spices, morsels of delight and perfect alongside a superbly creamy and silky smooth Humous and light and refreshing Tabouleh with its summery flavours and minty, Parsley soothing hit and the light and breezy Fatoush with its lettuce, tomato, cucumber, mint and onion on flatbread and olive oil dressing. The salads tempered with Middle East herbs are delicious. 

The hot Mezze were equally indulgent and summery. 

The star dish Batata Harra, spiced Lebanese fried potatoes cooked with peppers, chillies, garlic and Corriander. Small morsels if punchy flavours taken alongside the savoury Grilled Halloumi, with its golden brown savoury touch a delight. 

Another dish, the falafel had the perfect weight and flavour. Small balls of chickpeas and onion ( I’m a big fan of chickpeas) deep fried with a tahini sauce. Delicious. 

The only dish that was not such a winner to me was the Sambousek Cheese, which was a light savoury cheese pastry with feta cheese and parsley which was disappointingly bland compared with the deep savoury flavours of the other hot dishes. Shame.

The dishes also came with rice.
  Falafel.  

Batata Harra.

  Fatoush

  Tabouleh.

  Sambousek Cheese

  Humous

  Baba Ganoush  Warak Enab

    
  

Grilled Halloumi  Flatbread

    Rice 

    Veggie menu £20 per person.

Been quite full we decided to share a beautifully sticky and filling Syrup Drizzled Baklava: soaked layers of pastry and chopped nuts, sticky, syrupy. It’s all in the name, delicious especially with the fresh and refreshing mint tea that we enjoyed with it.

    Baklava

  

 Fresh mint tea.

  
  
Our meal at So Mezze was a generous meal. For Vegetarians it’s an excellent choice. With plenty of choice, to fill a number of repeated visits. The set menu allows a full journey and the delight in eating food in a shared informal way is perfect for summer or a group party. It has a confidence in itself, unfussy, and enjoyable in its simple charms. They also cater for vegans and Gluten Free diets with notice when booking and reassuringly  having so much choice is its key to its enjoyment. All the dishes we tried were excellent and we’d have no hesitation to visit again. A hidden, cool and fun gem in the city centre and perfect for us veggies.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

So Mezze,  89 Holloway Head, Birmingham, B1 1QP.

http://www.so-mezze.co.uk/

https://m.facebook.com/somezze/

You can receive a discount of 25% with The Gastro Card at So Mezze from Sunday-Thursday.
http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/restaurants/so-mezze-lounge/

Our meal and drinks were complimentary at So Mezze because of my work for The Gastro Card. All my opinions are honest and my own as always. 

  

Zen Metro launches its Thai Food menu in Birmingham.

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Colmore business district, Thai, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

Colmore Business District has always been the hub for great bars and restaurants in Birmingham and now it’s going to get even better with the launch of Zen Metro in Birmingham.

Based on the site of the old Metro Bar and Grill – the restaurant and bar will be launching a new menu serving great Thai food from the 6th July.

Having been taken over by Paul Bassi and Pawan Kenth’s Brandasia Group in 2015, the iconic venue has been refurbished and will be taking a new direction offering a quality offering for its regular business clientele.

After a £250,000 investment, the 100-seater venue has now been transformed into a sophisticated Thai restaurant complete with a huge blossom tree statement piece, emulating a luxurious south-eastern vibe. Guests can enjoy Metro by Day and Zen by Night.

There is a glass private dining room too that seats up to 20 people, where you can enjoy dinner and a quality wine list or liven up the night with some divine Thai inspired cocktails.

This iconic bar is the sister restaurant to award winning Asha’s on Newhall Street, with Jaimon George at the helm. As you would expect from his team, they will be offering exemplary service with an eclectic range of traditional and modern Thai dishes created by Head Chef Shailender Kothiyal, who has spent several years in Thailand learning the cuisine. 

Pawan Kenth of Brandasia said : “Metro has always been immensely popular with property, banking and legal professionals. Great deals have been done here over the past 20 years and we want to continue to make the place great. 

   
 
Birmingham’s hospitality landscape is always changing but Zen Metro will always be part of that and I know our regulars will be proud of how Zen Metro looks today.”
The ethos is based on the Zen Buddism Enso-a circle drawn with one continuous brush stroke to express a particular moment in time that is as individual as the person that created it. 

For Vegetarians try Tom yum noodle soup flavoured with lemon grass, galangal and kafir leaves, Thai Spring rolls, Veg Massaman Curry: Potatoes, onions, carrots, pineapple, Zucchini and peanuts in coconut milk or stir fry mixed vegetables with tofu garlic and soya. Or Pad Thai stir fried rice noodles and pad egg noodles. 

Zen Metro will surely be a good and different addition to the Colmore Business District and for Vegetarians out for the night either with meat eaters or with other veggies an interesting choice which I’m looking forward to trying.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy😊

http://zenmetro.co.uk/

Zen Metro, 73 Cornwall Street, Birmingham City centre. 

0121-200 1911.

http://www.zenmetro.co.uk

http://zenmetro.co.uk/menus/

https://twitter.com/metrobarbham

https://m.facebook.com/metrobarbham/

Also, good news for Gastro Card holders is that you can save 10% off your bill with the card.  See the link below for details: 

http://eblast.barques.co.uk/t/y-l-dkdliid-jutjitlkc-q/

http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/buy/

 
  

Photos courtesy of Zen Metro.
 

Brum Vegan Beer and food festival 15th and 16th July 2016.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Catering, City Centre, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie by

   
  

Hurray! It’s that time of year again. 

The legendary Brum Vegan Beer Fest is nearly upon us, with a lip smacking line up of local Brewers for thirsty beer drinkers to try. Of course you don’t have to be Vegan or Veggie to love them, but it sure helps. 

Last years event was one of the best and most fun times I’ve had since I begin my blog. Just quality Berra and friendly and happy chatter that makes this event unique in the Birmingham Summer calender. 

This year there are twelve local breweries involved in its ever expanding drink fest. A varied selection of brews hosted by the daddy of them all Two Towers Brewery in their Gunmakers Arms pub in the City Centre. 

Food is also on offer from The Vegan Grindhouse. Sadly ChangeKitchen CIC will no longer be in attendance. (Details of dishes to come when I have them).

   
 

The Beer List:

Bar 1.

Freedom Brewery: Authentic lager, 4% (pale).
Freedom Authentic has a citrus nose, and sweet malt and roasted cereal aromas. It’s well-balanced, with a bitter finish.

Rocknroll Brewhouse: Bramble On, 4.7% (pale). 
A stronger strength version of one of our popular pale ales, single hopped with British Bramling Cross hops.

Sacre Brew: Sirenia, 4.1% (pale). 

Citrussy American-style wheat beer. Brewed with lemongrass, orange & lemon peels, coriander seed, and chamomile.

Two Towers Brewery: Chamberlain Pale Ale, 4.5% (pale). 

A crisp, light, well-hopped traditional pale ale that yields the flavours of four carefully balanced hops with considerable, but not overwhelming, fruits finishing with long traditional sweet, biscuit malt and very pleasant distinctive nutty flavours.

Two Towers Brewery: Demon beer, 4.1% (pale). 

A rich IPA with a syrupy body. Mango and orange flavours give way to hints of lemon & grapefruit with a long lasting finish.

Two Towers Brewery:  Hockley Gold, 4.1% (amber).

This is a sweet, deep gold-coloured ale with a distinctive syrupy texture surrounding subtle fruit flavours, all underpinned by that fulfilling malt undertone providing the Two Towers characteristic ‘long’ final palette. 
Two Towers Brewery: Jewellery Porter, 5% (dark).

An outstanding, highly-acclaimed, full-bodied stout with a thick texture, producing a complex range of tastes that include coffee, chocolate and toffee with a delightful array of subtle fruit notes.

Two Towers Brewery: Number 11, 4.3% (pale).

An ale perfect to reflect a warm summer’s day, with floral notes hitting you on the nose and in the flavour profile. The fruit and light malt flavours give way to a very long bitter but smooth and long lasting finish. 

Bar 2:

The Backyard Brewhouse: Summer, 4% (pale). 

Golden straw ale. This is not a ginger beer but a beer infused with ginger. Aroma of ginger, lime and spice with a light crisp refreshing flavour without being over powering.

Cradock’s Brewery: Stout, 4.5% (dark). 

This black beer has been brewed to capture all the joys of stout without being too heavy. It owes its depth to the blend of roasted malts and a subtle use of hops. (cask).

Fixed Wheel Brewery  The Kaiser, 5.0% (pale)

Our German wheat beer in honour of Tour legend Jan Ullrich, big banana flavours on a vienna and pils base topped of with melon flavours from the new German hop huell melon.

The Fownes Brewing Company: Upper Gornal bitter, 3.8% (amber). 

Traditional Gornal bitter malt profile with a modern hopping regime.

Green Duck Beer Co’ Hoppy Hopkins, 4.6% (pale). 

A stramash of high alpha hops combine to give a super hoppy bitter beer with citrus and herbal flavours.

Kinver Brewery: Swallow’s T’Ale, 4.1% (pale). 

A light golden bitter, brewed with a selection of English and American hops.

Twisted Barrel Ale Brewery and Tap House, Export India Porter, 6% (dark). 

A hoppy roasted porter with huge coffee aroma and a lasting bitter finish thanks to the liberal use of Cascade, Chinook and Columbus.

Weatheroak Hill Brewery, Cofton Common, 4.9% (pale/amber) 
An Ale for Lager drinkers and a Lager for Ale drinkers! Cofton Common is our Hybrid Lager, brewed with German Noble Tettnanger hops and then fermented at low temperatures for a clean flavour profile. We leave Cofton Common to mature in a cold cellar for at least 4 weeks before serving, as is traditional with German lager brewing. 

The Vienna malt gives this beer a dry lightly biscuity backbone that tastes equally good as a winter warmer or a crisp, refreshing summer ale.

It looks a fantastic line up and should be an amazing two days celebrating llocal Vegan friendly beers with two outstanding Vegan foodstops.

Cheers 🍺🍺🍴

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

 

   
    
 Thanks to Tim, Birmingham Urban Sketchers for the Art Work from last years event.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Birminghamurbansketchers/

http://www.gunmakersarms.com/

http://twotowersbrewery.co.uk/

https://m.facebook.com/Brum-Vegan-Beer-Fest-1547216718922084/

Bonjour Birmingham – Bistrot Pierre is in town.

Posted in Birmingham, Breakfasts, Brindley Place, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, French Restaurants, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

The French restaurant group, Bistrot Pierre officially opened its fifteenth bistrot on 1st July in one of Birmingham’s oldest buildings – located on Gas Street.

Having opened their first restaurant in Nottingham more than 20 years ago, school friends and business partners Rob Beacham and John Whitehead are delighted to be opening in the UK’s second city.

“This has been a long time coming and we’re really looking forward to welcoming Birmingham’s diners to our newest location,” said Rob.

“The Grade II listed building is steeped in history, having previously been used as the headquarters for the Birmingham Canal Company – playing a vital role in the rich history of the city.”

Bistrot Pierre received a significant investment from private equity firm, Livingbridge, in 2015 to support its expansion plans – and Birmingham’s bistrot is the first of many new openings since this cash injection.

John said: “We believe very strongly in maintaining an individual and unique feel across our bistrots and the interior in each restaurant strongly reflects its location; no two bistrots are the same. Our passion for French food and high levels of service are features which we believe are paramount across the brand. We’re also very pleased to have created almost 50 new jobs in Birmingham.

“We’ve learnt a lot during our time in business and we continue to adapt and evolve to give the loyal diners we’ve built over the years an authentic and enjoyable dining experience. Birmingham is one of our most exciting openings to date and the bistrot itself is certainly something different for us – and for the city.”

Vegetarian main course options include Super Salade, Risotto vegetarien, Tarte aux Legumes, plus apetisers and starters such as Gousse d’ail rotie ( whole roasted garlic bulb with artisan bread) and signature dish Brioche et champignons (toasted brioche with fricasse of mushrooms).

Menus vary from full A’La Carte to Prix fixe Lunch, pre theatre, breakfast and Long Weekend, plus children’s menus. 

  
The launch of the new Birmingham restaurant coincides with an important rebrand for Bistrot Pierre – modernising its livery with a new look logo, menu design and signage incorporating stylised French characters and artwork, which will be rolled out across all of its restaurants in the coming months.

The independent restaurant group has also embraced the current trend in social media video with its Birmingham launch – introducing its arrival in Britain’s second city with three high quality lifestyle films.

Using three of the restaurants’ own waiting staff as the stars under the umbrella title of #bonjourbirmingham, Birmingham based videographer Ergo films has produced the three films using stunning iconic locations around the city as the backdrop. The first film launched on Bistrot Pierre’s social media channels last week.

“Using video to launch a restaurant is a new venture for us,” explained head of marketing Arpita Anstey. 

“Using video to launch a restaurant is a new venture for us,” explained head of marketing Arpita Anstey. 
“It has been incredibly exciting to see the film’s popularity amongst our new Birmingham audience, having received more than 20,000 views in its first week alone. The reaction to the video has given us a lot of encouragement that our new location is the perfect choice for Bistrot Pierre and that we will be a welcome addition to the city’s important and thriving food scene,” she continued.

Bistrot Pierre has locations across the UK in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Leamington Spa, Harrogate, Ilkley, Sheffield, Stockton Heath, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Plymouth, Torquay, Cardiff, Bath and Newport.

To see the videos, visit http://www.facebook.com/BistrotPierre or follow @LeBistrotPierre on Twitter.

To book a table at the city’s newest French bistrot please contact 0121 616 0730.

  
Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Photos courtesy of Bistrot Pierre.

#FoodExhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art in Birmingham.

Posted in Art, Birmingham, Colmore business district, Festivals, Food, Food Festivals, Independent, Veggie foodie by

   
Food has often been depicted in art, but a new exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art on Colmore Row in Birmingham City centre from 27th June until the 30th July takes the ancient tradition of still life and lets it meet the modern phenomenon of pop art. 

Artists turn their hands to food in all its glory from fresh fruit to fondant fancies, fried eggs and Belgian buns to Bowels of spaghetti to make a colourful and light-hearted exhibition.

Artists such as Danny Howes, Horace Panter, Rick Garland, Mark Lippett and Cameron Gait have each brought their own unique talent and style to this engaging subject. 

  ‘Asparagus with tissue paper’ by Rick Garland.

Colmore Business District’s annual two-day Food Festival will take place in Victoria Square, Birmingham on 8 and 9 July 2016. The event attracts tens of thousands of visitors and is an integral part of the city’s cultural and culinary calendars.

‘Food’ has been mounted to coincide with the Colmore Food Festival and looks a stunning and interestingly foodie exhibition. Reuben Colley Fine Arts will have a stall at the festiva in Victoria Square.

During the Festival, they will also be launching a permanent collection of our outstanding signed limited editions at Purnell’s Bistro in Newhall Street.
    Buns and cakes: 

 
  Danny Howes’ classical still life painting.

  Mark Godwin’s egg.

  

Ice cream van at a British sea side captured by Horace Panter.

  Spaghetti in a bowl Renaissance inspired by Cameron Gait.

  

Buns depicted by Mark Godwin.

 

   
Chocolate wrappers by Danny Howes, memories of childhood. 

 Hamburger, Horace Panter.

So when two of my favourite things food and Art merge, what’s not too like. 

Check out the exhibition until the 30th July. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy😊

Reuben Colley Fine Art, 85-89 Colmore Road, Birmingham, B3 2BB.

https://twitter.com/RCFA_Gallery

For the full catalogue:

http://reubencolleyfineart.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f36b9b2eafdbe41c4de2b7acb&id=9648ddc8b2&e=a2c98c5626

  
  
Colmore Food Festival is from July 8th-9th in Victoria Square.

http://www.colmorefoodfestival.com/#intro

All images from the exhibition. 

Veggie dishes of the day: Umami Indian Kitchen, Harborne celebrates its First Birthday. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Curry restaurants, Harborne, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  
  
There are many things that make me happy. The first daffodils in Spring, a sunset after a brilliant sunny day, the sight of Autumn leaves turning, there hue spectacular in a cooling wind. Yet, all are casual affairs compared to the happiness I feel when an Indian restaurant knows how to make the basics well. Certain dishes can seem straightforward but are so often uninspiring and leave me cold. 

As a Vegetarian I’ve written frequently about my love for a good curry. Birmingham is blessed with some aces in the pack, but also has the one sauce for all kind of attitude which quite frankly is inexcusable these days. 

I’d never been to Umami in Harborne before Ruth and I were invited to their first Birthday party and new menu launch the other night. I’d read good things, so my anticipation was high. 

Umami Indian Kitchen named after the fifth basic taste is located on Lordswood Road, just off the Harborne High street, it’s split into two areas, a modern bar area and then a step up to the dining room into a modern feelings space with mood lighting and white linen which feels both stylish and relaxed, romantic and good for families. 

The restaurant has been open a year, and has a good regular customer base. The service feels genuine and friendly and holds on tho the core beliefs that the food is what helps to bring people back. Head chef Mandeep Bajwa has worked in some of the finest establishments in the subcontinent and Middle East. 

   
  

On arrival Ruth and I found a busy party atmosphere. We were greeted with drinks, two Sparkling wines to toast their first birthday and then a number of canapés (vegetarian for me included Paneer skewers with peppers and veg samosa made like a Chaat). Both were delicious and appetisingly well made. 

Our main menu in the dining room included a number of curries (meat and fish for Ruth and Vegetarian for me, served with Naan and two types of rice. 

As I’ve already said, how a restaurant makes the basic curries determines the quality of the restaurant to me, been able to extract the unique flavours of the dishes and provide the base for the rest of the meal.  

The two curries I was given (Sadly no more than two, there were 5 in total, including 3 meat options that Ruth ate) to try were lentil Dhal (dal tadka bajrangi) and Potato and Spinach (Aloo Palak) . 

Both different textures and flavours, both unique and comforting, both were made perfectly. The Dhal in particular, creamy yellow lentils, with a tempering of cumin, and garlic flavours offering a punch of flavour, the ultimate comfort dish and perfect with a buttery Naan that I lapped up. 

The Spinach and potato curry (Aloo Palak)  with delicious jersey potatoes and vivid green spinach with a good garlic and ginger flavour running through. 

Both curries were Superb, fully flavoured, perfectly spiced. Very enjoyable. 

Ruth’s meat and fish curries were also well received. 

Our curries were washed down with red and white wine. (Umami also serve cocktails) 

  Lentil Dhal.

   Aloo Palak.

Though the food I ate at Umami Indian Kitchen was only sadly part of a full meal the dishes were so well constructed and flavoured that the full new menu is an enticing prospect for me to try in the future. An experience j look forward to.

As I said by getting the basics right it’s a good benchmark of the rest of the menu and for this reason alone Umami is a worthy ‘new kid on the block’ and certainly amongst Birmingham’s best curry restaurants.

Happy first Birthday. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

  
  Rice and Naan.

  

 

   
 
We were invited by Umami to their first birthday party and menu launch, all food and drinks consumed were complimentary. This doesn’t affect my honest review and opinions. 
Umami Indian Kitchen and cocktail bar, 25 Lordswood Road, Birmingham, B17 1RP. 

0121-427 8773.

http://www.umamiharborne.com/

https://m.facebook.com/UmamiHarborne/

https://twitter.com/umamiharborne?lang=en-gb

  New environment friendly take away boxes and take away menu. A tempting prospect.

  

Veggie dish of the day: James Brindley Pizza at The Stable, Birmingham.

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, pizza, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  
Sometimes a pizza is what is needed to hit the hunger spot and satisfy that craving that won’t go away. Pizza come in all shapes and sizes. I love homemade ones, where healthier toppings can be used if desired. Sometimes though a full on  cheesy (vegan or vegetarian) pizza is the best.  That’s how Ruth and I felt one lunchtime, pizza cravings. 

The Stable opened at the end of last year in Birmingham a few footsteps from New Street Station on John Bright Street. I visited it in December and enjoyed their mix of cider and pizza in an exposed brickwork space with openness and a relaxed funky vibe. 

They like to personalise the menus to cater for the local area or city they land in, so you find names of pizzas like ‘The Bull Ring Boar’ ‘The James Brindley’ ‘ The Longhorn Jim’ and ‘The Perry Barr-Baa. 
Serving gourmet pizzas, pies and cider The Stable makes all pizzas from scratch, from the sourdough to the sauces. 

An added bonus is the indulgent Garlic Bread that oozes garlic and parsley butter with a freshly baked flavour and is a must when visiting with any pizza. 

  
  

  
  Garlic Bread. £4.50.

  

So try The James Brindley, (£10.50) a locally inspired pizza that is an indulgent slice of heaven. Take herb roasted potatoes, Fowlers Forest Blue cheese, roasted Spanish onions, English Spinach, tomato sauce and mozzarella and you have a feast of an indulgent kind. 

The herb roasted potatoes, working with the heavenly blue cheesy texture with a dabble of spinach and red onion providing the salad crunch and colour contrast to the silky cheese. 

A filling and well made pizza with a good sourdough texture. 

The vegetarian pizza of choice at The Stable and one to return to in a friendly and fun environment. Try it. 
    James Brindley Pizza.

    
    
   

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

My previous review of The Stable:

https://t.co/gZ4CA0gUe8

The Stable, Unit 1, Orion, 115 John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BE.

Birmingham

Since my previous review The Stable have introduced a Vegan and dairy free pizza as well as gluten free (NGI ) options.

I ate my pizza washed down with a local Sadlers Ale beer, but The Stable also have over 80 ciders on offer plus a good wine list. 

Ruth ordered the same pizza with a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc. 

 

We paid for our food and drinks in full. 

Veggie Foodie guide to the Best places for a vegetarian curry in Birmingham.

Posted in Birmingham, Birmingham Mail, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Curry restaurants, Independent, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Curry in its various guises is for many Vegetarians their go to food. It is for me and often the first meal I have when I come back from a holiday abroad for instance. 

For veggies, it appears to be the cuisine that we have the most options on the menu. 

Birmingham has a number of fine Indian restaurants and cafes. This is my personal selection (though not definitive) which originally appeared in the Birmingham Mail for National Vegetarian Week. 

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/need-decent-vegetarian-curry-birmingham-11337381

In no particular order:

Lasan:

For a sophisticated and exquisite curry in cool surroundings Lasan in the Jewellery Quarter ticks the box. Try the Tikki Veggie Platter to start, so as to get a flavour of the refinement of the subtle spicing. The Chamon Punjabi main course is easily the best paneer, Spinach combo in the city. The Sweet Potato Kofta is also memorable. Never fails to inspire. 
 Sweet potato Kofta. 

  
Chamon Punjabi

  Tikki vegetarian platter.

Deepalis

A fully Vegetarian indian restaurant, based on Alfred Road, Sparkbrook and in the Jewellery Quarter (currently closed). Try the Chilli Paneer, Aloo Dosa or Papdi Chaat or for dessert the indulgent Gulab Jamun. Deepalis represents skilfully cooked vibrant vegetarian food, modestly priced in informal surroundings. A winner. 
  Chilli Paneer

Ashas:

For Luxurious surroundings and homely but well-crafted food try Ashas in the city centre, with cocktails a flowing Ashas is modern and full of atmosphere. Try the best Papdi Chaat in the city, or the main course Kadhai Paneer an exotic treat, or the divine and succulently spiced Aloo Mattar Gobhi. The Naan’s and Poppadoms are also superb.

For a sophisticated curry in the city centre Ashas is a joy for veggies. 
  
Papdi Chaat

  
Kadhai Paneer

Milans Sweet Centre:

Based on Stoney Lane, near Sparkbrook and the Balti quarter, pure vegetarian Milans is informality and charming personified. Try the Matter Paneer the Daal or the Palak, the Masala Dosa’s also popular as are the indian Sweets. A vast choice for veggies at bargain prices.

  

Jyoti . 
One of my favourite places to eat in Birmingham. Based in Hall Green on the Stratford Road,  Jyoti is fully vegetarian and doubles as a restaurant and sweet centre. Taking its inspiration from South India It entices the palette with exotic flavours and a massive choice of 15 starters and 72 main courses. With a homely feel there’s no better choice. Try the set meals which gives a terrific overview of the food, or the Thalis  and Puri and Aloo Curry. The paneer dishes are also incredible. Bring your own alcohol. 

  
Jyoti from the outside.

Itihaas:

Located in the city centre on Fleet Street and in a smaller capacity at Selfridges food hall, Itihaas is one of the best indian restaurants in Birmingham for vegetarians, smart, but traditional. It’s sleek, contemporary and friendly. Try the vegetarian sharing platter to begin or the Chaat and dosas or one of the many Paneer dishes such as the Makhani Paneer with its top notch spicing or maybe for something different the Quorn mince Kofta. Itihaas has Outstanding choice for vegetarians who seek aromatic joy. 
  
Makhani Paneer
  
Itihaas from the outside.

  Paneer at Itihaas

Pushkar:

The glamorous and elegant Pushkar, on Broad Street in the city centre has consistently been winning awards since it opened. For exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere visit on a weekend and indulge. The phadhari Kofta is superb, as is the saag paneer and appetiser Vermicelli William and For the undecided the Pushkar panorama , a taste of all the veggie appetisers. A classy taste fantastic restaurant, and one of my favourites.

  
Phadari Kofta and Saag Paneer (Left)

  

  
Pushkar from the outside.

Kababish: 

A Moseley institution, a fine family run restaurant that’s consistent and full of good veggie options. Serving authentic Pakistani dishes try the Paneer Shashlik for a subtle joy or the Tarka Daal, which is stunning and a must have. The Gobhi Mutter is lovely and the Balti’s are some of the best in the area.A rewarding reasonably priced experience, plus there’s cocktails and lovely friendly service. Food made with passion and care.
  
Gobhi Mutter
  
Tarka Daal.

Raja Monkey:

Get closer to the real India with Raja Monkey. A roadside cafe on the Stratford Road in Hall Green serving true classics. Owned by the aforementioned Lasan restaurants its a vibrant space of informality. A must is the veggie Sharkarkand Thal  for that complete and authentic meal experience and to begin their famous Dosas.The Masala Aloo Dosa is perfection made fresh in front of you. I adore the food, the rustic decor, for veggies its a must place to visit. Raja Monkey is also do the best take away and delivery. Restaurant food at home. 
  
Veggie Shakarkand Thali 
  
Masala Aloo Dosa 

  

Kings Indian Dining:

A Kings Heath institution, veggie friendly Kings is comfort curry, but with keen spicing and a large veggie menu. Try one of the Balti’s, Saag Aloo or Mattar Paneer. Also the Onion Bhaji is an appetiser to recommend. Traditional, affordable and Friendly. Delivering excellent choice for vegetarians. It’s also Bring Your Own alcohol and does takeaways. 
  

Al Frash Balti:

  

A addition to my original article Al Frash is Located in Birmingham’s Balti Triangle  (meaning Butterfly) it serves reputable Balti’s on the Ladypool Road. With numerous vegetarian options its a bargain winner with a bring your own policy. One of the best Balti restaurants you could find anywhere.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Links to my previous articles with the Birmingham Mail:

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/very-best-places-vegetarian-food-10157489

http://www.wowbrum.co.uk/food-and-drink/10-best-restaurants-cheese-birmingham-10467564

Some of the photos from The Birmingham Mail.