Category Archives: Cafés and Restaurants

Review: David Bann, Edinburgh. 

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Edinburgh, Independent, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  
So the guide books would have it, no trip for Vegetarians or Vegans to Edinburgh would be complete without a trip to Vegetarian restaurant David Bann. So on a recent visit to Edinburgh with Ruth and her Mum this sounded good enough reason to me. 

The restaurant has been open since the turn of the Millenium just off The Royal Mile, serving its diverse and interesting menu that prides itself on satisfying non meat eaters and omnivores alike. More fine than cafe dining, it has an atmosphere that’s contemporary and convivial. In fact out of the three of us I was the only Vegetarian dining. 

  
It’s a modern restaurant, serving a creative, eclectic menu in a warm room, which is understated and deep aubergine in colour with a silver and dark glint,  and feels airy, spacious with well spaced tables. It promises much. 

The menu is also vegan friendly with a number of vegan dishes to compliment the vegetarian ones. 

The menu has a globally inspired sweep from the Mediterranean to the Pacific with an eastern twist to finish and looks invitingly interesting with a modern innovative twist. 

   
 
We began with a glass of Cava whilst looking at the menu. 

   
 
We ordered some Homemade Hummus, olives with homemade bread and herb oil to share, which was a nice plate, and a good taster. 
I ordered a starter: Ravioli parcel with artichoke, chick pea and Basil. 

  

A home made ravioli filled with a blend of artichoke, shallot chickpea and Basil with a grilled artichoke heart, tomato pesto and toasted pine nuts. 

It was a lovely dish. A taste of the Mediterranean, the varied flavours simple, and complimentary. The Ravioli was well made, and with the tomato pasta felt healthy as well as substantial as a starter. 

A Very enjoyable veggie pasta. 

  
For my main course I ordered the mushroom Strudel and mash with Mediterranean vegetables. 

   

 
The dish, a loaf of mushroom baked in Heather Ale, Bonnet Goats Cheese from Aryshire, with rosemary and wrapped in filo pastry. Served with cream mash potato, and roasted Mediterranean vegetables. It was a fairly substantial dish, I love strudels so this was a nice choice. 

In fact it was as good a strudel as you could find. The layered pastry, thin, warming with the gentle flavour of the goats cheese and the tang of the veg providing a substantial main course. It was a well executed dish be after a day walking round Edinburgh was just the ticket. 

  
For desert Both Ruth and I chose the delicious sounding and highly recommended (in reviews) Dark Chocolate Soufflé with homemade vanilla ice cream. 

   

 
In fact the reviews were correct. It was a killer desert and worthy of a visit to David Banns alone. 

A bit of chocolate heaven, a well made soufflé, gooey, well presented and finished with a delicious vanilla ice cream. A highlight dish of the trip. 

We also drank a nice bottle of South African Chenin Blanc. 

David Bann deserves its loyal following and well regarded reputation. It’s one of the best Vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh and probably the UK. It comes over as been peerless in its craft, reliability and inventiveness. It’s range of eclectic vegetarian and vegan dishes are as good as you will find in Edinburgh outside a Michelin starred restaurant. 

The menu is suitably interesting for meat eaters to enjoy also, which is surely a good thing. Fashion now dictates that vegetarian menus encompass good quality seasonal ingredients. In that David Bann achieves the brief without taking the innovation to new heights and treading away generally from the traditional path, that’s ok, though maybe there is a nod to modernism with some of the ingredients. I think there is room to be more innovative at Bann, though the food is thoughtful and well made and it is popular. So why change too much? 

I liked David Bann, it felt indulgent without been stuffy and for the reasonable pricing is a distinctive  choice for Vegetarians in Edinburgh. How it responds to the changing fashions and new veggie innovators will be interesting to see. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

  
Ruth’s Fries at David Bann. 

  
Delicious Chocolate Soufflé. 

http://www.davidbann.com/food.php

http://www.davidbann.com/

Disclosure: We paid for our own food and drink at David Bann, my opinions are honest as always. 

David Bann, 56-58 St Mary’s Street, (off Royal Mile) Edinburgh, EH1 1SX. 


From street food beginnings to the Mockingbird. Bar, Bistro and Theatre at The Custard Factory. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Craft beer, Digbeth, Independent, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   

 Anthony Duffy and Craig Essex have just launched their new bar and bistro The Mockingbird at The Custard Factory. 

Previously seen as Big Papas at the Sunflower Lounge, that residency has now finished and a new exciting venture is open. 

At The ‘Mockingbird bar and bistro’ you can expect an exciting fresh seasonal evolving bistro menu with a keen focus on using locally sourced produce. 

Their new head chef has worked in some fantastic kitchens including Purnell’s. 

You may also expect a unique and carefully designed craft beer and cocktail menu, taking influence from small cocktail bars in Harlem, independent spirits, lesser known quality wines and fizz. 

The key objective and focus for the Mockingbird is to push the smaller, independently crafted drinks, championing the local breweries. 

As well as the exciting food and drink (including good vegetarian options) they will be offering a truly unique and eye catching industrial interior married with a relaxing atmosphere. 

As well as the Bar and Bistro, The Mockingbird also offers a 101 seated  cinema and theatre space which offers an intimate, atmospheric experience in live events and unconventional cinema that is unique to the Birmingham region. Plus DJ’s playing some light soul and funk and some very alternative music, live music acts, and comedy.

The Mockingbird provides a unique and diverse programme of events, embracing the city’s cultural diversity and young rising talent. 

The Vegetarian dishes at Big Papas demonstrated to me in their simplicity and eagerness to please an understanding that Vegetarians care too for what’s on their plate, fulfilling the adage that  when their’s a meat eater in a group there is often a veggie too. 

I was impressed then through conversation with the boys their thoughtfulness to please and get their veggie dishes right for the customer, and a keenness to evolve their menu. Thus I’m looking forward to seeing how their new venue develops. 

With the announcement that The Vegan Grindhouse are doing am all day/evening kitchen takeover every Monday until the end of the year, for Meat Free Monday’s there’s going to be a lot for veggies and vegans too like about The Mockingbird. 

I’m going to be at the launch party on the 6th August so look out for further reports and updates soon. 

Andy 😊

   
   

Dip into Summer with the best British Strawberries at The Highfield Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Edgbaston, Fruit and Veg, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   
   
One of my loveliest childhood memories is the one of going strawberry picking with my family, and enjoying the sweetest taste of freshly picked produce (sometimes eating too many) and the thrill of then (much later) eating my Grandmas strawberry jam, with some of the abundant produce. 

I’ve always loved strawberries in Summer and along with the Asparagus season it’s my favourite foodie time. 

If there is any dish that includes British strawberries on the menu in a restaurant i’m always tempted by it. 

So I was pleased to hear that The Highfield in Edgbaston has introduced a new desert for Summer, well up to the end of July. 

According to them: 

 ‘To celebrate the start of summer the chefs at The High Field in Edgbaston have been on the hunt for the perfect British strawberry – deliciously sweet and full of flavour, blushingly red and juicy, with a perfect heart shape. And so that everyone can make the most of this superb summer produce, they have come up with a special way of serving it – Dip Your Own Strawberries.

 Their quest for the best British berry took them deep into the heart of rural Staffordshire to Lower Ruele Farm, where they met grower Charles Kidson and asked him what makes the best strawberry. Here they discovered that it’s all down to the variety, and how the plants are nurtured, that produces the pick of the crop.

 “Walking into the poly tunnels we were met with a blaze of colour from the pops of red dotted along as far as the eye could see,” says The High Field head chef Dean Jeffers. “We were just as struck by the way the strawberries are grown along rows of narrow table tops where the tender young fruits can gently ripen in the warm air before being picked from their delicate green stalks. Harvesting is done over several days, when each berry is deemed to be perfectly ripe, sweet and ready to eat.

 “Unable to resist popping one of the beautiful berries into our mouths, we discovered that it is nature, as well as nurture, that plays a part in growing the finest fruit. Only Driscoll’s Amesti strawberries are grown here, a modern breed chosen because of the intensity of flavour, colour and shape of the strawberries it yields. Runners are produced in Holland from the high quality plant tips and lovingly tended here on the farm in ideal strawberry growing conditions. The result is simply the perfect strawberry,” he says.

 After picking the perfect strawberries, the chefs went one better to bring the best of British summer to the pub, creating an irresistible dessert of Dip Your Own Strawberries. 

 Into one big pot goes a generous helping of large, juicy red strawberries; into another, a glug of gorgeous, velvety Valrhona chocolate sauce and one final pot a dollop of sweet Chantilly cream. The whole lot goes onto a board ready for you to dip yourself, with a pile of crumbly shortbread biscuits that are the perfect partner to the luscious fruit and dips.

 “The best British strawberries we could find, rich chocolate sauce and unctuous cream with the crunch of biscuits on the side are the perfect ingredients for the perfect dish,” says Dean. “It’s the best of British all in one place, and the best summer dish. It’s simply delicious. But as with all good things, it won’t be around for long so catch it while you can!”

 Dip Your Own Strawberries are being served at The High Field in Edgbaston from now until the end of July, priced £5.75. 

 To book a table, please go to http://www.highfieldedgbaston.co.uk

 The High Field is at 22 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, B15 3DP. Tel: 0121 227 7068. Highfield@peachpubs.com 

 To find out more about how the perfect strawberry is grown, please go to http://www.peachpubs.com/blog/10-things-know-driscolls-amesti-strawberry-lower-ruele-farm/

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

 

 

 

 

Henderson’s of Edinburgh. A Vegetarian pioneer. 

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Edinburgh, Food, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

 
With its ancient crags and maze of medieval streets Edinburgh is a city that is no stranger to immortalised exposure. Its foodie scene is now renowned, with its garlanded Michelin stared restaurants and cosmopolitan buzz. All a far cry from when this veggie institution opened. 

When in 1962 Henderson’s Vegetarian opened (yes 53 years ago) it couldn’t have realised that its lustre and ethos would still be as much of Edinburgh life as it is today. In 1962 it provided an outlet for the produce of Janet and Mac Henderson’s East Lothian farm and quickly became a restaurant and thus the story of evolvement into a bistro, a bakery, a deli and a gallery. A cultural hub. 

The philosophy is the same. Eat better to live better and to serve delicious, wholesome food, using the best and freshest ingredients, and at affordable prices. 

I’d been with Ruth to Edinburgh a few times over the years, but had never shamefully visited Henderson’s. So to redeem this uncalled for neglect lunch was required, on this our most recent visit a few weeks ago. 

  
We visited their Hanover Street restaurant. The restaurant opens at 8am for breakfast and serves lunch, cake, afternoon tea or just drinks and snacks throughout the day. Its a popular stop off for Edinburgh shoppers in the New Town area, as well as those deserving workers who crave a vegetarian breather from their desks. 

It’s buzzing basement space is set out like a canteen with the menu on a board behind the counter and huge salad table. You can also order hot food, and baked goods, wine and local craft beer. 

Henderson’s provides over a dozen salads, freshly made, so this temptation was hard to resist. I’d heard they were to be had, and with a choice of salads which were varied and colourful. 

You can choose up to four salads. So both of us chose four for little over £8. 

   
   
My salads included a beetroot based one, a pasta one, a Chinese stir fry noodles one and a Waldorf salad. The range of flavours of the four salads were zingy and they all complimented each other superbly. They proved quite filling, but in particular the pasta and stir fry were exceptional and healthy. Very impressive. 

I also washed it down with a local  Innis and Gunn craft beer, which perfectly refreshed me, in preparation for Ruth’s shopping spree to follow. 

  

With its walls showcasing local artists and cool comforting atmosphere, Henderson’s is a smart choice for lunch. It’s a local institution, based on providing good healthy vegetarian food for a quick bite or respite from City life. In fact it reflects Edinburgh city life, it caters for veggies, vegans, and is popular with non veggies too, and creates a warm happy refresh in ones day. That’s how I saw it, a snapshot of a city, a hub in the New Town. 

Don’t expect anything ground breaking, but just great healthy food, competitively priced, with a good range of dishes to cater for all requirements. Henderson’s reflects cosmopolitan Edinburgh, and if there is one place that I visited in Edinburgh for food over my 5 days that I would like to bring to Birmingham City centre it would be Henderson’s. It has that vibe, that community, that quick bite veggie food that is missing.

No trip to Edinburgh for vegetarians and vegans would be complete without a visit to this stalwart. It demonstrates that trends change in veggie food, but there’s always room for a Henderson’s. 

  

 
Above the restaurant on Hanover Street is the Henderson’s Deli, serving takeaways and deli goods. 

Henderson’s also do gluten free options. 

http://www.hendersonsofedinburgh.co.uk/restaurant.php

http://www.hendersonsofedinburgh.co.uk/restaurant-sample-menu.php

   
 Above 2 Photos courtesy of Henderson’s. 

Follow Henderson’s 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hendersonsofedinburgh

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HendersonsofEdi

94 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DR. 

0131-325-6694.

Local Sex Sites

We paid for our own food and drink in Henderson’s. My review and opinions are my own as always and honest. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

  
The Thistle Street premises is due to reopen on July 27th. As a purely vegan restaurant. 

   
 

#Veggiebreakfastbrunchwatch: Kitchen Garden: Kings Heath, Birmingham. 

Posted in Birmingham, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Kings Heath, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Veggie foodie brunch breakfasts by

  
If you thought that the High Street was all that Kings Heath in South Birmingham offered then think again. Tucked down York Road, is a gem that when explored brings much reward. 

  
Through some smart iron gates, lies a pathway that meanders through an organic garden centre, past an organic farm shop and deli and thus to an old brick Mediterranean style patio and court yard with a cafe. 

The garden centre is one of the jewels of Kings Heath and I spend many a time mooching through pots and snapping up veg plants and perennials for my new garden. It’s an oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of busy city life and a sun trap with shades on and free from pesticides. 

The farm and deli shop sells local produce from organic free range eggs, home made pies, pasties, sausage rolls. Plus an array of organic wines, cheese, beers, jams and preserves which are made in house. 

  
   
  

 
The Kitchen Garden was renovated and restored and used to be in part a former blacksmiths and also a hard ware shop. It’s a diverse community enterprise that serves the area well, and is a great space for families ( it has a specially created children’s area and is a meeting place for families). 

The Kitchen Garden has a bohemian vibe, with its hand painted signs, pots of herbs, plants, garden statues, and cosy cafe. It’s a community one stop shop, and at night you can find live music, comedy and poetry (poetry bites, that I’ve lustily partaken in many times). It’s also been a temporary home to many pop up restaurants, Epi, with chef Nathan Eades, Blue Rabbit, and currently Nomad until the end of August.

  
Within the cafe you will find an excellent choice for Vegetarians and Vegans. Using the best seasonal, local and fair traded produce including organic when possible. It’s a relaxed space to be, to socialise, to recover from the night before or to work. They have free wi-fi access. 

The menu covers breakfast, including a full veggie, free range eggs, Huevos Rancheros, eggs florentine, continental pastries, bagels and the Hash Potato with onions. Plus fair trade, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, herbal teas and juices. This is served until midday from 8am. 

Having been before I’ve eaten and enjoyed the Vegetarian Breakfast which includes veggie sausages, free range egg (fried or poached) mushrooms, baked beans, grilled tomato, fried slice and extra thick toast. A feast of the veggie kind for £6.95. A bargain. 

On this occasion I decided to try the Kitchen Garden’s famous Hash Potato with onions with extra Grilled Mediterranean vegetables and a poached egg. With coffee. 

   

 
I have to say, it’s one of the best veggie breakfast items I’ve had for a long time. It was different. A lovely feast of flavours, crunchy Mediterranean veg, with a runny poached egg, with fried onions and fluffy potato. Beautiful. Maybe that’s why it’s famous. Maybe in hindsight it would have worked better for me with a fried egg, but I’m funny with eggs…next time. That though was my mistake and my personal preference, a lovely veggie breakfast for just short of £6.

   
 Kitchen Garden cafe’s rustic chunky wooden tables, watch the wobbling ones😀

Inside the cafe is light, airy, with art on the walls from local artists. It feels a chilled out spot, away from the main streets, an oasis to create and wile away time. I like the rustic charm, the nooks and the homely feel. It’s represents all that’s good about Kings Heath, the community and the slightly alternative vibe. 

It’s one of the best places for veggies in the area, it’s intent on creating something tranquil and satisfying. 

Giving back more than you imagine when you enter 17 York Road. 

   
   
   
   
Lunch is served from 12-3pm. For menu see below. Please note items may change. 

http://www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk/index.php

http://www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk/cafe.php?pid=lsm&lsm_id=197

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

My breakfast was paid for in full. My thoughts and opinions are my own and Honest as always. 

Kitchen Garden, 17 York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7SA. 0121-443-4725.

For details of events. Restaurants, and contact information see their website. 

Kitchen Garden also has a sister bar and eatery two doors down called Fletchers serving food and drinks daily. 

Review: Cafe Opus at Ikon: Birmingham 

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

   
 
Cafe Opus is located in the Brindley Place part of Birmingham City Centre at the acclaimed modern art Ikon Gallery on Delightful Oozells square. 

It’s a stylish, modern British cafe on the ground floor of the Ikon Gallery building with a tempting outdoor terrace that begs for sunny days and nights and is perfect for their informal menu that’s designed to let you eat what you fancy when you fancy it. Serving cafe classics, afternoon tea, fine beers, wines and coffee, at reasonable cafe prices. 

The true taste of Cafe Opus is that they are independent and source their produce locally and ethically, knowing all of their producers, farmers and fishermen. It’s all about utilising fresh produce and allowing the simplest of ingredients to shine through. 

In fact I think the summer months are the best time to visit Cafe Opus. The terrace itself demands it, and the produce, well speaks for itself. 

   
 
Ruth and I have have always loved visiting Cafe Opus on a Summer evening and thus couldn’t resist the recent good weather. We chose a Friday evening partly because Ruth wanted to try out the steak on ‘steak friday’ and because they were running what’s called ‘Come Vinyl With Me’. 

Now, this is where you can bring your own records and be a DJ by serving up three courses of musical delights in 10 minutes. This is strictly vinyl, but is very eclectic music wise and was good fun. At least our dinner was accompanied by a decent soundtrack. 

We didn’t bring any records ourselves on this occasion, but you never know in the future. This is held on the first Friday of the month. 

So there we had it, good music and maybe good food. 

Having visited Cafe Opus before to eat  on many occasions I knew the Vegetarian Dishes were always diverse and thoughtful. So that’s me satisfied too! 

We did sit on the terrace, and ordered a local Langley’s Gin and tonic (1724) for me and a glass of white wine for Ruth. The gin and tonic was lovely, perfect on a summers alfesco night. 

  
   
 It’s the informality of the menu that makes Cafe Opus the ideal Summer venue. The food feels relaxed, continental and I always feel sitting on the terrace whatever time of the day that Birmingham is some far flung city not just home and familiar. 

For that reason I chose The Vegetarian Plate from the all day menu. Comprising of Welsh rarebit, hummus, and toasted pitta, piquillo pepper stuffed with couscous, marinated grilled vegetables. 

   

   
All of the elements were excellent, nothing was out of place. The Piquillo peppers were the stars though, the contrasting flavour of the pepper with the slightly spicy couscous was summer in itself and reminded me of some lovely tapas meals in Spain. The Rarebit, with a good string cheese flavour was excellent too and the marinated vegetables (courgettes, aubergines) delicious. It was a good plate of food, though simple it was a good example of how informal dishes can be uplifting if the ingredients are fresh and well cooked. I also ordered some fat chips which were delightful and went well with the vegetarian plate. 

   
 
Ruth surfice to say loved her steak aged for 28 days to ensure their succulent flavour it appeared to work. She was happy. 

We ordered another 2 glass of wine and a Chapel Down brewery Curious IPA and Lager (from the winery in Kent that makes some delicious wines and some nifty Sparkling brut too). 

The IPA a powerful but hoppy Indian Pale Ale. Very drinkable, very flavourful. Lovely in the sunshine. 

 
  
We were both happy to order puddings too. Ruth ordered a lemon posset, fresh raspberries which was very nice. Fresh, summery and quite light. No picture I’m afraid as she started before I could take one. 

I ordered the Mixed Summer berry pavlova. The combinations of meringue, cream and strawberries and raspberries worked well. Though it was quite creamy in texture it didn’t feel heavy, but was light was a subtle meringue crunch. A well made and enjoyable pudding. 
 

  
Cafe Opus is a lovely spot for a light summery dinner or lunch or afternoon tea. If the weather is fine, the terrace is a super spot to people watch and to take in those sunny Rays. 

The food, been seasonal is of the highest quality, fresh, well made. 

Cafe Opus do the simple things delightfully well. 

The dishes are well cooked, the Vegetarian dishes are thoughtful, not just an add on ( though could do with a few more, maybe specials?) and with the seasonal aspect feels modern and interesting. 

They are more cafe orientated than fine dining, but that simple nature works well. 

 The menus are affordable and the service was good throughout. 

Cafe Opus is well worth a visit for an ethical slice of artistic Birmingham whether after, before or separate from a gallery visit. There’s a lot to like about Cafe Opus. It’s got so much right. 

Now when’s my next visit? 

http://www.cafeopus.co.uk/menus/

http://www.cafeopus.co.uk/

   
   
  
Cafe Opus at Ikon, 1 Oozells Square, Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2HS. 

0121-248-3226

Meat Free Monday: every Monday at Cafe Opus, daily vegetarian specials. Day time only. 

   

 Afternoon tea 
  
Come Vinyl with me at Cafe Opus. 

You can also receive 2-1 on all breakfast menu items until 12pm (Monday-Friday) or 10% off the bill (all day all week) with the Independent Birmingham card. See link to purchase the IB card. 

http://independent-birmingham.co.uk/

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

We received our food at Cafe Opus complimentary, but paid for our drinks. All of my opinions are my own and my review is honest and without bias as always. I was not required to write a positive review. 


Review: Amantia Spanish and Mediterranean 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Lunch, Spanish, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  
Amantia is a new family run (and family friendly!) independent, Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant right off New Street in Birmingham City centre, taking the ground floor and basement of the iconic Sun House.
This building on Bennetts Hill was the house of the Sun Insurance offices, which were founded in 1710. The name Amantia is the name of some ruins near chef and owner Andrea’s birthplace and also includes the initial of him and Marta’s (owner and front of house’s) children. 

Amantia is a smart place. Inside the space is large, bordering on vast, with a sweet bar area to the right of the entrance as you walk in. Serving pinxos  or Pincho (Basque country small snacks from Northen Spain). Oh the memories of San Sebastián are returning. It is in itself a good spot for after work downtime. 

I digress though. The decor of Amantia, contemporary- purple, grey with black and white prints on the wall, smart, and cooling. 

   
   
Though it could feel impersonal it doesn’t. The atmosphere is good,  quite busy too on a Friday evening and the warmth of the service from Marta and her team is a joy. Marta twinkles with charm and enthusiasm for the food and the adventure she and her husband are on with Amantia. 

Ruth and I were invited by Marta and her sister Silvia (also from Amantia) to taste and review some of the Vegetarian dishes on the menu and some new ones not yet on the menu. For that reason the food came out of the kitchen like tapas (discussed on arrival with Marta) and thus this review will reflect that. I like small plates though, tapas is one of life’s pleasures whether italian in nature, or Spanish (tapas) or pintxos for that matter. 

It is fun to have an element of surprise and not order from a menu. It’s very informal and thus more interesting. 

Ruth and I ordered some Olives and two glasses of Manzanilla Sherry whilst waiting for the tapas. The sherry a refreshing fino from Andalusia, served chilled it’s a perfect aperitif and goes well with tapas like dishes. 

   
 
The dishes we shared ( Ruth was a Vegetarian for the evening) were a selection of  croquetas Amantia, (blue cheese and creamy mushroom)  a Rustica mushroom Crepe, a Greek Salad, Roasted Vegetables and Vegetable Moussaka. 

   

 
Having tried the Blue Cheese Croquetas before I was looking forward to eating them again. They held a lovely creamy blue cheese flavour, a recommended vegetarian tapas. A star dish. 

On the other hand, the Mushroom croquetas were disappointing. Quite bland in flavour, with not a lot of mushroom filling,  the croquetas lacked an intensity of flavour that maybe a porcini mushroom filling could have brought. A shame. 

Oh the contrast The Rustica Crepe with its mushroom centre had a deep intensity of flavour. It wasn’t too cheesy which was a relief and the quantity and quality of the mushroom filling made for a very satisfying and enjoyable crepe and served with a side salad would make a excellent and filling main course offering. Maybe use the intense filling for the mushroom croquetas.  Recommended. 

   
 
The Greek Salad, was also very good and looked very appetising.

  
Lettuce, tomatoes, sliced cucumber, onion, Kalamata Olives, Feta cheese, in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It was well seasoned, with salt and oregano and the splash of olive oil made for a nice ripe and fresh salad. The feta creamy and the flavours bold. A very refreshing contrast to the hot dishes. Lovely. 

Our Roasted Vegetables were also well presented and looked stunningly appetising. I think roast vegetables get a bad press sometimes from vegetarians and vegans, cited as a bit boring, but when the veg are fresh and carrying a good in season flavour there arn’t  many better summertime dishes. It always makes me think of sunshine and hot sun and alfresco dining. (Appologies I was lost in memories of Italy there). 

   
 
The peppers and courgettes were delicious and looked stunning. I also didn’t mind the presentation on a board. It worked with this dish. 

   
 
The final hot dish we tried was the Vegetable Moussaka. I think of all the dishes We tried on the night this was our favourite, we felt we could have eaten more of it, it was that creamy, hearty and warming. The combination of aubergine, and potatoes, and tomatoes worked well and made for a classic Greek dish with a veggie twist. 

It also went well with the Greek Salad. A complete summer main course. 

We washed down our mains with a delicious Spanish White Wine: a Marques de Luna macebo. Amantia has a good wine list and also serves cocktails and Sangria. 

As Ruth and I border on hungryly greedy (or just nosey or easily tempted)  types when it comes to food and the fact that Tiramisu was on the menu we felt we had to try a desert. 

Ruth chose one of her favourites the Churos Con Chocolate  

 
Which she exclaimed was beautiful and one of the best she’d had. I tried a mouthful and it indeed was decadently a top pudding. 

Of course onto my Tiramisu test. 

One of my test dishes Is the above pudding. I’ve had it all over Italy and one in particular in Verona on our honeymoon I remember with salivating affection ( the restaurant had won the world tiramisu award, yes there is such a thing! ). 

Yes, it true I wasn’t disappointed. 

   
 
It looked stunning for a start and had the right quantity of coffee flavour and certainly ‘picked me up’. It was very cool, dreamy and light. It had a classic image and was nicely layered. Delicious, it passed the test and was one of the best I’d tried in Birmingham. 

We also enjoyed an after dinner Liquor    and two double espressos. 

   
 
The Vegetarian dishes at Amantia are excellent. I highly recommend it for veggies in Birmingham.

 I would like to see more in particular in the tapas section of the menu for Vegetarians (tapas and summer go well together) how about a veggie paella? On talking to Marta I know they are rolling out a Vegan menu at some point and are working on new veggie dishes which will be introduced dependent on seasonality of the ingredients. 

Amantia though has many strengths, it’s in a good location just off New Street and has a warming and cooling (at the same time) kind of atmosphere. 

The service is charming and aims to please. It’s friendly and demonstrates that it cares. 

Amantia is a good Authentic place for a lunch whilst shopping in Brum or for a delicious evening meal With a group or  with a partner. It ticks all the foodie boxes. 

Maybe some live music would be nice, some Spanish guitar or flamenco or a pianist would help fill the space. That’s Always good for atmosphere (Maybe live music nights). 

I liked Amantia, it’s a gem in the city and the type of authentic mid price restaurant that Birmingham needs more of. Good Solid cooking without the gimmicks, independent and with a good heart. 

And as Feargal Sharkey sang in 1985 that’s hard to find. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Thanks to Amantia (Marta and Silvia) for the invite to the restaurant. Our food was complimentary, though we paid for our drinks in full. My review is honest and has my own opinions as always. 

http://www.amantiarestaurant.co.uk/

Amantia, 9 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RS. 

0121 643 3647. 

  

Amantia do an after work social from 4-7pm with a free Pintxo with your drink and £2 for all cocktails weekdays. 

It also has a children’s menu for £6.25. For a main, desert and a drink. 

  
Facebook: Amantia restaurant

Twitter: @RestAmantia

  


Birmingham Independents day: Saturday July 4th. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Coffee, Craft beer, Food, Food Festivals, Harborne, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Veggie foodie brunch breakfasts by

On Saturday 4th July, while America celebrates its Independence Day, BrumHour invites you to share #BrumIndependentsDay across social media and support your local businesses. 

If you don’t know #BrumHour and use Twitter then you should make yourself familiar with it. Every Sunday from 8-9pm is Brum Hour where the opportunity is there to shout out your business, blog or whatever takes your fancy, a new shop you’ve found, an event or just a jolly good meal. It’s a very supportive hour, and all the better for it I believe. 

Dave Massey from BrumHour (and I quote) said “I’ve seen businesses across the UK take part in Small Business Saturday in previous years and I wanted to do a version we could do in Birmingham”. Dave works hard to promote the Birmingham scene and has been a massive support to my blog and his posts on his blog are eclectic and interesting. 

https://brumhour.wordpress.com/ 

This Saturday join in using #BrumIndependentsDay on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 
For me it’s about highlighting great Independent businesses in and around Birmingham and shouting out that they are the cornerstone of all that’s good about Birmingham and what makes this city unique, alive and current. And I believe it’s fun to explore. 

Next week in fact sees pop up kings Two Cats open up their permanent restaurant in the Jewellery Quarter, with some good veggie options. Stay tuned for more. 
Also a new Greek deli called Treat has opened in the Great Western Arcade and seems to be doing a good trade. Expect fresh salads, pies, figs, cheese, and Greek coffee. This joins All Greek Deli on Stephenson Street near New Street station. 

Recently Harborne has welcomed Paradice Gelateria to its indie ranks.   Serving cooling ice cream, waffles, deserts and drinks. 

   
   
A fantastic Flat White at independent coffee shops Yorks Colmore Row and Yorks Bakery Newhall Street. 

   

 

  
Amantia Mediterranean and Spanish  restaurant Birmingham City centre. 

   
 
Vegetarian Veg out Cafe Kings Heath Birmingham

   

   
Vegetarian Sunday lunch at The Plough Harborne. 

   

 
Gas Street Social and its veggie brunch #allyoucaneatbrunch Mailbox Birmingham. 

  

Blue Ginger restaurant Kings Heath. 

   

 
Henry Wong in Harborne

   

   

    
Veggie tapas, courgette salad and Gin Martini at Fletchers Bar in Kings Heath

   

    
 
Veggie breakfast bap, flat white and cappuccino at Grand Central Kitchen opposite New Street Station

   

 
Flat white at Faculty Coffee and tea in Piccadilly Arcade in City Centre. 

   

 
Veggie burger at The Victoria pub on John Bright Street. 

   

 
Coffee or breakfast  at Cherry Reds on John Bright Street City Centre and York Road, Kings Heath 

Of course I can’t mention Independents in Birmingham without mentioning independent Birmingham and the great work that Joe does in the city 

For details of the many independents in Birmingham not just food take a look at their website. 

App coming soon. 😄👍

Home

Also bag yourself an IB Card via their website for discounts at many independent establishments in Birmingham. 

For more great independents check out the Colmore Business District Food Festival on the 4th July in Victoria Square. 

  

See my post for traders and menus. 

http://t.co/FtCNg5Hwr0

Thanks for reading and have fun. 

Andy 😊



#Veggiefoodietakeaway: Deliveroo: Delivers into Birmingham. Dining to your door. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Curry restaurants, Edgbaston, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Moseley, vegetarian, Vegetarian takeaways, Veggie foodie by

Deliveroo is the new delivery service that has recently arrived in Birmingham. 

Deliveroo enables  you order food online from a restaurant (ones that wouldn’t normally deliver), Deliveroo drivers then go and pick it up and deliver it to your door, or desk, or wherever! 

The website (deliveroo.co.uk) enables hungry users to select dishes from their favourite restaurant, pay for them online and have them dropped at their door for a £2.50 charge  by one of the site’s drivers. Whether it’s a work lunch at the office or an evening meal at home, the site aims to deliver the food in just 32 minutes. 

The service, which currently covers Birmingham City Centre, Edgbaston and Moseley/ Kings Heath with plans to quickly expand to other areas in the region, has joined forces with some of the city’s finest restaurants to deliver your favourite dine-in dishes to your table. 44 (frequently added to) venues, many of which are independents, have signed up to the scheme including vegetarian The Warehouse cafe, Deepalis and Veg Out Cafe in Kings Heath. 

Jacob Lourie, regional manager at Deliveroo, has big plans for Birmingham’s take-away scene. He said: “Birmingham has such a vibrant culinary scene and is full of fantastic eateries and restaurants which, until now, you’d have to have visited to experience. So if it’s for a corporate lunch entertaining clients, a dinner party you don’t want to cook for, or just a meal in front of the TV, Deliveroo brings that food to you. 
“We’re helping to grow the takeaway offering in Birmingham, so we’re not limited to just two or three types of cuisine. We’re also launching in new zones in and around the city so more people can get online and have good food delivered directly to them.”

The service has also teamed up with award-winning street food event, Digbeth Dining Club, to offer users the opportunity to order food for delivery from a different street trader each week for the next four weeks.

To place an order using Deliveroo visit http://www.deliveroo.co.uk. 

Participating restaurants by area

Birmingham City Centre

All Greek Deli
Amantia

Annexe

Asha’s

Aunt Sally’s

Big Papas at The Sunflower Lounge

Blue Nile

Bodega

Bun and Bowl

Carluccio’s

Celebrity Indian Restaurant

Chung Ying – Central

Deepalis

eastZeast

Gourmet Burger Kitchen – 

Habaneros Mexican Street Food

Handmade Burger Co – Bullring & Brindleyplace

Itihaas

Jojolapa

Karczma

La Galleria

Rossopomodoro

Shogun Sushi

Syriana

Tap & Spile

The Dirty Cow Burger Co

The Warehouse Cafe

Tiger Bills

Viceroy Tandoori

Wrapchic

Edgbaston

Bangla Lounge

Bengal Delight

Boo Boo Coffee

Casa Italia

Chop & Wok

The Plough Harborne

Moseley/Kings Heath

Cafephilia

Ponte di Legano 

Carib Grill

La Favorita

Piquant

Saba

Sahara Bistro Restaurant

Shabab

Tru Burgers

Veg Out Cafe 

  

https://deliveroo.co.uk/

https://mobile.twitter.com/deliveroo_bham

The delivery concept is a unique one and offers vegetarians numerous excellent dining choices in Birmingham. With many independent restaurants on the list. More are added frequently so keep an eye on Twitter and their website for details and give it a go. 

The days of takeaway pizza at your desk seem to be long gone. Just quality freshly made restaurant quality cuisine. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

New Meat free Monday’s at The Church and Peel and Stone Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Food, healthy, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter, Real ale, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

From Monday 1st June Soul Food Kitchen have launched their very own Meat Free Monday. 

 Across both Soul Food Project sites The Church in the Jewellery Quarter and Peel and Stone there will be special offers on a selection of our Vegetarian and Vegan food offerings!

At The Church they’re offering 50% off all vegetarian and vegan main meals (excluding the Shia NoBeouf)

At Peel and Stone bakery you will get a free selected cake with any selected vegetarian or vegan sandwich. 

The bakery will also put emphasis on using less meat on a Monday in general too.

Showcasing how great food is without relying on the meat!

For details keep an eye on both Twitter and facebook accounts and websites. 

I’m sure to making a journey down to them soon to check them out. 

  
Blueberry & Goats Cheese Salad available at The Church.

Photography by Jack Adams.

http://www.churchjq.co.uk/

http://www.peelandstone.co.uk/

https://mobile.twitter.com/churchjq

https://mobile.twitter.com/peelandstone

For details on Meat Free Monday see below: 

https://mobile.twitter.com/meatfreemonday

http://www.meatfreemondays.com/recipes/

The Church, 22 Great Hampton Street, JQ, Birmingham, B18 6AQ. 

Peel and Stone, 33 Water Street, Birmingham B3 1HL.