Review: Lasan Restaurant: Birmingham

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Curry restaurants, St Paul's Square, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Lasan’s reputation has often in recent times proceeded it. Offering a fine dining like experience, it’s Indian dishes are refined, and woo the diner with their keen and exquisite seasoning and little touches of street food delights. It feels more like an experience than a general night out.

It’s those touches that have brought it accolades not only from Gordon Ramsey but The Sunday Times newspaper who have named it as one of Britain’s top 100 restaurants, the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide. A true list of quality.

Chef Aktar Islam and his team have consistently created on all my numerous visits (and there have been many from whence Lasan opened) Vegetarian dishes that demonstrate those techniques, textures and flavours that are a joy to discover and heavenly to taste.

On our mid week arrival Ruth and I decided to enjoy a Gin and Tonic in the smart bar area with the menus. A good thing to do when visiting Lasan.

I discovered disappointingly a few weeks previous that Lasan doesn’t serve a vegetarian tasting menu-minus points- but only a non veggie one. Though this is sad, as other fine indian restaurants in London do its not the end of the world, as the menu for vegetarians is excellent, with plenty of choice and from previous experiences delightful.

Having taken our seats at our favourite mezzanine level table, good for people watching, we observed the restaurant filling up with large table bookings and couples. Excellent to see mid week.

I like the decor of Lasan, slightly modern, slightly Eastern influenced, a lovely wall mounted sitar and large ornate mirrors give the space a brightness, though with an intimate feel.

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We began our meal with a complimentary Indian Street Food morsel (not an amuse bouche, that’s French) called Panipuri which originates from the Magadha region of India.

A popular street food snack it consists of a round hollow puri, fried crisp and filled with a mixture of chaat masala, potato, onion and chick peas. To be taken in one mouthful, it was delicious, sweet, savoury, gently spiced. I love Indian street food. I could have quite happily eaten more.

Plus some quality crisp and flavoursome poppadoms and dips.

For a starter Ruth and I chose to eat the vegetarian shared platter. A dish we’ve ordered before many times. The street food leanings of this dish is the main draw for me.

It combines an assiette of two each of Caraway Spiced Paneer, Spinach and Potato tiki, onion and spinach palak pakora, South Indian potato cakes and a selection of well made dips.

A dish of differing and contrasting flavours and textures with vibrant touches. The potato cakes an all round taste sensation, the spinach and potato tiki, superb. All round for veggies this starter can’t be beaten and is my favourite. The only catch you have to find someone to share it with. Ruth as a meat eater loves it.

For my main course I ordered the veggie Chamon Punjab (paneer) with two vegetarian sides to share with Ruth-the Gobhi Angara and Ghar ke dhal, with a Garlic and Coriander naan and Pilau Rice accompany.

The Chanon Punjab was delicious. Spiced with caraway seeds and scented with cloves, with a smooth spicy Kashmiri spinach and fenugreek gravy it was probably the best paneer I’ve tasted in Birmingham and only the one I ate at Michelin starred Benares in Mayfair London beats it. The flavours were deeply spiced and went perfectly with the two side dishes I ordered. A lovely vegetarian main dish.

The Gobhi Angara, is a North Indian delicacy. As lovers of cauliflower in curries both Ruth and had to choose this dish. The nigella scented masala with roasted cauliflower a gentle lighter contrast to the paneer punch of the main dish. More subtle in flavour, but delivering with aplomb.

The Ghar Ke Dhal offered once more a delicious contrast. The blend of lentils, simmered gently and spiced with green Cardamom and cassia bark had finely tempered flavours, with the tomato base and fresh herbs providing subtlety. A lovely dhal.

Ruth didn’t have space for a pudding so ordered some petit fours for her coffee. Disappointingly they proved to be sadly underwhelming which we thought would be homemade but wasn’t. Not great, she felt and for £2.50 very expensive. Why not a plate of traditional Indian sweets or small Indian deserts instead. More authentically Indian please.

For pudding I ordered the superb Gulab Jamun Rabri.

To describe: the Gulab jamun Rabri is a Holi festival recipe with cardamon. It can be defined as deep fried melt in the mouth dough balls which are coated in sugary rose water and cardamon, slightly warm. Gulab means rose in Hindi and Jamun is a South Asian fruit. An Indian version of doughnuts. Drizzled with rabri a form of sweetened reduced milk flavoured with nuts and spices.

It was a delicious melt in the mouth pudding. Creamy, nutty, lovely. Not heavy to eat, but light and perfect after the spice of the previous dishes.

Lasan do the traditional deserts well, more please.

Throughout the meal the service was impeccable, courteous, charming, they explained every dish enthusiastically and with knowledge but not overwhelming you with attention. The balance was as it should be.

With our food we also ordered two glasses of wine, Ruth had a white-a lovely Gewürztraminer and me a punchy Red Malbec, both complimented the spicy food well.

Plus to follow two brandies to follow our Americano coffee. (Ambre Pierre Ferrand cognac)

Lasan is the real deal for curry in Birmingham. More pricy than some, it’s certainly a splurge kind of place and why wouldn’t you. A treat to enjoy, overwhelm and dive into. The vegetarian dishes (as the non are, according to Ruth) are inspiring, and flavoursome.

There are more than enough vegetarian dishes to return to again and again, their can be no complaints.

The service, hospitality and the food is testament to the hard work that goes into making the Lasan experience whole and nearly complete, (veggie tasting menu, more indian puddings) please😊

one that ‘teases the senses and stirs the soul’.

Lasan
3-4 Dakota Buildings
James Street
St Paul’s Square
Birmingham
B3 1SD

0121 212 3664

http://www.lasan.co.uk

@lasan

@akrarislam

Facebook/Lasan-Restaurant

We were invited as guests of Lasan Restaurant Group, we received part compensation for the bill the balance we paid ourselves. As always my opinions are honest and my own. No positive review was required though there is no doubt you couldn’t fail to be impressed.

My previous review of Lasan Restaurant last year.

Lasan Restaurant-teasing the senses-review

16Feb2015

#CoffeeTime: Marmalade at Birmingham Rep Theatre

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian by andydhare

Marmalade is the new bar and bistro that opened last week at The Birmingham Rep Theatre on Broad Street near the ICC complex.

It’s bar and bistro received a lot of Social Media action prior to its launch and since, promising murmurings have been given on its food menu especially the much heralded vegetarian dishes.

Last week Ruth and I visited the bistro for dinner and you can read my thoughts on their aforementioned veggie dishes in a few days time.

As if once wasn’t enough to visit Marmalade Last week I decided coincidently to try their coffee, and why not. The Rep space has always had a cafe and on the whole I remember having a decent coffee their before.

Now Marmalade is owned by Bitters N Twisted who own Bodega, The Victoria, and The Jekyll and Hyde amongst others I thought it would be a good independent bet.

Good news is that it is.

I ordered a flat white, which was well made, creamy with a good sharp coffee under lying flavour, a very good coffee and it looks good in the photos. I was impressed that it came with a glass of water, very European. Excellent.

As a space to work it’s excellent, you are seated in the bar area and the friendly service on this occasion takes over. At £2.50 it is competitively priced. The seating is comfortable with plenty of room if you wish to work seated on a semi circle type seating with a large table.

I thought it was a good space, though small, it felt new, clean and with windows all around was light and airy.

They also serve sandwiches at lunch in the bar/coffee area so if you are peckish then it’s your lucky day. I didn’t see any cake offerings, but that maybe it was hiding, but if not well why not?

As an alternative to the nearby coffee chains of Costa, Starbucks, and Cafe Nero that you find in that Broad Street/ Brindley Place area then the Independent Marmalade is the real deal.

If you are walking through to Brindley Place or just want a small space to sit and take in a pleasant view then this is your place.

And remember it is independent.

I wasn’t disappointed. I hope you won’t be either.

Marmalade bar and bistro
Birmingham Rep Theatre
Broad street
Birmingham
B1 2EP

13Feb2015

#CoffeeTime: Loco Lounge- Kings Heath

Posted in Bars, beer, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Kings Heath, Real ale, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie by andydhare

I’m making no apologies for mentioning the Loco Lounge on Kings Heath High Street in Birmingham again on my blog.

The Loco Lounge Is part of the Lounges group of cafe bars that offer an all day space and cater for the whole community and neighbourhood.

They also sell and eclectic mix of cocktails, craft beers and wine.

Loco has a large double fronted shop front which has some outside seating. Inside the the ground floor is open plan with stairs leading to a snug with a covered terrace to the rear of that.

It’s a large space with a loyal customer base and is popular at all times of the day. A real community space. A place for all the family.

The Loco Lounge is near my house, but until this occasion I hadn’t drunk a coffee in its cosy cafe.

As a cafe/bar caters for many different people in many different ways. Since this visit I have visited in the morning a couple of times and this time is popular with parents with children and people working on laptops…and me 🙂

It is for this reason one Friday afternoon that I visited. To work on my blog and my poetry. Yes I have new work 🙂 x 6!

The Loco Lounge I think is the best space for working in
in Kings Heath, spacious, free wi fi, and with comfy chairs, sofas and cushions, it’s like your front room with a casual buzz and friendly staff.

On the afternoon (a Friday) I visited the cafe was busy.
Some people had eaten lunch others were working with a coffee and some were chilling with a book and a coffee.

You have to order at the bar, and I chose my favourite coffee test a Flat White with a Vegan (yes vegan) chocolate and Ginger torte.

The Flat White was lovely, creamy, well made, a good coffee with a decorative twist. Presented in a glass mug which was quite retro like. Excellent.

The torte alongside it was a lovely choice. The ginger against the vegan chocolate was delicious. It was well baked, soft, sticky, the vegan chocolate was thick and gooey. It was superb. A real surprise, I don’t mind saying.

A lovely combination.

The Loco Lounge is a brilliant space to work in. It’s buzzy without been in your face, it’s spacious and cosy. The food and drink is varied, with lunches, evening specials, breakfasts, and a whole vegan menu on offer it covers all basis. In fact if you stay all day you can be well fed.

For coffee and cake it ticks all the boxes and makes for a satisfying stop off whilst in Kings Heath, for locals like me well it’s an extension of our living room, a home from home.

In my case with better coffee and cake.

The Loco Lounge
32/34 High Street
Kings Heath
Birmingham
B14 7JT

0121 444 1296

@loco_lounge

http://www.thelounges.co.uk/loco-lounge

On Monday Loco do a pub quiz. On Tuesday they offer Tapas Tuesday where you can have three tapas dishes and a large glass of house wine for £9.75.

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Update: A delicious Cappuccino, creamy with a touch of chocolate class.

6Feb2015

Marmalade: Bistro, coffee, cocktails, and great for veggies

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Uncategorised, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Marmalade is the new bar/bistro that is opening on the 6th February at The Birmingham Rep Theatre in Centenary Square near the Symphony Hall and Broad Street.

It’s a joint venture from Birmingham Rep and independent Bitters ‘n’ Twisted who also run the successful Bodega, Rose Villa Tavern, The Victoria, Island Bar and The New Inn in Harborne.

Promising eclectic furnishings, quality wines, ales, craft beer and cocktails galore as well as an innovative food menu that is open all day for coffee, bar snacks, light lunch or pre theatre dining.

There will be a special food offer of two courses for £15.95 or Three courses for £19.95 from a set menu. A Pre theatre menu.

Bitters ‘n’ Twisted are keen for Marmalade to be known for its food menu as well as for the existing theatre, it’s an ideal place for a post theatre drink or just for dinner.

Having spoken to Bitters ‘n’ Twisted a few months ago I knew the menu would be brilliant for vegetarians, as they have considered their menu carefully with numerous innovative dishes on offer. 😊

Having now seen the menu this holds true with nine dishes on the menu and 5 sides plus of course puddings.

The food menu is split into five sections Appetisers, Small plates, Main courses, sides and puddings.

Try, goats curd, black olive tapenade, croutes, watercress, balsamic, or the lovely sounding beetroot, and feta croustade, samphire, bearnaise sauce, orange on the appetisers.

Or, Bosworth’s Ash Goats Cheese and watercress pancakes, Apple chutney or charred kale, caramelised swede, coconut, cranberries, walnuts. Which I have been told is delicious. Thanks Vicky😊

Or Sesame, Coated Halloumi, Seared Honeydew, Melon, Black olive tapenade.

For main courses you could try Mediterranean Vegetable Crumble, tofu, Roast Tomato sauce, Spinach, figs. Sounds lovely.

Or Quinoa, Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Olives, coriander, toasted butter bean, cannelloni, bean salad.

Or Roast Aubergine, Lentil, feta, Basil leaves, chick peas, croutons, curry oil, raisins, shiitake mushroom salad.

For sides try a number of salads, the roasted sweet potato and fig salad sounds delicious, as does the baby spinach salad, dates and walnuts.

Puddings include a Repertory mess, plum orange and apricot crumble and a gingerbread cheese cake. Yummy!

Vegetarian Appetisers are priced between £3.25 and £6.50 vegetarian small plates between £6.75 and £7.25 and veggie mains priced at £10.95. Puddings at £5.75.

I think the menu shows innovation and real thought for vegetarian diners, and many high end restaurants and bistros could take a leaf out of Marmalade’s book. Credit is therefore given to Bitters ‘n’ Twisted. Thank you.

Of course the proof is in the pudding as they say (or in the small plate) so I look forward to trying some of the above dishes soon and feeding back shortly.

The Marmalade Lounge bar is happily affordable, focussing on the creative and intrigue of its food menu. The veggie options certainly show exciting flavour combinations with an independent twist and style that would be expected. Food that is fresh and local where it can be.

For vegetarians Marmalade has the potential to be one of the most exciting new openings in Birmingham City Centre this year.

Remember Marmalade is open today. They are taking bistro bookings online via their website and serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10-12 noon and Sunday lunches hereafter.

I will check on the menu and update my post. Full menus see below.

http://www.marmaladebirmingham.co.uk

http://marmaladebirmingham.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/marmalade-food web.pdf

Also follow them on Face book/Marmalade and Twitter @marmaladeBham

You may even bump into Paddington.

Marmalade Bistro Bar
Birmingham Rep Theatre
Broad Street
Birmingham
B1 2EP

0121-633 9349

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Some of the veggie dishes at Marmalade.

Photos courtesy of Bitter ‘n’ Twisted and Jack Spicer Adams.

29Jan2015

#CoffeeTime: Cherry Reds-Kings Heath &Birmingham City Centre

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Japanese food, Kings Heath, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Cherry Reds have two independent cafe bars in Birmingham. One in Kings Heath near my house on York Road just off the high street and one in Birmingham City Centre on John Bright Street near New Street Station and opposite Brew Dog craft beer bar.

Both branches are intimate and quirky, with friendly staff, good alternative music and lots of charm. Try vintage furniture, comfy sofas, mismatched of course, vintage signage and a keen and developing craft beer range at the bar.

Cherry Reds are fantastic for vegetarians and vegans, they do gluten free cakes and all their food is made on the premises. From breakfasts, both veggie and vegan. Veg sausage sandwiches, Halloumi and mushroom sandwiches, jackets, salads, falafel burgers, and a falafel, Halloumi, and roast veg burger that I haven’t yet tried Cherry Reds has a bounty of veggie snacks and bites. They do pop ups, both Pika Pika (Japanese) on the second Monday of the month in Kings Heath and Taco Tuesday’s (soon to be relaunched) are fantastic nights, and great for veggies.

In the last few weeks I’ve been to both for coffee. I’ve eaten in Cherry Reds in Kings Heath before, both for Pika Pika Pop up (back in February) and Taco Tuesday, as well as lunch with Ruth.

During the course of the day in Kings Heath as on John Bright Street, Cherry Reds caters for differing food needs from all day breakfasts to burgers and craft beer.

The Kings Heath cafe bar is smaller, more homely, more intimate. This can be good and bad depending on how busy the bar is. Tables are rarer to find at busy times, but in the day it’s quieter especially in the afternoon after lunch the time that I enjoyed a Flat White and lovely chocolate brownie.

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The Flat white was well made, creamy and very enjoyable, but the brownie which I’ve eaten before is gorgeous, soft, rich, home made. A lovely chocolate flavour and a lovely balance to the flat white coffee and chocolate. Can’t go wrong.

I’ve also eaten lunch at Cherry Reds on York Road and shared a lovely and generous vegetarian sharer platter with falafel, olives, Humous, salsa, red pepper, and Halloumi, crudités, bread and delicious home made chips.

I recommend this dish for a lovely relaxing lunch or evening out with a couple of craft beers, ideal for sharing in a very chilled cafe bar.

The Cherry Reds on John Bright Street is the larger and younger brother of the Kings Heath cafe bar. Set over two floors it sits on the corner proud and welcoming.

Exposed brickwork, mismatched vintage furniture, the themes and tones are the same but it’s less intimate, more spacious with more tables and room for an evening food and drinks fest. It has the same menu,

I enjoyed a delicious cappuccino creamy, warming, with chocolate on the top, no cake on this occasion but I do recommend their cupcakes. Veggie and vegan friendly. A delight.

Every last Monday of the month John Bright Street house a different food pop up, sometimes street food.

Delize Italian gave just completed a night with good veggie options and hopefully will do more in the future.

Both Cherry Reds do cocktails, again recommended, and wine. Look out on their website for cocktail nights, blues nights and food pop ups.

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Cherry Reds are independent and their aim is to provide great food and drink in a relaxed and cosy space. The atmosphere is laid back, snug, with friendly genuine service.

From 4-7pm Cherry Reds offer 2 4 1 cocktails every day, draught Beers, ciders, lagers, all very eclectic, all in a laid back way. Both are popular for different reasons, my local Kings Heath cafe bar almost feels like my long lost back room.

Cherry Reds also offer Independent Birmingham Membership card holders a free pint of ale, lager, cider or draught soft drink with every main meal ordered. (Including burgers and breakfasts)

Try them, they are brilliant for vegetarians and vegans, some of the best range of food in Birmingham.

All food and drink consumed at Cherry Reds has been paid for by me, enjoyed by me and thus my opinions are honest, and by me as always.

Cherry Reds
16 York Road,
Kings Heath,
Birmingham,
B14 7RZ

0121 441 3155

Facebook: CherryReds

Twitter: @Ilovecherryreds

Cherry Reds cafe bar
92 John Bright Street
Birmingham,
01216435716

Thanks for reading

@andydhare

Vegetarian sharing platter and Pika Pika Pop up.

23Jan2015

Raja Monkey: authentic Indian street food in Birmingham

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Curry restaurants, Food, Street Food, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Raja Monkey is in Hall Green in the south part of Birmingham. It’s the small brother in the Lasan Group which includes award winning Lasan and Argentinian Fiesta Del Asada.

It’s based on the true indian road cafe that is found traditionally providing soul food around the old atmospheric streets of India. It’s rustic, colourful, and vibrant filled with a cosy charm of charming service and delicious harmonious cooking aromas.

It has a relaxed feel, like a cafe with a difference, you can feel the quality of the cooking just by being there and knowing the Lasan reputation.

You notice the open kitchen with chefs making dosas, and content in their craft. It makes for a fun atmosphere, making you feel almost part of the kitchen.

The menu includes traditional street food, Dosa’s, Thali’s and snack like starters, ideal for grazing.

For vegetarians it’s paradise, with so many tempting dishes to choose from.

The restaurant is on the Stratford Road opposite Waitrose in Hall Green nestled amongst a few shops.

On a midweek night Ruth and I braved the snowy air and the freezing temperatures and walked into Raja Monkey to find a cosy and warm hearted place. We had never eaten inside the restaurant before, but had enjoyed numerous take aways since it opened.

In fact we’ve raved about the quality of Raja Monkey’s take aways to anyone that would listen, it’s our go to take away in South Birmingham.

In order to test the quality we both ordered Papads (poppudums) to nibble on.

They were crisp and fresh. The chutney and pickles that accompanied them were excellent, a good selection including a cool yoghurt dip all presented in tiny silver pots with lids on- very sweet.

After much deliberation on what dishes to choose Ruth decided to have as a way of a starter the
vegetarian Masala Aloo Dosa:

A Dosa is a popular Southern Indian savoury street food fermented crepe created from rice, butter, and lentils stuffed with a filling of choice meat or veg and served with coconut chutney.

The Masala Aloo Dosa was filled with crushed potatoes fragranced with turmeric, mustard seeds with curry leaves and wrapped in a delicious crepe. Ruth loved her Dosa, hot off the griddle, made in front of your eyes, it had a good balance of flavours, crispy, nutty, and was well recommended.

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I chose the Samosa Chaat.

A pickling savoury snack of a vegetable samosa, chick peas, tomato, onion relish, coated with yoghurt, tamarind and green chutney and finished with chaat masala and Papdi.

The flavours and textures of this dish were lovely. The layers of samosa deconstructed almost and lightly meshed into the chick peas, yoghurt and chutney felt so like Indian street food that the sounds and atmosphere of India filled this tiny corner of Hall Green and warmed the cockles of my heart. I can’t praise the Samosa Chaat enough. So very very good.

For our next course we both chose to order the house speciality The Thali.

A Thali meaning plate, comprised of a selection of various dishes served on a silver platter compartmentalised so that you can either eat them as you see them in turn or you can tip the small platters into the larger platter and eat them as a normal curry. The choice is yours. We did both.

Ruth chose the Rajosthali mutton thali. She loved it, I can tell as she went quiet-as she was eating.

Rajosthali

I chose the vegetarian thali called the Shakarkand thali.

Comprising of sweet potato and cashew nut kofta, in a melon and poppy seed curry served with rice, dhal, bread and a vegetable selection (salad and a veg curry)

In total 6 components.

The centrepiece was the potato and cashew nut kofta. Heavenly succulent balls of sweet, potato, against the spice of the poppy seed and melon curry , lovely, a divine marriage of sweet and hot flavours. A warming curry for a cold night.

Alongside there was a deliciously soothing Dhal, a fenugreek and coriander Paratha (a flatbread) from South Asia which when cooked is layered. Lovely, a stunningly flavoured bread.

Then a veggie curry that was spicy, and an excellent accompaniment.

I loved this way of eating food.

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We both had room for pudding, well who can’t resist a creamy home made Indian pudding.

We both love Rasmalai and we were pleased it was on the menu.

As a definition Ras means ‘juice’ and Malai means ‘cream’

You can almost describe it as a cheese cake without the biscuit layer or cottage cheese or soft paneer cheese balls. It was lovely, cooling, fresh, the kind of pud you can fall in love with. The soft cheese immersed in chilled sweet creamy milk.

A lip smacking pudding.

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Raja Monkey shares with Lasan a commitment to quality ingredients and soulful cooking, less fancy, more street, but for good value, comfort Indian soul food it can’t be beat.

For vegetarians it’s a must.

So many dishes to choose.

From experience of Raja Monkey’s takeaways and from this meal all veggie dishes are recommended.

The service was attentive, informal, but with a keenness to explain the dishes and served with a passion and pride that is genuine.

Raja Monkey provided Ruth and I with a highly enjoyable meal, Central heating on a cold night.

Raja Monkey is one to return to again and again, without hesitation. Bravo.

We also ordered 2 bottles of Cobra beer and 2 glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and two delicious espressos.

Raja Monkey,
1355 Stratford Road
Birmingham
B28 9HW

0121 777 9090

http://www.rajamonkey.co.uk

Twitter: @rajamonkeycafe

Facebook: rajamonkey

We dined as guests of Raja Monkey and the Lasan Group. All food and drinks were complimentary, but I was not obliged to write a good review, but a fair one. All my opinions are honest and my own (and Ruth’s of course)

Thanks for reading.

@andydhare

Facebook: Andy Hare
and Veggie Foodie

20Jan2015

#CoffeeTime: Maison Mayci in Kings Heath Birmingham

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Bakery, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Coffee, Coffee hour, Coffee Time, Food, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Moseley, vegetarian by andydhare

Maison Mayci in Kings Heath is the relaxed, informal and quaint cafe that the French do so well. Here in the south of Birmingham Ruth and I have enjoyed a fair few cakes, coffees and lunches at this fine neighbourhood find.

Located on Poplar Road just off the High Street, it’s a lovely space that offers food rewards in abundance the more you explore the menu.

It’s continental in its approach providing patisserie, rustic fresh breads, pastries, and coffee and cake to suit all tastes and appetites. It caters from brunch through to afternoon, lunches are varied, and delicious with anything from homemade soup, sandwiches, mixed platters, veggie and non, pasta specials and quiches.

It has good veggie options and the mixed veggie platter and quiches are excellent.

Sandwiches are made using their mighty fine freshly made bread and all cakes and pastries are freshly made and well worth a taste.

If you want to immerse yourself in a french flavoured atmosphere and a stylish neighbourhood environment then Maison Mayci is for you. Whether with friends or solo, it’s your call.

It’s also good for families meet ups, or just with a small child as their is a small play area and toys and the menu is child friendly.

Last week I decided to wander in being local for a coffee and cake. It’s. Good spot to read and to work so knowing that it would be quieter in the afternoon after lunch decided to waste no time and double up with a review.

The cafe in Kings Heath is big on atmosphere. It’s rustic, and has a soft warm charm with its wooden tables and chairs and tempting (well in good weather) outdoor courtyard.

The subtle gentle lighting lends itself to calm and the soft chatter of customers is non intrusive though often busy and popular.

On the day of my visit I ordered a cappuccino and cherry and almond tart.

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The cappuccino was well made, creamy, with a good coffee balance. A lovely warming drink.

The Cherry and Almond Tart was very well presented, and had was deliciously flavoured with the almond subtle and the pastry firm but not overworked. A fine tart.

Both together formed a delightful package and with my book the ideal way to spend time on a cold winters afternoon.

All bakes can be taken home and also pre ordered. The tarts and cakes are great when entertaining guests at home and the bread is yummy for brunch on a Sunday at home. Ruth and I are big fans of the bread at Maison Mayci and buy it regularly. The sourdough in particular is beautiful.

What made Maison Mayci a lovely coffee time spot though is the charming service and friendly charm of a cafe that is right on the money for local neighbourhood friendliness and top food options. It ticked many boxes. You can see why it’s popular, it has a touch of France in South Birmingham an escape from the hustle and bustle outside and the coffee is tres Bon. A place to return to again and again.

Un bel endroit (a beautiful place)

Maison Mayci also have a cafe in Moseley village which serves afternoon tea also.

Maison Mayci
8 Poplar road
Birmingham B14 7AG

0121 444 8167

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I purchased my own coffee and cake and all opinions expressed are my own and honest.

Have you been to Maison Mayci in Kings Heath or Moseley? What did you think?

http://www.maisonmayci.co.uk

Twitter: @maisonmayci

19Jan2015

Six Eight Kafe and Two Cats Roaming Kitchen at Millennium point

Posted in Bakery, Cafés and Restaurants, Coffee, Coffee hour, Coffee Time, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Pop up's, Supper Clubs, vegetarian by andydhare

As anyone who follows my blog will know I’m a keen coffee drinker and from time to time put up up #coffeetime reviews.

Though I have been to Six Eight Kafe on Temple Row in Birmingham City Centre (near the entrance of The Great Western Arcade) I’ve not yet reviewed it for my blog.

It is one of the best independent coffee shops in Birmingham (voted one of the top 50 in the UK by the Independent Newspaper) and though small is a bustling place with fine artisan coffee and beautiful cakes.

So the news that Six Eight Kafe are now this month January are opening up a new outlet in Millennium Point is quite exciting.

Six Eight Kafe have been running a trial pop up coffee shop there for a few months, and with its success have announced a new shop. It’s expected to be one of the largest Artisan independent coffee shops in the Midlands and will have a fully operational kitchen and will be licensed.

This will allow them to serve hot food and be open for longer hours I presume. The launch date has yet to be confirmed, but should be soon. Keep an eye on this blog for updates,

As a way of launching the fully operational kitchen Six Eight Kafe will be hosting Two Cats Roaming Kitchen roaming February pop up on the 17,18,19 February 2015.

Already they have hosted previous pop up kitchens on Temple Row so this will be a larger affair and the first with vegetarian options (on request)

Two Cats Roaming Kitchen is a pop up taking a modernist culinary approach to North Eastern European cuisine and making fine dining accessible and informal. Food is served on one shared communal table and with limited tickets for sale is a ticket only event.

Chef Nick Astley formally of The Church Inn in the Jewellery Quarter has now taken Two Cats full time after leaving The Church. Inspired by his partner Diana’s Latvian food, the Birmingham Post describes his food as ‘imaginative and ambitious’ and fellow local food blogger Full To The Brum have raved about previous pop ups taken place last summer.

As I’ve said this is the first time veggie options are available at every course so expect a modern imaginative approach to the dishes and a creative leaning to foraging and seasonal produce. It’s an exciting prospect for veggie foodies and at £31.00 for many courses, is great value.

The menu hasn’t as yet been confirmed for those dates but you may see veggie dishes such as:

Sweet and sour Jerusalem artichoke, milk ice, cream, Apple and dill.

Beetroot Tartare

Celeriac, truffle, hazelnut, and rose

Sorrel in February

And inventive puddings.

As well as a full non veggie menu.

Tickets are available via facebook.

http//Facebook.com/twocatsroaming

There are three dates so you will need to select the best for you.

Remember if you are vegetarian then you will have to let them know in advance via Twitter or Facebook on booking.

Look out for updates on the menu on this blog, and more updates on Six Eight Kafe.

Six Eight Kafe
Millennium point
Curzon street
B4 7XG

Six Eight Kafe
Temple Row
B2 5HG
0121 448 8099

Facebook/sixeightkafe
Twitter/sixeightkafe

http://www.sixeightkafe.co.uk

15Jan2015

Hotel La Tour and La Tour Grill. A modern twist on the classic

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Whiskey by andydhare

Late last year Ruth and I booked a staycation in Birmingham at Hotel La Tour via the Secret Escapes website. Worth checking on for good deals.

Hotel La Tour is in Birmingham City Centre, on the Digbeth side and is an excellent spot to stay if in the city to shop or take in Brums sights.

Hotel La Tour is a modern designed hotel that has a chic and quite sophisticated bar called Alvar which is brilliant for cocktails and a brasserie style restaurant called La Tour Grill which leans towards seasonal produce and is a steak specialist and serves a menu of classic British dishes. Presented with a modern twist.

La Tour Grill is also excellent for vegetarians as I surprisingly found out.

The Hotel has 174 stylish bedrooms which are modern in style and facilities, and on the whole are all you would require for a night away in the city or short break. Though our rooms was more basic than some it was comfortable and had all we required.

We had ordered dinner at Grill La Tour. I didn’t expect much to be honest, as a veggie, but I’m a bit cynical sometimes.

We began our evening as we do in a bar. The spacious and sophisticated area know as Alvar is a very relaxing and cool space. We ordered Gin Martinis. A check of quality, perfectly made, classy. It hit the spot.

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The bar area is comfortable with sofas and though quiet for a Friday evening still had a lovely atmosphere and is a must when staying at the hotel. In fact it’s lovely when in Birmingham full stop, with a huge cocktail, wine and drinks list including many many Whiskies 😊

We had booked dinner at La Tour Grill. A lovely space, with perfect lighting, and though large it felt more intimate than on first impressions. A real grower.

La Tour Grill uses seasonal ingredients. Sourced locally with some produce grown on their roof top garden allotment, Jardin La Tour, supported by
Edible Eastside in nearby Digbeth that I’ve championed before on this blog.

The Brasserie caters well for vegetarians with some options on the menu but on discussion with the waitress they had many more unseen and un menued veggie jewels that can be made upon request.

The waitress brought some excellent assorted breads to the table to eat whilst looking at the menu. These were varied, crisp and presented well. Always a good sign if the bread is of high standard.

I decided to order off the main menu.

I began with The Heritage Tomato and Burrata cheese salad. A lovely starter.

The tomatoes were fresh, grown on the roof, had a beautiful flavour and were both yellow an red in colour. Against the Burrata cheese you could imagine you were in Italy it tasted so fresh. The dish was also impressively presented. A simple dish, done well. Sounds easy, but rest assured i’ve had some rotters in my time.

For my main course I ordered the delicious sounding
Asparagus, Pea, Courgette and Ricotta Risotto.

This dish surprised me with its gentle flavours and perfectly creamy texture. Throughout the dish the flavours of the fresh peas against the slightly charred courgette felt warming and surprisingly indulgent. A lovely risotto, one of the best I’ve had for years anywhere. I was pleasantly surprised. I also ordered some lovely hand cut chips because I have to Im afraid. I love chips. Beatutiful.

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So far so good.

For pudding I chose a dish that I had heard rave reviews about, the pudding to have, the signature dish.

The Jaffa Cake Pudding, candied orange.

It wasn’t a cake at all, but was the elements that make up one.

The pudding was a joy. The orange served as a little mound of sponge with a candied orange on top and a pot of melted hot chocolate to pour over the top (as much or as little as you like) that was served with pistachio ice cream.

A winning pud. At a winning restaurant, which if I’m honest surprised me. Grills are usually not great for veggies.
La Tour Grill bucked the trend for simple well made dishes using well sourced ingredients, some home produced in their edible garden and a smart, relaxed dining room.

The quality of the ingredients did show through. I think this element made the real difference to the vegetarian dishes which at face value seemed simple but on taste much more complex.

I expected La Tour Grill to be a bit pretentious, but found the service friendly, professional and relaxed. All served as I’ve said in a lovely dining room.

The eating was the pleasure, and though the Brasserie wasn’t anywhere near full, it felt intimate and romantic.

The hotel and restaurant are ideal for dates, a night away, or a romantic drink in an excellent hotel bar. A sophisticated treat. Try it.

We headed back to the bar to sample the Whisky’s and brandy’s. A long list but someone had to do it. We sat next to the piano, no one was playing, but we could hear the gentle music swish through our minds like soothing harmonies.

I’ve also heard rave reviews from fellow bloggers about the afternoon tea. Bring it on.

La Tour Grill has also a chefs table near the kitchen. We had a view of the kitchen without the chefs table service. The table there seemed to be enjoying their experience.

Next morning we took breakfast in the Brasserie- a hot and cold buffet, of numerous breakfast items. The veggie breakfast items were good, though no veggie sausage. Very pleasant, without been overwhelming.

We enjoyed once again lovely service and it was a good way to end our short but very sweet stay.

Hotel La Tour
Albert Street
Birmingham
B5 5JE

A short walk from new street and Moor Street Stations.

0121 718 8000

http://www.hotel-latour.co.uk

Facebook: Hotel/la-tour

Twitter: @hotel_latour

We paid for our stay and meal in full all opinions are my own and honest.

We thank the hotel staff and restaurant staff for helping us to have a lovely one night stay.

@andydhare

14Jan2015

#feedyoursoul: Big Papa’s B. South take over the Sunflower Lounge

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

It’s hard to believe that The Sunflower Lounge on Small Brook Queensway near the Bull Ring and New Street Station in Birmingham City Centre is over 10 years old. I remember going there many times when I was younger for cool indie tunes and a chilled vibe, with work colleagues. It was always fun. Yet, I haven’t been for a long while since, not sure why, maybe you out grow these places and remember the memories with fondness of good times past.

So it was with nostalgic excitement that I found out that there is a grand refurbishment afoot at the Independently owned Sunflower Lounge which includes a #feedyoursoul new foodie residents
Big Papa’s B. South street food gurus and soulfood experts, so expect great soul food and soulful music, with good vegetarian options.

Having spoken to them I know that they are passionate about their food, and want to get their vegetarian options right. They are excited by the launch on the 21st January and of the new joint partnership with the Sunflower Lounge. Being permanent residents at
The Sunflower Lounge allows them to be free and interchangeable with the menu which is great for veggies and meat eaters alike. On the whole soul food can be very meaty, but also in this case very veggie too. What’s not too like?

The soul food menu will run for seven days a week, service times to be confirmed and will be a permanent fixture in The Sunflower Lounge’s top floor bar/restaurant.

So expect starters, mains and puds. Mains from Kale, avocado, and garlic aioli salad-healthy option, and Roasted Butternut squash, Mac and Cheese, with poached egg, plus a veggie starter and three puds.

Big Papa’s B. South, want to create an independent, unique and vibrant atmosphere in a venue that’s known for great food as well as great music.

Big Papa’s will still be doing their streetfood gigs and festivals. They will employ chefs whilst they are away cooking up a storm.

The Sunflower Lounge has been completely refurbished so my memories will be severly tested. Yet, one things certain the vibe will be the same, if not better, an awesome place to hang out with friends, eat great soulfood, and listen to cool music. For people like me that grew up in Birmingham it’s part of our history, now it has a new vibe, a new look, new menus,

its the #feedyoursoul vibe. Feel happy 🙂

Keep an eye on my blog for further details and reviews to come.

The Sunflower Lounge is part of the Independent Birmingham trail and supported businesses.

See http://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/thesunflower-lounge

The Sunflower Lounge
76 Small Brook Queensway
Birmingham
B5 4EG

@bigpapasuk

@sunflowerlounge

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