Category Archives: City Centre

Review: Tapas Revolution, Grand Central, Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars, Birmingham, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Spanish, Tapas, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

 Birmingham’s ramp that leads from New Street into the new shiny Grand Central is a ramp of legend. How many Brummie kids have met friends, dates or family on or at the foot of the ramp. The ramp as I’ll call it leads into a world of food and shopping, oh and yes something to do with trains. (New Street Station)

The first restaurant you see when you enter from New Street is Tapas Revolution the shiny small group of Spanish Tapas cafe, bars and restaurants owned by Omar Allibhoy. Inspired by the tapas bars of his native Madrid Tapas Revolution is open from breakfast until bedtime, for food or drinks, at the bar or at a table, the choice is yours. 

With four restaurants in London, Grand Central is the first outside of London to open and much is expected of the restaurant in the revamped shiny new Birmingham shopping paradise. 

 
   

The Restaurant as you enter is open plan with half walls seperating  it from the shopping centre.  You can sit as we did overlooking the station below or around the busier kitchen. The station view seats are more private for couples or smaller groups or families. 

We visited on a Monday evening so the station and the restaurant were quite quiet but still had a nice atmosphere. I was impressed though that you didn’t notice the station noise below. It felt private. 

   

 The menu at Tapas Revolution is split equally into Meat, Fish and Veg tapas with a section also for nibbles (Picoteo). 

As Ruth and I were here to sample the tapas that’s what we did. You can enjoy Spanish burgers of which one is vegetarian (Tortilla burger) and of course breakfast (again there is a vegetarian option).

Having eaten some of the best veggie tapas In San Sebastián, in North Spain I’ve ever eaten (called Pinxtos) at bars with such an array of food that it looks quite daunting but isn’t at all, I have a little idea of authenticity which Omar is trying to replicate in the UK. 

 Sweet cutlery holder. 

  

We began with drinks. I ordered the Spanish gin based “Pomada” Xoriguer Gin and Fever Tree Lemonade. A refreshing gin tonic from Menorca with grapefruit and lime. Very nice, though quite sweet. Ruth ordered a glass of white wine (Vino Blanco). 

We decided to order a couple of nibbles (Picoteo) to share.

So ordered Almendras de Mallorca: (slow roasted almonds) and the beautiful Pan Con Tomate (toasted bread, garlic, tomato and olive oil) which was deliciously tomatoey and with a good but balanced garlic flavour. Lovely. 

  

Almendras de Mallorca. 

  Pan Con Tomate

I advise if ordering for two to order six tapas to share or 3 for one. 

The Vegetarian Dishes from the Tapas menu I ordered were: 

Piquillos Rellenos de setas: piquillo peppers stuffed with mushrooms.

An ok dish. piquillo are hand picked and slightly sweet and worked well with the mushrooms. Not bad. Needed more seasoning maybe. 

Tortilla de Patatas: Spanish omelette made with potato and onion. 

The star dish of the evening for me. Reminiscent of San Sebastián with delucious comfort food par excellence, transforming a couple of humble ingredients with a soufflé like effect. A well made tortilla. 

Pisto: Aubergine, courgette, pepper, and herb stew. 

A lovely ratatouille type dish typically from the region of Murcia and La Mancha. Served warm  it was comforting and Warming with the flavours of finely chopped aubergine and courgette providing a healthy backdrop to the pepper and tomato base. Really enjoyable. 

Patatas Bravos: Deep fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and alioli. (To share with Ruth) 

What’s not to like about potatoes and tomato sauce. Nothing in this case. As  Tapas Revolution’s Potatas Bravas was the best I’d had outside of San Sebastián. Utterly beautiful. 

  

Piquillos Rellenos de setas: 
  

  Tortilla de Patatas

  

Croquetas de bacalao: Cod croquettes which Ruth Ordered and enjoyed. 

  
  

Patatas Bravas. 

  
    

Torreznos con mojo dulce: Ruths pork belly dish. She lapped it up. 
    Pisto: 

We were initially disappointed that the Churros weren’t on the menu tonight, but vowed to return to enjoy them. 

We decided to order the crema Catalana (Traditional Spanish  custard made with vanilla, Cinnamon and lemon. Also known as burnt cream and the Torrija: (caramelised brioche bun soaked in custard) 

The Crema Catalana: 

A lovely Catalan cream desert. Delicious flavoured custard with the flavours of  vanilla and lemon coming through. A lovely caramelised top. 

  Crema Catalana.

  

Torrija: A very tasty soaked brioche bun with a fried and batter consistency. Sticky, yummy, a crispy outside and smoother inside. A Recommended desert. 

Tapas Revolution is a fun Tapas restaurant that is an excellent addition to Birmingham’s food scene. It’s ideal for an informal sharing meal either at lunch time, breakfast time or during a shopping trip. It also works well in the evening. The service was friendly, quite swift but always polite, though it did move swiftly into a ‘chainy’ style a few times which was a bit grating. It’s maybe not an intimate romantic venue but is Ideal for people watching. 

The tapas we tried was good, some wonderful and among the best we had tried outside of Spain. I really liked it’s informality, it’s pop in at any time concept, which in Birmingham is welcome. 

The emphasis is on quality and freshness of ingredients and dishes to the plate. It’s in a Good location and accessible for commuters. 

Tapas Revolution is much better than many new openings recently in Birmingham and for this reason is welcome. I wouldn’t hesitate to return any time of day for its good value tapas.

The Revolution has arrived. 



 Estella Galicia lager.   

Zuma de Naranja: freshly squeezed orange juice. Refreshing and thirst quenching.    

Bar at Tapas Revolution. 

  

  View of Grand Central from Tapas Revolution. 

    View of Tapas Revolution from below. 

   

Thanks for reading.

Andy 😊

Disclaimer: we were invited by Tapas Revolutions PR company to eat free and sample their dishes for a fair review. My opinions and thoughts are honest of my experience as always. 

Click to access tapas-revolution-grand-central.pdf

   
 Grand Central and John Lewis. 

You can find Tapas Revolution at Grand Central Birmingham. 

  
Tapas Revolution cookbook. 

Opus leads the way on sustainability. 

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

  Opus has been named the most sustainable independent restaurant group in the Midlands by leading organisation, the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).  

The restaurant family, which includes Opus at Cornwall Street, Cafe Opus at Ikon and Bar Opus at One SnowHill  was named a ‘Three Star Sustainability Champion’ by the SRA, the most prestigious and highest possible rating a restaurant can achieve, and it is the only independent restaurant group in Birmingham to achieve the accolade. From achieving its highest rating yet of 82%, the restaurant group is now in the top 9% of SRA members.

The SRA, a not-for-profit organisation which encourages restaurants to improve its social and environmental impact, awards One, Two or Three Stars depending on how a restaurant rates against the three pillars of sustainability – ‘Society’, ‘Sourcing’ and ‘Environment’. 

Opus achieved exceptional results, ranging from 90% – 100%, for sourcing local, seasonal and ethical food, through a sustainable supply chain, for being highly committed to community engagement, responsible marketing and treating people fairly. 

Fuelled by a passion for fresh British produce, Opus is fully committed to an ethical approach to sourcing. The  menus are ingredient led and at its Cornwall Street restaurant, they are freshly-written each day. 

Through its unique ‘Source Dinner’ series, Opus connects the diner with its family of farmers and suppliers, allowing them to hear their compelling stories and see first-hand the passion they put into raising their quality produce. 

Lucianne Allen, sales and marketing director at award-winning butchers Aubrey Allen, said: “Opus is a pleasure to work with as they are genuine and passionate about their commitment to ethical and sustainable purchasing”

Executive chef, Ben Ternent, has handled the sourcing of produce since April 2015 and it is his uncompromising stance on only using strictly market fresh, seasonal ingredients and free-range livestock that has made Opus the most sustainable it has ever been. 

“Frankly, it’s all about the ingredients that you start with. There is a definitely a direct connection between ethical, quality sourcing and the delicious flavours on the plate. My team love the sourcing side and get fired up by meeting the farmers and visiting the farms – they take real pride in the produce,” Ben said.

Sarah Hepburn, sustainability champion at Opus, said: “Supporting sustainable, British food is so important to the Opus family – from sourcing fruit and vegetables from Worcestershire to fresh fish from Brixham Market – we only buy seasonal, ethical ingredients. Receiving this recognition from the SRA is a fantastic achievement and is a testament to our team’s passion and commitment.” 

This outstanding rating from the SRA is not the first success for the Opus group this year. 2015 has seen Opus at Cornwall Street celebrate its 10th birthday, going from strength to strength even through a difficult recession, Cafe Opus at Ikon was recently named a ‘local gem’ by The Good Food Guide 2016 and Bar Opus at One Snowhill continues to push boundaries with innovative and award-winning cocktails. 

For more information on the Opus restaurant group, please visit:

http://www.opusfamily.co.uk/

My Review of this years Vegetarian Source Dinner:

http://t.co/WkopBcpQ9P

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

   
   
Sustainable vegetables from Worcester Produce: Opus Source Vegetarian Dinner. 

For the love of whisky: Whisky club invites Birmingham to create its own. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, City Centre, Events, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Whiskey by

I’ve only been a fan of whisky for about ten years. It was my Aunt and Uncle that introduced me to the temptations beneath the shadowy dusk. The ‘water of life’ transfixed me and now I’m hooked by the complexities and innovations of this temptress called whisky. 

The whisky market is widening. It’s not just Scotch that leaps out from distilaries. 

The World whisky award winner comes from Japan.

 Ireland, Wales, and California America are popular as is the Czech Republic. Then of course there are the blends Jameson, Grants, Bells including the divine Johnnie Walker Black Label aged 12 years. 

For me though there is no better place to begin than with Malt Whisky from Scotland. I remember a few years ago visiting the Scotish Whisky experience in Edinburgh and marvelling at Whiskies that came from small distilleries miles from anywhere that were thriving and innovating the industry. So whether it’s regions Speyside, Highland, Lowland, or Islay, the choice is comprehensive. 

Whisky need not be complicated the five steps for me in appreciating whisky are: 

Colour: is your whisky light, gold, bright, copper or rich Amber in colour?

Body: does your whisky have a light, medium or full body? 

Nose: Which aromas do you recognise when you nose your whisky- is it malty, smoky, fruity, chocolatey? 

Palate: what characteristics do you notice on the palate- is it softly sweet, rich and fruity or peppery and spicy? 

Finish: Does the flavour remain for a long time or does it disappear quickly? 

One thing that links the massive market of whisky is the passion and individuality which makes it deeply rooted and dynamic simultaneously. 

Some of the best places in Birmingham to try ‘The water of life’ are:

The Prince of Wales-Moseley- over 40 Malt Whisky’s in stock.

The Victoria-City Centre (home to the Birmingham whisky club). 

The Plough-Harborne, with a good choice of rare and Japanese  Whisky’s. An expanding tasting room is been developed. 

Hotel Du Vin-City Centre. The only bar in Birmingham to stock Whisky’s from the Scottish Malt Whisky Society.  

The Wellington-City Centre. An excellent whisky list. 

The Bureau-City Centre, good for whisky cocktails. 

Purnells Bistro/Gingers Bar: good for old fashioned bourbon cocktails with a decent whisky list. 

If you keep an eye on the Birmingham Whisky Club website events are published frequently. 

The Birmingham Whisky Club is the city’s only whisky tasting events company, and one event its hosting is an exciting new event with global whisky brand, Chivas Regal. 

The upcoming event, ‘A Blending Masterclass With Chivas Regal’ takes place on Wednesday 4th November at Vivaanta, and will see whisky-lovers taste through and learn about a number of blends and single malts before trying their hand at making their own.
The evening event will be hosted with whisky expert, Whisky Club supporter and Pernod Ricard Brand Ambassador, Phil Huckle, who will taste people through a number of whiskies before guiding guests in making their own bespoke blend to take home. Included in the ticket price will be a meal from one of the city’s newest Indian restaurants, Vivaanta, which guests will be able to enjoy together while their blends are tasted by Phil and other experts from The Birmingham Whisky Club. A prize for ‘best blend’ will go to the winner to take home.

Amy Seton, founder of The Birmingham Whisky Club, comments: “We are really excited to host this event in Birmingham and add an interesting element to the Whisky Club offering. Blends are big business and it’s not every day whisky-enthusiasts get a chance to make their own. We look forward to introducing Phil Huckle and Chivas Regal to more whisky enthusiasts and learn about the fine art of blending.

Tickets for the event are priced at £35 each (plus booking). For more information and to book a place, head to the ticket page. For other information and upcoming events, visit their Facebook page. 

The Birmingham Whisky Club is Birmingham’s only dedicated whisky tasting events company. They offer a diverse range of tutored tastings and whisky-themed events in and around Birmingham, including themed and rare whisky nights, events with distilleries, whisky and food matching, and private and corporate events. They welcome everyone, from complete beginners to the more hardened whisky buff.  

 Visit their webpage:

http://www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk/

http://www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk/events/4569005395

http://www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk/about/4557718945
 

You can also buy whisky in Birmingham at specialist whisky shops such as the Hard to Find Whisky Shop in the Jewellery Quarter and the Whisky Shop in the Great Weatern Arcade. 

Supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s also stock a Good supply of whisky locally. With many good bottles reduced frequently. 

http://www.htfw.com/

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊
  
Whisky at The Plough Harborne. 

   
   

A selection of my Whisky’s from home. 

This Sunday 1st November: World Vegan Day Pop Up with ChangeKitchen at Cherry Reds, Birmingham City Centre. 

Posted in Birmingham, City Centre, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Pop up's, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   

ChangeKitchen CIC provide Mouthwatering event catering for all occasions, be it business or training lunch, wedding or birthday party, canapé event or conference catering, specialising in tasty, healthy vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free food, inspired by cuisines from around the world.

Cherry Reds Brum Centre ChangeKitchen Take Over happening this Sunday 4 – late!

ChangeKitchen CIC are working with Cherry Reds in Town to deliver a World Vegan Day Special from 4pm till late with a special menu during that time … fully vegan, fully tasty, fully vibrantly flavourful and colourful, fully ChangeKitchen!

The menu will include the following at a minimum:

Starters / Snacks

– Pumpkin Soup

– Samosas

– Pakora

– Sausage Rolls

– Roast Vegetable Wraps

– Raw Lasagne

Mains

– Vegan Homity Pie (potatoe pie with caramalized onions and our own version of vegan cheese).

– Thai Curry

– Moussaka

– Spinach and Mushroom Lasagne

Desserts / Afters

– Lemon Drizzle Cake

– Carrot Cake

– Apple & Plum Crumble

– Chocolate Mousse.

Bookings can be made via Facebook if you want to book a table! 

https://www.facebook.com/ChangeKitchen

https://www.twitter.com/changekitchen/

Or via Cherry Reds on John Bright Street. 0121-441-3155.

Home

  Vegan Homity Pie 

ChangeKitchen food is now also available via Kings Heath Food Assembly!

The Kings Heath Food Assembly Is a consumer lead initiative for directly buying food from local suppliers – with an now added Vegetarian/Vegan dimension.

Currently they are supplying dips (hummus and much more), cakes (lemon drizzle cake, carrot cake & others), chocolate mousse and take away food (currently Thai Veg Curry, Mediterranean Bake and Tarka Dhal).

Soon their repertoire will expand! So do check it out, its a lovely event. anyway with fellow suppliers selling   bread, wonderful local veg & more. 

Here is a link about it and shows you how to join (for free!): 

 https://thefoodassembly.com/en/assemblies/7362

My previous post on The KingsHeath Food Assembly.

http://t.co/ZYtMSurfrS

   
  

  

ChangeKitchen CIC are also appearing at the above event on Halloween Saturday 31st October in Kings Heath with Food Birmingham, who provide a discount card for many deals in restaurants and cafes in Birmingham. 

http://www.foodbirmingham.co.uk/news/halloween-food-festival-updates/
http://www.foodbirmingham.co.uk/news/fb-members-halloween-discounts/

https://www.facebook.com/ChangeKitchen

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

Bar Opus beer is a real Peaky Blinder. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, City Centre, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   

   

Bar Opus at One Snowhill is raising a glass to the Peaky Blinders by being the first ever bar to sell Peaky Blinders Gold, a soft and fruity ale created by Stourbridge based Sadler’s Brewery.
City-centre Bar Opus at One Snowhill, is to give punters a taste of the hit, period-gangster TV show, Peaky Blinders, by selling the beer on draught for the first time ever at the contemporary bar. 

Created and brewed by Black Country-based Sadler’s Brewery, the 4.3% ABV golden beer is a more modern, crisp version of the first beer Sadler’s created at Steven Knight’s request, ‘Peaky Blinders Black IPA’, which launched in April 2014 and recreated the taste the real Blinders would drink in the 1920s. 

The Peaky Blinders Gold Is also Vegetarian friendly. 

Sam Cross, manager at Bar Opus, said: “As a huge fan of Peaky Blinders, and with it currently being filmed at the Black Country Living Museum, what better way to celebrate than by being the first bar to ever sell Peaky Blinders Gold on draught. 

A flavoursome craft beer, its lighter taste is the perfect partner to dishes on our autumn menu. 

When I tried the beer I unfortunately didn’t try it with the food menu, but suffice to say it works on its own too. It’s golden and crisp and is quite easy drinking but very subtle in its fruity flavours. I loved the beer and it also looks the part in the glass. 

Here’s hoping that Tommy Shelby and the gang have a night off from The Garrison and pop down here to give it a try. 

Peaky Blinders Gold draught craft beer is now available at Bar Opus at One Snowhill. 

For more information, please visit http://www.baropus.co.uk. 

   
  

   

   
Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

  

Nomad re-opening in November. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Independent, vegan, vegetarian by

   
 One of the best vegetarian experiences I’ve had this year or any year is from Nomad. Whilst their pop up was in Kings Heath, Ruth and I visited a couple of times to try their innovative take on modern vegetarian cooking. It pushed the boundaries with their textures and foraged ingredients.  

Presenting unique dining experiences that are an exploration of nature, memory and place Nimad provide a unique dining adventure.   

 Thankfully Nomad is re-opening (permanently) from Friday 13th November onwards in Birmingham city centre at BOM Lab, 1 Dudley Street, Birmingham B5 4EG. 

 They will be serving snacks, small plates and in evenings fixed multi-course menus with full cocktail and experimental drinks matching (think wood ant gin and tonic (not veggie) seaweed vodka and edible cocktails). 

They will also be introducing non-alcoholic fresh juice & temperance flights for their guests who do not wish to drink alcohol.

Nomad will be open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 16:00 / and Wednesday – Saturday 18:00 – late.

Brilliantly Nomad will continue to serve food based on nature, memory and place, working closely with their allotments, foragers, gamekeepers and small local farms to create a snapshot of British produce in the moment.  
Reservations are now live for November and December. See below. 

https://www.resdiary.com/Restaurant/Nomad?mc_cid=56ce16d8ec&mc_eid=c650cd99a2

See you there. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

   
    
   

Reviews of Nomad from Veggie Foodie: 

http://t.co/RjhlejagxY

http://t.co/BH6rikDNAY

  
   
Nomad is opening on Friday 13th November at BOM (Birmingham Open Media) Lab, 1 Dudley Street, Birmingham B5 4EG. 

hello@foodbynomad.com

@nomadbirmingham

http://foodbynomad.com/

BOM (Birmingham Open Media) is a creative collaborative workspace for art, technology and science.

BOM

A very 1847 Christmas. 

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

Charles Dickens’ The Christmas Carol was published in 1843. 

Dickens more than any other Victorian lays out a blueprint as to how Christmas should be celebrated  and every year I try and read the book. It is to this parallel that I introduce Bistro 1847, who are now  laying down a blue print for modern vegetarian food, in the detail, the ingredients and in how they present in this case their own 1847 Christmas. 

 Bistro 1847 is the growing collection of Vegetarian restaurants   That is named after the year the vegetarian society was formed four years after the Christmas Carol was published. 

With a restaurant due to open in Bristol on the 23rd October and two more in Brighton and Edinburgh to open shortly, this year is proving to be a busy one for them. 

Their food has always delighted me and often surprised me. The ingredients used are often seasonal, sometimes foraged but always intricate in their construction and textures and flavours. 

Ruth and I had the pleasure last week of been invited to sample their new Christmas menu in Birmingham at their Great Western Arcade restaurant. 

  
Christmas Bellini style cocktails at Bistro 1847.  

  

The Christmas menu includes dishes such as:

Starters: 

Mushroom Crostini, 

Winter Warmer, 

Squash and feta, 

Mains: Merguez and mash (spicy puy lentil sausage, turnip, sage mash, red onion gravy), 

Cabbages (Brussel Sprout Frittata, sautéed savoy vadouvan and cauliflower velouté) 

(Veggie/Vegan) Fish and chips (battered Halloumi, triple cooked chips, savoy lemon curd, green pea and Basil.) 

Desserts:

 Tropical fruits, 

Chocolate and pear 

chestnut pie. 

We tried: starters (sample size only) 

  Mushroom crostini. A mushroom and walnut pate, pickled quince, smoked butter toast. 

  Winter warmer: Roasted parsnip soup, Rosemary persillade, black sesame, sesame oil. 

A very warming  Christmas seasonal like dish. 

  Squash and feta: Whipped feta, roasted butternut squash, wilted kale, pumpkin seeds. 

My favourite starter, light and well flavoured. 

  Halloumi Fish and chips ( a signature dish, though not very seasonal!) always nice though. 

  Vegan version of Fish and chips made with tofu. 

  

Tropical Fruits: Burnt pineapple, pomegranate and orange, caramel, coconut streusel. Refreshing and nice after a heavier meal. 

The Bistro 1847 Christmas menu is a varied and balanced menu that caters for both vegetarians and vegans. 

lunch is £16.95 2 courses. Including a glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Available Monday- Saturday 12-00-15.00.

Dinner is £24.00 3  courses plus coffee. 

There are tasting menus available too for £40 per person. 6 courses plus coffee and petit fours. 
Available from December 1st. 

http://by1847.com/

   
 
  
   

   
 
   
   

   
   
   
Some Photos of Dishes at Bistro 1847 from my previous visits. 

 Lunch deal. £10 any main course plus drink. Monday to Saturday 12-3pm. 
We were invited to Bistro 1847, all food and drink was complimentary. No post was required. Thanks to Vicky for the invite and the team for the hospitality and food. 

Bistro 1847, 26 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU. 

0121-236-2313.

Have a very 1847 Christmas. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

For details of their new openings keep an eye on their twitter and facebook pages.

https://m.facebook.com/pages/1847-Birmingham/208341145981255

http://www.By1847.com

@By1847

@1847Birmingham

Review: Treat Greek Deli in The Great Western Arcade, Birmingham. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Colmore business district, Greek Delis, Independent, Lunch, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   
 

The Great Western Arcade in Birmingham City Centre is one of the loveliest arcades to browse and pick up independent shop treats. 

Greek Food in the city has been up to recently been in my opinion not the go to food for vegetarians, with many Greek restaurants been generally uninspiring and meat heavy. The most recent opening in the Great Western Arcade is a small Greek Deli called Treat. 

Treat Deli sits at the Snow Hill Station Side of the arcade and offers high quality and home made pies, pasties, salads, healthy smoothies jams, preserves, olives and Greek Coffee-Hot and cold. 

As well as this cakes, olive oils, and herbs, coffee, and tea are on display to take away or eat in its small (with a small seating section) cosy inside. 

It brings together food from different regions of Greece all in one place. 

Run by a Father-Daughter team (George and Angeliki Xiarchou) I was invited by them to sample their vegetarian offerings. 

  

Tables outside Treat Deli.

  
  

What struck me about Treat Deli is how proud and how enthusiastic Angeliki is, and that passion runs through the family and is reflected in the baked goods on offer. The food is beautifully displayed with clear labelling and looks incredibly tempting and inviting. I’m a sucker for pies, pasties and anything baked. It’s a comfort thing I think. 

For vegetarians there are numerous cheesy pie options, plus a fennel pie, pumpkin pie, a tiropita, (cheese pie), a leek roll and a mixed vegetable pie (Skopolos) which is divine. Also the pre packed salads including a delicious Greek salad are available if pastry is not your thing. 

    
    
    

I tried their feta cheese skopelos which was lovely. Creamy feta with delecate herbs stuffed into a golden and well made pastry. Filling, tasty and would make a lovely lunch to take away or eat inside. 

Traditional food is what Treat deli specialise in, bringing the sunny tastes of holidays to the grey pavements of Birmingham. 

I also sampled the mixed Vegetable Skopolos which I enjoyed so much that I went in again the following week to buy some for dinner and share with Ruth. We both loved it, full of vegetables in a water crust pastry, beautifully flavoured. A divine accompaniment to potatoes at home or to take away. 

What also struck me was the size of the pies which are generously big. Which is good by me. 

I also tried a Baklava, which was delicious too. The Baklava which is also claimed by Greece as well as Turkey was a rich, sweet filo pastry with chop nuts and a honey filled flavour. Syrupy sweet, very nice, recommended.

Other sweet treats are available. 

   
  Pies and baklava 

  Baklava from Treat Deli

 

Skopolos mixed vegetable pie. 

  

At Treat Deli I also tried the Freddo (cold) cappuccino. If was beautifully refreshing and went superbly with the pastry. 

  Inside stool seating at Treat Deli. 

    Better than over the arcade. 

  Olive oils 

  Salads at Treat Deli. 

 Herbs at Treat Deli. 

   
    
 

Treat Deli is a relaxed place. Ideal for those working or passing through the Business district around Colmore Row. It’s a lovely place to take a break in, and amongst a few standout shops in the Great Western Arcade its another Gem on the independent foodie trail in Birmingham City Centre. 
It feels authentic. It’s a taster of the delights of their homeland and is made, presented and sold with passion and great care. 

For Vegetarians, who fancy a savoury munch or who want to remember sunnier days on holiday its an ideal stop off its ideal and proves that you can get a good vegetarian pie in Birmingham. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

Thanks to Angeliqi and Demos for their time, hospitality and enthusiasm. You have a fan. 

I was invited down to Treat Deli to sample and give feedback on some of their vegetarian food complimentary. My opinions are honest as always. I was not required to write a review. 

Keep an eye out for their traditional Christmas goodies. 

Treat Deli, Great Western Arcade, Birmingham. 

Open Monday-Friday 7am-6pm

Saturday 9am-6pm.

  

Opus reveals newly-refurbished Kitchen Table Dining experience. 

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

  
 

Opus at Cornwall Street is introducing its newly-refurbished ‘Kitchen Table’ dining experience, where guests can enjoy their meal at a special newly designed table  in the heart of the restaurant’s kitchen.
Surrounded by the bustling kitchen, diners can see their dishes being created by Opus’ talented young team and enjoy a bespoke five-course tasting menu, which is tailored around the guest’s preferences, (including vegetarian) served by the table’s own dedicated waiter. 

With each course introduced by the chef, the Kitchen Table is a dinner party like no other, with guests getting an insight into the provenance of the food and the techniques used in its creation.

Ben Ternent, executive chef at Opus, said: “The Kitchen Table brings an added dimension to dining with us. Customers are able to see how the whole kitchen operation works, have a tour of the different sections and learn about how we source from our family of artisanal suppliers around the British Isles. 

The Kitchen Table also gives my team a rare opportunity to interact directly with the customer, to explain what we’ve created and how, and to listen to their feedback.”

Originally launched in 2009, the Kitchen Table has been given a complete makeover as it continues to rise in popularity. Plates and wine glasses from Fiskars’ ‘Tanssi’ range have been introduced, as well as newly upholstered chairs. In keeping with the rest of the restaurant, the Kitchen Table has now been clothed and a new, organic feel has been introduced through the addition of beech and ceramic tiles.

The Opus Kitchen Table seats up to eight diners and costs £75 per person or £110 per person with wines to match each of the tasting menu’s five courses. A new four-course bespoke menu has also been introduced for lunch time.

For more information about Opus restaurant, visit 

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

0121 200 2323

Photos courtesy of Opus and Clive Reeves PR. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

Vegetarian Dinner with Worcester Produce @ Opus Cornwall Street, Birmingham. 

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

  

Direct from the source, are words that we hear often when it comes to our food. The question, do you know where your food comes from? as an (attempting) grower of vegetables it is close to my veggie heart. It is something we should all care about. 

Last week I put a post on this blog regarding the new Birmingham Food Assembly in Kings Heath that has just launched. Where producers and customers can meet and where fresh produce can be picked up after ordering online. You know the source, you trust the grower. 

Opus on Cornwall Street follow that ethos. They know where their veg, potatoes, fish, meat, herbs etc come from. They have met the farmers, seen the farms, been involved with the process of ground to fork or spoon. 

Fruit, salad and vegetables are grown in nurseries of Worcester Produce  across the Vale of Evesham (Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire) and were picked on day one and were with Opus on day two. The produce is nurtured by local farmers for nearly a year. 

From Pershore Worcester Produce work exclusively with local growers to provide the best food. Grown with pride and nurtured by local farmers the sourcing supports the local community and is lovely to eat. 

The source dinner series of events that Opus at Cornwall Street run is a chance for diners to meet their suppliers and hear their compelling stories. Opus have a mission to promote their farmers, fisherman and wine makers, hence the Source Vegetarian Dinner with Worcester Produce. 

  

Opus celebrates the freshest of ingredients, independent and market fresh top quality produce allows the ingredients to dictate the menu and allows Opus to buy each day from their suppliers. 

The Vegetarian Source dinner is a five course meal with wine (cost £50) with an Aperitif at the begining and coffee at the end. It is a chance to hear the compelling stories of how the food is grown, which for me is so fascinating and an inspiration for my humble but improving growing abilities. 
  
  

  

Menu and paired wines. 
   Fresh bread to start. 

Ruth and I began with an Aperitif in  the bar (a crisp Prosecco di Valdobbiadene from Trvisol, Italy) which allowed the guests to gather and the atmosphere to build. 

Opus is a stylish restaurant, it has a fine dining tone with an informal bistro like quality. It’s a place for an occasion. The Source dinners are certainly a celebration. 

    

First Course : 

Westland baby sweet peppers Avocado, almond, quail egg, nasturtium. 

Baby peppers are unusual and are not for the mass market sadly. They Made a beautifully sweet dish with a fine quail egg on the side. A nice starter. 

Served with ‘No Stone Unturned, Senillion/ Chardonnay, 2014, Australia. 

  

  
Second Course: 

Burnt English onion consommé Spring onion and goats curd 

A rich flavoured clear soup, with a beautiful stock made from the burnt onion from Redford in Nottinghamshire. A classic, given a veggie twist. A refined dish made delicate by the goats curd which worked well with the depth of flavour in the clarified stock. Delicious. 

Served with Domaine de Bellevue, Sauvignon Blanc, 2014, France. 

  

Delicate Ingredients before the soupy liquid was poured over. 

  
  

Third Course: 

Salt Baked Offenham celeriac, Summer truffle and oat granola. 

The most surprising dish of the night. Surprising in the fact that it was beautiful. A simple looking dish packing loads of flavour. The salty celeriac combined with the earthy truffles. With the breakfast like granola providing a crunch and bite on the side. Very impressive. 

Served with the same wine as above. 

  
  

Fourth Course: 

‘Beet’ Bourgignon, Fennel, maitake mushroom and home dried Drews Farm tomato ravioli. 

Take golden and purple beetroot from Evesham Vale and present it with a perfectly made ravioli with delicate and inviting flavours of fresh summer tomatoes. A celebratory Summery dish. Vegetarians are a mushrooms best friend.

Served with ‘Domaine de Bertier, Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014, France. 

  

Fifth Course: desert. 

Evesham Vale courgette cake, Dorset cream cheese, Crushed hazelnuts, Worcestershire carrot and lime sorbet. 

Crushed hazelnuts with the well baked courgette cake, a really enjoyable end to the meal. The sorbet was beautiful. 

Wine, see above. 

    

The Vegetarian Source Dinner at Opus Cornwall Street is one of the Vegetarian food highlights of the year. For both Ruth and I its a must do every year. It’s a friendly, formal, but celebratory experience. Think a wedding where the happy couple are the vegetables and Opus Restaurant. 

The dishes, were thoughtful, creative and celebrated the freshest produce. Most of the diners were non vegetarians which may be surprising, but maybe not when you can see what good Produce can help create. Just, lovely food, made and grown with passion, pride and a sense of adventure. The celebration of veg, herbs and edible flowers, luxurious, harmonious and in Opus’ hands, modern, Engaging, a family ‘wedding.’

Every source does have a story. 
    
  

  

Disclosure: we paid for our meal in full. All opinions are my own. No review was requested. But who could resist. 

Opus at Cornwall Street, 54 Cornwall Street, Birmingham, B2 2DE. 

0121-200-2323.

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

https://twitter.com/OpusCornwallSt?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://twitter.com/worc_prod

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

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊