Category Archives: Independent Birmingham

#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

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

2015/01/img_2473.jpg

2015/01/img_2474.jpg

2015/01/img_2475.jpg

2015/01/img_2540.jpg

#TastyMorsels: A few New openings 2015

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Tasty Morsels, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Happy New Year 🙂

2015 is already heralding a number of new openings and re openings in the early months of the year.

Indian Restaurant Pushkar will be launching a sister venue called Praza by Pushkar this month.

The new restaurant will follow on Pushkar’s focus on North Indian cuisine with cocktails aflowing.

However, the food will have a international influence.

The new menu will be created by Pushkar Head Chef Bishal Rasaily.

Praza by Pushkar will be located in the former Rose Muree restaurant on Hagley Road, Edgbaston the venue will feature an Art deco design with Monochrome colourways, glass, and chrome for a ‘chic and luxurious feel’.

Pushkar on Broad Street has recently celebrated in November 14 a five year anniversary.

Pushkar is one of the best restaurants in Birmingham for vegetarians in my opinion so Praza by Pushkar is sure to be equally good and veggie friendly.

keep an eye open on my blog for more opening details and menus.

Praza by Pushkar
94-96 Hagley Road
Birmingham
B16 8LU

Also, due to open is new bakery and independent coffee shop
Sixteen Bakery in Picadilly Arcade off New Street.

Set up by Lucy Lam of Faculty Coffee next door, its sure to be a place for bakes, cakes and coffee.

Be sure to keep an eye on this blog for more information.

@sixteenbakery

Independent Japanese resturant Woktastic has recently closed at The Paradise Forum due to the arrival of the redevelopment in that area.

Thankfully, it is due to re open in a new location as yet unanounced in the Spring in the City Centre.

For further details keep an eye on this blog and http://www.woktastic.co.uk and @woktastic.

I will be mentioning more new openings over the next few weeks.

Thanks for reading.

Andy 🙂

@andydhare

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/70e/67676794/files/2015/01/img_2415.jpg

#TastyMorsels: Cruelty Free Christmas Fair and Digmas @ the Custard factory Saturday 20/12

Posted in Bars, beer, Catering, Cocktails, Digbeth, Events, Festivals, Food, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, shops, Tasty Morsels, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

This Saturday the 20th seems to be the climax of Birmingham’s December Festive seasonal foodie calender.

It’s a bit like buses, you wait around for ages and then three turn up at once.

I’ve mentioned Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh already, but two more events also going on in or near the City Centre.

First off is, The Birmingham Cruelty Free Christmas Fair at Carrs Lane Church Centre B4 7SX in the City Centre.

From 10.30-4pm 30 stalls will be offering a wide variety of animal free products, chocolate, cosmetics, cakes, recipe books, soaps, sweets, and gifts and much more with delicious vegan catering from ChangeKitchen whom I’m big fans of and much more fresh food stalls and nibbles to tempt you.

http://www.changeKitchen.co.uk

@changeKitchen

Also, stbestcaterers, will be bringing top quality food, the best in Caribbean cuisine will be showcasing too.

http://www.stbestcaterers.co.uk
@stbestcaterers

Run by West Midlands Vegan Fest, promoting veganism in the West Midlands including free food fairs and events.

http://www.midlandsveganfestival.org.uk

Supporting local Animal Sanctuaries, campaigning groups and small ethical traders. The fair will be free entry and run from 10.30am-4pm.

The second event is Digmas 12pm-6pm at The Custard Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham.

The Christmas Fair will be an alternative day out and be the best of local traders, Street food, a pop up bar and entertainment.

Digbeth Dining Club will be doing the food and for veggies and vegans the esteeemed Vegan Grindhouse will be there along with The
Bournville Waffle Company.

Alfie Birds another Veggie Foodie Favourite will be provideing the drinks with a pop up bar- including craft beer, Bailey’s Hot Choc, and Christmas Cocktails.

Street food and bar running until 8pm.

Plus, there will be live music, an Urban Village Vintage fair, and a Mockingbird Theatre treats (see website) plus other independent luminaries from The Custard Factory to tempt and loosen your purse strings.

So catch them both if you can, 🙂

Digmas @ the Custard Factory 20th December 12pm-6pm.

http://www.thecustardfactory.co.uk/digmas for full programme.

br />
/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/70e/67676794/files/2014/12/img_2358.jpg

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/70e/67676794/files/2014/12/img_2360.jpg

Thanks for reading 🙂

@andydhare

Brum Yum Yum in Kings Heath 20/12 #kingshEATh 11am-5pm

Posted in beer, Events, Food, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Real ale, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Brum Yum Yum are due to take over the Village square in Kings Heath in South Birmingham on Saturday 20th December from 11am-5pm.

KingshEATh is a long running streetfood market that usually runs on the 2nd Saturday of every month. It was on last week on the 13th and lucky Christmas festive revellers have a second opportunity to enjoy fine street food, real ale, live music and the local Kings Heath vibe.

There is always plenty of food choice for veggies.

Look out for Bare Bones pizza, Mrs Mills, Ciao-Arancini (well recommended) Big Papas Beautiful South, and Bombay tapas and Pip’s Hot Sauce.

Brum Yum Yum have been selected as one of the top 5 food attractions in Birmingham by Visit Birmingham.

This Saturday see traders:

-Big Papas Beautiful South, soul food and soulful music, deep south
-Rolling smoke
-Flipping cow
-Bare Bones pizza
-Pimpernells Delights
-Nosh & Ciao, Italian street food. Inspired by Italy.
-Bombay Tapas
-Pelima Satay
-Mrs Mills, cakes, bakes, and brownies.
-Pip’s Hot Sauce, devishly spicy chilli sauces, and more

Plus, Live bands, DJ’s, Purity Craft Beer Bar,

and a special Christmas gift Market and ice grotto for children.

That’s Brum Yum Yum at the Village Square, Kings Heath #KingshEATh

11am-5pm 20th December 2014 for festive family fun 🙂

See you there.

Thanks for reading.

@brumyumyum
Facebook/brumyumyum
http://www.brumyumyum

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/70e/67676794/files/2014/12/img_2356.jpg

#TastyMorsel: The Eight Foot Grocer opens: A Feast of Veg in the Jewellery Quarter

Posted in Bakery, Breakfasts, Cake, Coffee, Food, Fruit and Veg, Grocers, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter, shops, St Paul's Square, Tasty Morsels, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

If you are a vegetarian and you don’t eat or like fruit or vegetables, then maybe ask what’s the point. Veg are the kings of vegetarian and vegan living. All hail the veg 🙂

So in that respect any news that an Independent food grocer is opening in Birmingham is therefore greeted with the applause and plaudits it deserves.

That’s why I love the idea of The Eight Foot Grocer. i did wonder if the guy who owned it initially was a giant, that eating all those veg like your Mother told you to do had made him grow so much that he had turned into a fairy tale character, old Jack himself.

No in fact, his name is Chris James and his grocers is in the lovely Jewellery Quarter and is housed in a eight foot wide former loading bay near
St Paul’s Square.

Chris has turned a quirky venue into a new fruit and veg store selling exciting deli produce locally sourced where possible and all in a eight foot wide space. The store is in Caroline Street next to the Braderie Vintage shop and opposite The esteemed Bloc Hotel.

The shop is an eclectic mix of local art, and photography, and receives daily fresh bread deliveries from nearby Peel and Stone bakers and stocks such items as jams, marmalades, loaclly made Cufuffle preserves,
Kneals Chocolates, Pip’s Hot Sauce, pastas and olive oil.

It also serves porridge for breakfast, and sandwiches, salads, and cakes for lunch.

It’s a proper shop, independent and local and open from
8am-8pm Monday-Saturday.

The Eight Foot Grocer
13-15 Caroline Street
off St Paul’s Square
Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham
B3 1TR

@The8footgrocer

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/70e/67676794/files/2014/12/img_2350.jpg

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/70e/67676794/files/2014/12/img_2351.jpg

The Plough Harborne launches new whisky menu on December 15th.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Pubs by

The neighbourhood pub on the High Street in Harborne The Plough Birmingham is launching a new whiskey menu, showcasing a selection of rare and exclusive award winning Artisan whiskies from all over the world.

Taking in Japan, Australia, India, and America, Ireland, Sweden as well as Scotland the new menu launches on the 15th December 2014

The shots range from £3.30 to £15.00 depending on your budget and bravery.

The list will be home to World Whiskey Award winners as well as hand crafted whiskies produced in micro-distilleries such as Copper Fox in Virginia, Corsair in Nashville, and a few in Illinois and even New York- Hudson Bay Bourbon.

Their will also be three single malts that are no longer available, such as the Edrudour 11 year old Burgundy, cask finish, the Milton Duff batch, only 22 produced and the Millford 15 year old from New Zealand.

The Yamazaki Single malt Sherry Cask 2013 was recently made the world’s best whisky by critic Jim Muray in his Whisky Bible 2015 and the plough is offering 10 varieties of whiskey from Japan.

The new list compliments the existing whiskey and spirits list that showcases a world class product in the comfort of the homely Plough.

Also, for the festive season The Plough has revealed its own Winter wonderland in the form of a new al fresco bar called
‘The Night Jar Winter Bar’ which serves a selection of festive drinks and has an open fire, with blankets and hot water bottles for when the temperatures drop so much that it becomes unberarably cold, and everyone is so close to the open fire their isn’t room for another reveller to feel the heat.

The Plough will serve hot drinks, such as Cinamon Hot chocolate with orange Liquer, spiced pineapple juice with rum, marmalade cider with Bourbon, Festive mulled wine and complimentary roasted chestnuts.

It all sounds fantastic, i’m the one by the fire, and Ruth will be asleep next to it with a glass of mulled in her hand.

You can find all this fun at The Plough, 21 High Street
Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9NT

0121 427 3678

http://www.theploughharborne.co.uk

http://www.opentable.co.uk/the-plough-harborne

-Best 25 places to have Sunday Lunch-The Times 2014
-The best 50 coffee shops-Independent Newspaper
-Open Table readers-Top 50 Beer Gardens.

All photos courtesy of The Plough press office, with thanks.

IMG_2327.PNG

IMG_2328.JPG

IMG_2330.JPG

IMG_2329.JPG

IMG_2331.JPG

IMG_2332.JPG

IMG_2335.JPG

IMG_2334.JPG

IMG_2337.JPG

IMG_2336.JPG

IMG_2338.JPG

IMG_2339.JPG

Veggie Foodie Guide to: The Birmingham Christmas Markets for vegetarians

Posted in Events, Festivals, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Pop up's, shops, Tapas, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Veggie Foodie Guide to by

Navigating the Frankfurt German Market in Birmingham City Centre at this time of year for vegetarians and vegans can be difficult.

The times I’ve been out with Ruth, family and friends and whilst the meat eaters have a array of fleshy delights us veggies are left eating cake and pastries and if we are being greedy Garlic Bread. Good but hey, we like Christmas too 🙂

Then of course it is easier for veggies to drink more at the market than eat some super independent food.

This year it appears their are though some jewels to be sought out and tasted. Yes, you have to search and yes you have to walk a bit, but it is worth it..trust me 😊

IMG_2265.JPG

IMG_2266.JPG

The Birmingham Christmas market that stretches all the way from The Bull Ring up New Street into Victoria Square and onto the area around the Town Hall, and the Art Gallery up to The Hall of memory and up to the New Library of Birmingham and the Big Wheel.

The lower part from the Bull Ring to Victoria Square is the long running and expensive generally German Market which turns Birmingham tourist crazy for a month and makes Brum feel like a European city bathed in Christmas joy. It’s good fun and full of drinking dens, but little hot good veggie food.

The Frankfurt Market leads into the Birmingham Christmas craft markets by the Art Gallery which is much more independent and has a greater amount of food outlets that veggies can enjoy and stretches up to the New Birmingham Library.

br />
IMG_2256.JPG

IMG_2249.JPG

IMG_2250.JPG

IMG_2252.JPG

On wandering around the markets last week with my brother Pete (also vegetarian) we found a number of options.

Within the Birmingham craft market (further on from the Frankfurt Market) by the old Central library and Birmingham Art Gallery lie two good options to begin with for veggies.

First is Woktastic which serves noodles and a variety of Japanese dishes some veggie options. A good option. They also have a stand at Paradise Forum and restaurant too.

Then, nestled within the Christmas trees at the top of the steps lies The Mumbai Grill. For curry and a spicy kick it can’t be beaten. They have a vegetarian menu that includes a vegetarian platter, onion bhaji wraps, samosas, channa chaat, and a chana chickpea wrap. They also have balti chips.

IMG_2246.JPG

IMG_2244.JPG

Then, further through the Paradise Forum over bridge past the Hall of Memory you will find local Pips Hot Sauce, a creperie, and a fully veggie and vegan falafel stall.

The falafel stand sells numerous falafel options, a veggie burger, and is the markets only completely 100% veggie option. Prices start from £4.50. It looks brilliant, and I can’t wait to try it. Their are falafel wraps, spicy Jalapeños, grilled Halloumi and other falafel dishes. See menu.

IMG_2241.JPG

IMG_2240.JPG

Next door so to speak is a Creperie stand that sells sweet and savoury crepes and has veggie options on the savoury side. The creperie has outside tables and is popular.

Next door to the Creperie nearest the New Library of Birmingham is Pips Hot Sauce with vegan options.

Trader Pip Bradley from Kings Heath sells dishes such as sweet potato fries, nachos, salsa, jalapeños, guacamole, and vegan friendly sauces. Try a combination of the dishes and a few sauces maybe?

Pips Hot Sauce also sell gift packs of her superb sauces that can be brought as gifts. Well recommended.

IMG_2259.JPG

IMG_2242.JPG

IMG_2257.JPG

IMG_2258.JPG

IMG_2259-0.JPG

IMG_2255.JPG

IMG_2260.JPG

Back to The Frankfurt Market, their is a stand that sells pizza, and Italian sandwiches near the Town Hall and a stand in the centre near the fountain that sells a nice spinach and feta strudel. Plus, sweet ones too. One I’ve not noticed before.

Then last but not least is the aforementioned garlic bread stand, that is a delight. Try it with cheese, always a winner, but this year it seems not the only hot option. Stationed next to the long bar nearest to the Council House on Victoria Square.

As well as those hot food options their are a number of sweet food stands and some are brilliant. I will leave you to discover those 🙂

As always the Frankfurt Market divides opinions in Birmingham, but at least some independent and local food traders are involved in Birmingham’s Christmas Markets, and their is always Digbeth Diner and Brum Yum Yum to satisfy that independent street food demand.

If you get out into Birmingham have a good Market experience and eat, and drink and be merry, but watch those alcohol prices at The German Market that are quite steep compared to elsewhere. Their are a good selection of drinks at the craft market, near the town hall, including mulled cider, mulled wine and Pims.

Their is also a Hogan’s cider tent near the hall of memory with sofas inside. Looks great, very popular.

Have fun and thanks for reading and Happy Christmas. 🙂

IMG_2267.JPG

IMG_2262.JPG

IMG_2263.JPG

IMG_2264.JPG

IMG_2261.JPG

IMG_2254.JPG

IMG_2254-0.JPG

Library of Birmingham

IMG_2248.JPG

IMG_2253.JPG

IMG_2304.JPG

IMG_2305.JPG

IMG_2303.JPG

IMG_2302.JPG

IMG_2298.JPG

IMG_2299.JPG

Winter Season Markets: Digbeth Dining Club: Winter Wonderland, Spotlight, Digbeth

Posted in Events, Festivals, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Birmingham has a thriving Independent food scene and its Streetfood is well known accross the Uk.

As I’ve mentioned many times on this blog , I’m a big fan of this informal and fun way of eating and for vegetarians and vegans it’s filled with choice and delicious indulgences.

This winter season their are many fab choices for the streetfood and Christmas Market fan.

As an alternative to the Frankfurt German Market, Birmingham has a few independent options and one of the best and most innovative and decorated this December is in Digbeth.

The Digbeth Dining Club @ Spotlight, Digbeth (just behind The Old Crown Pub)

It’s held every Friday and Saturday from the 5th December from 5.30pm, free entry (plus December 18th-21st) Yes, that’s a four day weekend From Thursday 18th-Sunday 21st December 🙂

For full details of the line up, check their website.

http://www.digbethdiningclub .co.uk
Twitter: @digbethdiner

Plus, others to look out for:

Are two this Saturday.

Winter Season Market @ The Bond, Fazeley Street, Digbeth.

Enjoy a canalside setting, a courtyard of streetfood, real ale, cocktails and independent crafty stalls of artists, artisan food producers, designers moored up on barges, and beneath a huge Victorian canapy.

-Peel and Stone bakers from the Jewellery Quarter
-Buddha Belly: Awad winning Thai street food, good veggie options
Fresh Rootz: Veggie and vegan food (award winning)
Fire and slice: Woodfired pizza
Hungry Toad: Mexican flavours

amongst others.

and craft ales from a routemaster bus.

Run by Street food traders The Bournville Waffle Company (puds from a converted caravan)

The cost is £1.50 adults, kids go free.

12-6pm Saturday 6th December

http://www.seasonalmarkets.co.uk
@seasonalmarkets

Brum Yum Yum are @ the Square Birmingham City Centre on the 6th December Free entry.

#Christmasfest

vintage bargains, Bert and Gerts, streetfood.

http://www.brumyumyum.com
@brumyumyum
@thesquare
facebook/Brumyumyum

for full details.

Finally Brum Yum are back in Kings Heath for their Christmas streetfood KingshEATh on the 13th December at The Village Square Free entry.

I will update the food vendors when I have more details.

Thanks for reading.

#ScoFarGo: Scoff Street Food is coming 29/11

Posted in Events, Festivals, Food, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, pizza, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Sharpen your spoons, Dinner is coming

The Midlands first #Streetfood collective Scoff Street Food have organised a big street food event for the
29th November 2014 at Fargo Village in Coventry. #ScoFarGo will have free entry , street food, real ale, live music, a vinatage market, workshops, magic, and cooking demos.

With lots of food for veggies and vegans.

Traders announced are:

Big Daddies (hot dogs)
The Hungry Toad ( soul food)
Spectacular Goat (Pizza) with veggie options
Meat Shack ( Burgers)
Fresh Rootz (Vegetarian and vegan food)
Canoodle (Pan Asian) Veggie options
Bournville Waffles
Jabberwocky ( Gourmet toasties) Veggie options

Scoff Street Food is run by traders for foodies and aims to give a better deal all round to everone whether trader or customer.

Every weekend they hold a #Streetfood day at
Fargo Village in Coventry from 11am-5pm (Saturdays) See website for traders.

http://www.scoffstreetfood.co.uk

Scoff was formed by a group of street food traders from the Midlands putting on events. It serves great food, combined with a sensible pitch fee, a collective that includes Flic Luxmore from food vendor Jabberwocky, Big Daddies Diner, Hungry Toad, Spectacular Goat and Flic’s other half Barny.

#ScoFarGo is just one example of where the street food scene is growing in the Midlands. Customers love great food at affordable prices, served informally and outdoors.

For veggies and vegans its superb, plenty of choice, quality dishes, and where else can you have pudding before lunch or dinner, followed by more cake. 🙂

What with Digbeth Dining Club, Brum Yum Yum and now Scoff Street Food there is plenty of choice.

So for a pre Christmas feed and enetertainment visit
#ScoFarGo at Fargo in Coventry on the 29th November. 11am-5pm, Free entertainment, and good food.

Its a collective you know 🙂

It’s Street Food baby.

@scoffFood
07870 422 617

@FargoVillage

http://www.fargovillage.co.uk

Fargo Village is Coventry’s creative quarter, specialist shops, markets, studios, music and arts. Plus Street Food.

http://www.scoffstreetfood.co.uk

What do you think of Street Food? Do you think it offers vegetarians and vegans a good choice of food?

IMG_2218.JPG

IMG_2216.JPG

IMG_2214.JPG

IMG_2219.JPG

IMG_2223.JPG

IMG_2224.JPG

IMG_2222.JPG

Pika Pika Pop up @Cherry Reds Kings Heath

Posted in Bars, Cafés and Restaurants, Catering, Cocktails, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Pop up's, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Sometimes the best meals you eat are the ones that are not planned, but are spontaneous. Ruth and I hadn’t planned to eat at Cherry Reds in Kings Heath, but at Fletchers bar, but because they had chef problems we found ourselves there instead.

We wanted to escape the cardboard boxes that were sitting in our new house, having moved in on that day and feeling tired and hungry we chose well. That’s the thing with Kings Heath, you can eat well 🙂

On arriving at Cherry Reds we were told that they had the Pika Pika pop up on tonight and they had a free table..Hurray!

I’d wanted to visit the pop up for awhile, as they seemed to have very good and varied vegetarian options , but hadn’t got round to it. So it was a good opportunity.

Cherry Reds in Kings Heath is a very inviting place with a cool, chilled vibe and atmosphere, alternative, and cosy. It’s well known for its pop ups, and Pika Pika is one that has a good reputation. The service in Cherry Reds is friendly, and they do excellent food, both day and evenings, from breakfasts to dinner and superb cocktails and world beers and ale.

Pika Pika are a Japanese catering company and they run a Japanese food pop up restaurant every 2nd Monday at Cherry Reds in Kings Heath. The food consists of Home made Japanese starters, snacks, and sides and main courses. Some of the food is to share. A full desert menu is available from Cherry Reds on the night. There is as i’ve said a wide choice of vegetarian options, both main course and smaller sharing tapas like dishes. Menus change every month.

The main course dish we both ate on the night was called Vegetarian Nikujaga: which is mixed vegetables with a shirataki noodles, cooked in a pot with special soya sauce, served with boiled rice and Pika Pika salad.

We both really enjoyed the dish, deliciously flavoured and with a contrasting noodle and vegetable flavours with a lovely soya sauce biting through it. The rice was also delicious served round, a lovely main course and introduction to Pika Pika’s food.

We followed this up with a beautiful Cherry Reds Chocolate brownie, sorry no photo, but it was very good indeed.

I also enjoyed a couple of English Staffordshire lagers and Ruth had a couple of glasses of white wine.

We both enjoyed our first visit to the Pika Pika pop up. The vegetarian options on the menu change monthly to keep them fresh and to entice vegetarians to eat their every month, and certainly a return visit is very likely, as the food we ate was well made and of good value and in the cool and chilled atmosphere of Cherry Reds is a good way of spending a Monday evening.

For bookings contact Cherry Reds on contact number below.

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

wearepikapika.tumblr.com

@wearepikapika

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

0121 441 3155

@ilovecherryreds

IMG_2174.JPG

IMG_2173.JPG

IMG_2172.JPG

IMG_2194.JPG

IMG_2177.JPG

IMG_2190.JPG

IMG_2175.JPG

IMG_2194-0.JPG