Category Archives: Independent

#Coffeetime: Waterstone’s independent cafe Birmingham.

Posted in Birmingham, Books, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, City Centre, Coffee, Coffee hour, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Now books, that’s another story. I’m always to be found with a book in my hand, whether fiction, poetry, gardening or art, I’m never far from one. In fact I’ve been known to spend a few hours in book shops and thus if in Birmingham Waterstone’s is the main and largest book shop in town to visit. 

  
The new impressive Waterstone’s Birmingham on High Street on the Bull Ring intersection is huge. 

Covering five floors, it covers every type of book and has a lovely floor for its Children’s section which also has its own cafe and cup cake making sessions (plus children’s play area).

Created as a ‘flagship bookshop for the Midlands’. The fiction section has its own floor (basement) and there are oak bookcases fitted throughout. Topped with this there’s also a varied events programme (see in store or on the website) and the shop itself feels more engaging, more user friendly with a new shop front and enhanced book range (though the poetry section is still a bit small for me). It’s a joy to walk around and another step on the revolutionisation of Birmingham as a cultural city merging with an impressive and vibrant city centre. 

  

Now it appears that me and Mrs Mills’ cakes have a thing going on, but just keep it a secret, but then I’m bound by been a blogger and all food consumed is ‘for the blog’ and the blog alone. Ruth my wife disputes this, and feels that I just consume food, well because I like it. It’s probably one of the reasons why I began my blog. As, what’s the point in being a food blogger if you don’t like food, and cake is food…right. 

The cafe is run independently and this shows in its free and easy layout and atmosphere with comfortable seating throughout. It’s a peaceful spot, but there is a surprise that you can sit on any floor with your drink and food if you wish (as long as you don’t mind carrying it up flights of stairs).

The aim is as much as possible to use local producers for cakes and bakes such as Mrs Mills. 

  Cheesecake and Flat White. 

  Yummy 😊

  Mrs Mills’ Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake: 

Creamy chocolatey layers of delight. Cheese cake base well made, a good bake. Rich Vanilla pod infused with a thick swirl of dark chocolate running through each slice, chocolate chip pieces. Melt in the mouth deliciousness. Indeed the best cheese cake in Birmingham no doubt.

Eaten with a lovely flat white. In fact everything one should be. Velvet micro foam and a powerful double shot of coffee.

   
 Flat white 

  Mrs Mills’ Chocolate Brownie (with Pips Hot chilli sauce).

The second cake I’ve eaten at Waterstone’s cafe is the Chocolate Brownie made with Pips Hot Chilli Sauce and sea salt. A luxurious brownie, with a definite chilli hit, which though quite powerful compliments the gooey chocolate well and makes for an indulgent treat at any time of the day. A very beautiful brownie that deserves repeated trials. A treat. 

Eaten with a disappointing cappuccino which wasn’t intensive enough in coffee for me and felt quite flat next to the brownie. Shame.

Waterstone’s cafe also serve sandwiches and biscuits. Bread is provided by local artisan baker Peel and Stone from the Jewellery Quarter. Other local producers are Anderson and Hill and Too busy to bake. 

It’s a delight in every way and a place to wile away the time, but beware if you fancy working there, their wifi is erratic and tempermental, in fact much like writers.  

A match made in bookish heaven. 

   Cakes and sandwiches at Waterstone’s. 

  Christmas time 

  

   
   Cafe seating.

 The view from the cafe of Birmingham’s German Market in the distance. 

   
   
  

 Children’s floor with plenty of activities. 

 

   
    Books and coffee, whatever next?

    Cafe seating amongst the books. 

 Waterstone’s Birmingham, High Street, 24-26 High Street, B4 7SL.

0121-633-4353.

Disclosure: I paid in full for my coffees and cakes. My opinions are honest as always. 

Mrs Mills Cakes makes celebration cakes, on the go granola bars, indulgent deserts and cheesecakes, biscuits for mail order and at food festivals, fairs and Brum Yum Yum Streetfood events. 

All cakes baked using free range eggs. 

At Brum Yum Yum Kings Heath on the 12th Decenber. 

https://m.facebook.com/MrsMillsMakesCakes/
  

http://mrsmillsmakescakes.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/mrsmillscakes

Christmas orders: 

http://mrsmillsmakescakes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/pdf-flyer.pdf

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Review: Two Cats Kitchen and Kam and Cat vegetarian collaboration. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

If those in the know (or think they are) are anything to go by then Two Cats Kitchen is the hottest dining ticket in town. For Vegetarians that might be greeted with, ‘for meat eaters maybe’ or yes really? But why should vegetarians be excused from the shouting or feel disinterested. After all we have the right to eat outside of vegetarian restaurants surely? 

So many restaurants that come by generally can be described by vegetarians as beern like a big black hole of an abattoir sent from outer space, a place to keep away from. 

For the unnanitiated Two Cats may appear a restaurant too far. For meat rules still, and Birmingham is generally living and breathing it in a massive way, if the Twitterati are to believed. 

This though is not all together a fair description of my city. I’ve spoken before of the good work Nomad are doing in Brum, as Marmalade at The Birmingham Rep with its Meat free Monday’s and the three Opus Restaurants. Two Cats is also treading the innovative line on veggie dishes, ingredient led and blossoming under the dim lights of its permanent home. 

Two Cats is the brainchild of Chef Nicki Astley. The food is described as ‘New Baltic Cuisine’. This is in fact Baltic-Russian cuisine,  re composed traditional dishes and some newer innovative ones. It’s very much stripped back fine dining, the plates of food tell a story, and in its story is the ideals in the cooking. It certainly stands out on the Birmingham dining scene. 

The vegetarian night was organised with Kam and Cat. 

Kamila is a raw food chef and is the owner and founder of Kam and Cat. They have completed numerous pop ups in Birmingham over the last year. 

Together with Nicki she provided the quirky dishes on the night. 

  
Two Cats Kitchen is on Warstone Lane near St Paul’s square and in the historical Jewellery Quarter area of the city. Itself becoming a fine food and drink location. 

After showcasing their food in various pop ups in the City Centre they’ve now settled in the cosy Jewellery Quarter and opened up in an even more cosy restaurant. 

The dining room is entered via a small delightful passageway that is reminiscent of some Trattoria’s you find in Italy, inside exposed brickwork, original tiles on the floor and some monastic stained glass is quite a surprise if you weren’t expecting it. It’s a fine discovery, simple, with a charming atmosphere that only such an old narrow space can provide. Maybe it’s the history, maybe it’s just me.! I feel at home. 

The menu itself is a bargain at £40 for seven courses. We had in order:

“Aukstazupa” Beetroot and Buttermilk Gazpacho.

Oyster Leaves and Garlic Buttermilk, Plum, charred almonds.

Chickpea terrine, pickles, cheese custard, coal oil. 

Goats cheese Pelneni, lovage oil, sweet onion broth.

Golubtsy, slow cooked egg, cep mushroom stock.

‘Sorrel’

Kam’s Blueberry Vegan ‘Cheesecake’.

   
Aukstazupa, (Beetroot and Buttermilk Gazpacho). 

A Latvian Beet cold soup, slightly peppery, a bracing shout out I’m here kind of dish. Impressive veggie fare. 

  Oyster leaves and garlic, buttermilk, plum, charred almonds. 

Paired down, simple ingredients, put together well, so easy? Is it? 

  Chickpea terrine, pickles, cheese custard, coal oil. 

A third course of contrast, to the previous two. The chickpeas, complimenting well the cheesy heart of the dish: lovely. 

  

Goat Cheese Pelneni, lovage oil, sweet onion broth. 

An enchanting dish, all the elements came together. The tender Pelneni (chewy dumplings) of soft goats cheese stuffing, with an onion broth so crystal clear I could see my tired mid week night eyes peering jaded back at me from its depths, plus homemade lovage oil. Sweet, sticky, chewy, subtle-delicious.

  

Golubtsy, slow cooked egg, cep, mushroom stock. 

Russian/Ukraine Stuffed cabbage leaves (Golubtsy) wrapped round the cep filling, the stock and egg providing the added contrasting bite. A classic of Ukrainian food, here in Birmingham, a dish originally devised to use up left over food, now central stage. A Moma of a dish. A special dish. 

  

Sorrel

Simple sorrel leaf (pre desert) 

bunch of sorrel leaves tied together by twine with lovely textures and a sweetness that is surprising. To be taken in the hand and eaten like a bone ( sorry for the meaty term) sweet, and simple, served and presented artistically.

  
Kam’s Blueberry vegan cheesecake.

A vegan style cheese cake, finishing off the meal well. Good flavours and light touch. Lovely. Presented well. 

Two Cats Kitchen is terrific, gastronomic even, it is attempting to break barriers, but it’s feeding its customers well. I think you could keep returning here and finding new joys on the menu, or at least in some favourite tried before dishes and though this was a different Two Cats Kitchen night it whet the appetite for more in the near future. 

It does all the right things and for that they’ve succeeded in giving veggies another powerfully seductive experience whence once it thought not to tread and that’s all in the hands of the chef who knows how to please, and understands the beauty of food for everyone and that’s quite simply a relief for vegetarians in Birmingham. 

    
    
 

  

  Photo courtesy of Two Cats Kitchen. 

http://twocatskitchen.com/

https://twitter.com/twocatskitchen

27 Warstone Lane, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, B18 6JQ.

0121-212-0070.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Disclosure: We paid for our meal in full. My opinions are my own and honest as always. 

Birmingham restaurant director receives prestigious membership at leading hospitality association.

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

  
Birmingham City-centre restaurant, Opus is celebrating another fantastic achievement after one of its directors was awarded the prestigious role of academician at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RAOCA).
Irene Allan director at Opus at Cornwall Street, Cafe Opus at Ikon and Bar Opus at One Snowhill, was presented the outstanding membership earlier this month (November) following a rigorous application and interview process. She is the fourth hospitality professional from the city to take on the role, joining Glynn Purnell from Purnell’s and Luke Tipping and Andreas Antona from Simpsons. 

With an aim of raising the standard of the hospitality industry as well as inspiring the future generation of restaurant professionals through education, training and recognising and rewarding talent, the RAOCA is the UK’s best and leading professional association, whose members include the country’s top head chefs and restaurant managers. To achieve the esteemed role of academician within the association, applicants must first be nominated by three current RAOCA members, before completing an application stating the unique attributions they can bring to the association as well as partaking in an intensive interview.

Through initiatives such as working with the University College Birmingham to offer the ‘Opus Scholarship’ programme, achieving the highest possible accolade from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, and adopting a school to educate pupils of the importance of food knowledge, Irene has demonstrated an exceptional skill set in raising the standards of the catering sector by sharing her wealth of knowledge and skills with the younger generation. She has mentored a number of her staff through to achieving awards of excellence in their careers. 
Irene said: “Opus is having a tremendous year so far, what with celebrating our 10th year in business and recently being named the most sustainable restaurant in the Midlands, so to also achieve the role of academician at the RAOCA is another brilliant achievement for us. From a personal level, I’m thrilled to have been given this added responsibility and with it, I hope to inspire and mentor the next generation, as well as highlight our fantastic industry within the West Midlands” 

For more information on Opus, please visit 
http://www.opusrestaurant.co.uk/

I want to congratulate Irene personally on her wonderful and much deserved achievement and thank her for the support of my blog. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Veggie dish of the day: Kitchen Garden Flatbread, Fletchers, Kings Heath.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Craft beer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegan, vegetarian by

  

A veggie flatbread is a blank canvas and you can cover it with almost anything and make a meal very quickly. In restaurants the plain variety (as in tapas) is popular. In many ways for me, the message is keep it simple: 

Take the seasonal butternut squash at Fletchers, set it off with a touch of crumbly gentle feta and wilting spinach, a rich tomato sauce base (crucial) that provides that slightly spicy chilli kick. 

Then you have probably the best Topped Flatbread in Birmingham. Simples! 

Fletchers in Kings Heath, is the venue. The Kitchen Garden Flatbread is the dish. Beautiful. 

Fletchers Bar and Eatery’s Kitchen Garden Flatbread was listed as one of the best cheese dishes by myself in Birmingham for Wow Brum (Birmingham Mail) in a recent article I was asked to do by them. 

See post here: 

https://t.co/MTEMGG2kbb 

  
  Fletchers Bar. 

  Topped Flatbread, Kitchen Garden: feta, butternut with chilli and spinach flat bread. Rich Tomato sauce. £9.95.

  
  

Order with sweet potato fries.

  Greek style fries also served. 

  

One of the best beers in the world? Wainwright from Thwaites. 

  

Craft beer from O’Hara’s. 

 

Yamazaki 12 year old Whisky from Japan. 

  Gin Martini at Fletchers.

  
  
Fletchers Bar and eatery is in the south Birmingham suburb of Kings Heath. Located on York Road, it’s friendly service and serious beers, Whiskies and cocktails make it a relaxed and veggie friendly choice in the area. Offering seasonal dishes and a varied tapas menu, Fletchers has an intimate and bustling vibe with a peaceful floral beer garden. 

It also offers independent Birmingham card holders 10% off the menu. 

Fletchers Bar: 7 York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7SA.

http://www.fletchersbarandeatery.co.uk/#!menu/c24tf

http://www.fletchersbarandeatery.co.uk/

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

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

I paid for my own food at Fletchers Bar and Eatery. All opinions are my own and honest as always. 

Previous post on Fletchers veggie Halloumi burger: 

FLETCHERS BAR: KING HEATH BIRMINGHAM

   
    
 Fletchers Beer Garden.

  

A new star is born: The Star and Garter pub in Leamington, gets new look. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Brunch, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Independent, vegan, vegetarian, Warwickshire by

   

  
   
 The Highfield in Edgbaston has been one of my favourite places to eat and drink in Birmingham since it opened just over a year ago. So I was pleased to hear that over in Leamington Spa in Warwickshire 

its sister pub The Star and Garter has had a refurbishment and re opened with a new menu that has numerous vegetarian options. 

Since being taken over by award-winning independent local pub company Peach, The Star & Garter has earned itself a place on the social scene, building up a reputation for offering good, fresh seasonal food and quality drinks, with friendly service to match, as new pub manager Colin Barber explains.

 “The Star & Garter is a lovely pub in a gorgeous period building in the heart of Leamington Spa. Having moved in three years ago, we’ve been warmly welcomed by the townspeople who’ve quickly made us their own. After getting to know our guests really well and asking what they wanted from their local, we’ve made the pub an even better, more sociable place to be. We’ve also added new seasonal dishes and quality drinks from great suppliers, many local,” he says.

 “We’ve updated our style, starting with an eye-catching new sign and a warmer, cosier interior making the pub more intimate. The bar’s been opened up and we’ve added more informal seating throughout. There are comfy booths and sofas in warm fabrics and soft leather, mellow wooden tables and chairs and quirky exposed brick effect wallpaper. The eatery has been completely restyled with spacious booths, creating an informal yet stylish place where you can eat, drink and relax wherever you like,” he says.

 On offer is a new Noon & Night Menu, with traditional pub classics, superfood dishes and seasonal specials from brunch through til late. Head chef Jakub Fijak uses great local and British produce in his dishes that keep the menu fresh and invigorated. 

 There is also a wide range of quality gins, with your choice of tonic, served in a grand coupe with plenty of ice, fruit and juniper berries, alongside local ales and premium long neck lagers, a new cocktail and mocktail list and even beer cocktails.

 “Our new style is all about being sociable, bringing more choice and more good things to eat and drink, whenever you visit. We want you to feel very welcome and right at home, whether you pop into the eatery for a burger, linger a bit longer over a three course dinner or simply join us for a drink,” says Colin.

 The Star & Garter is at 4-6 Warwick Street, Leamington Spa CV32 5LL. Tel: 01926 359 960.

http://www.starandgarterleamington.co.uk/

Twitter: Star_Leamington Facebook: TheStarGarter 

New menu highlights for vegetarians include: 

Major or Minor Orders, small pots for £3.50 or three pots (a board) for £9.50. 

Veggie Options include: 

Red lentil falafels, spicy yogurt, Wooky Hole cheddar and Parsnip Cakes, Tomato Jam, Superfood Salad, Quinoa, Sweet Potato, Broccoli and pomegranate, lemon and honey. 

Brunch is served from 9am to noon and vegetarians can enjoy Smashed avocado on toast with Poached egg, American pancakes, maple syrup, ricotta and banana. All eggs are local and free-range.

Mains include Superfood Salad, Quinoa, Sweet Potato, Broccoli & Pomegranate, Lemon & Honey (£6.50 or £12.00), Spicy Bean Burger, served in a Brioche Bun with Chips, Onion Rings & Coleslaw and Roast Squash and  Spinach and Barley Wellington, vegetarian gravy. 

With dishes changing seasonally and with a daily specials board The Star and Garter is one to keep an eye on for vegetarians. 

 

   
 
Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

All photos courtesy of The Star and Garter Leamington. 

Veggie Foodie Lunch watch: Java Lounge, Colmore Row, Birmingham. 

Posted in Birmingham, Coffee, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Lunch, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Sometimes you just want a simple lunch. Nothing fancy, nothing glamorous, just something that hits the spot, is warming and non offensive. This is what I found at Indie Coffee shop Java Lounge on Colmore Row in Birmingham City Centre. 

   

Having stumbled in, as you do, though I can assure you I hadn’t had a drink or much worse. I thought let’s give the Toasted Falafel Wrap with tomato and onion a go. It came with 2 dips and a mixed side salad. 

I was impressed, the falafel wrap was a decent size, with the tomato and onion offering a contrast to the firm falafel inside. It had a good flavour and wasn’t in any way falling away in my hands or was tough to cut with a knife and fork.  It was filling and even though I wasn’t sure of the dips which seemed an afterthought, maybe provide a oily chilli or balsamic dressing instead, it proved to be a decent lunch and not a rip off that some places are. For just over a fiver I had a filling vegetarian wrap and a Flat White (what else!). 

The flat white, pitch perfect, looked good. A really fine coffee. 

    
   

As the Java Lounge is only 5 minutes from the Birmingham Getman Market, it’s a lot more tempting for lunch for vegetarians than the overdose of meaty goods you can find there. It’s also inside and a darn site cheaper, unless you are having the cheesy garlic bread of course at the market. (Watch your breath though).

You can find Java Lounge on Colmore Row 5 minutes from Victoria Square. 
Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

I paid for my wrap and coffee myself and left with a bit more of a spring in my step than when I entered. 

For my coffee time review of Java Lounge see here: 

http://t.co/Rxwk0lWAj9

  
  

Review: Byzantium, Kings Heath, Revisited. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Food, Independent, Kings Heath, Spanish, Tapas, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   

Byzantium was colonised by Greek colonists from Megara in 657 BC. Not that anyone in Kings Heath was present, or can remember this. Partly because of heavy nights and days in the nearby Hare and Hounds and partly because well, the residents of Kings Heath have been silenced by their fear of more charity shops and the shock that a new ‘Subway’ sandwich shop has opened on the High Street. 
    

But then if the Greeks were around today then I’m sure they’d be impressed by the quaint and intimate hideaway named after their great empire that sits cosily on York Road (almost opposite The Hare and Hounds and next to Fletchers Bar.) 

For me Byzantium is the kind of tapas restaurant a Vegetarian could frequent often and still not get fed up of the same dishes. In fact there are numerous choices and daily specials that makes one scratch your head and shout out ‘if only I had one choice, life would be simpler.’ Yet, I have my favourite dishes, well why not, life’s too short!

Byzantium takes its inspiration from across the Mediterranean to create a tapas menu that’s reflective of the whole area. So you have, Spanish, Italian, Greek, French influences in the dishes which keeps the menu varied. Inside you’ll find religious art on the walls, church like seating, and ornate lamps which help to create a lovely exotic atmosphere. 

I’ve been going with Ruth to Byzantium fairly regularly over the last few years. It’s our go to place. We had a lovely Valentines night meal there earlier in the year. For its elegance, romantic lighting and soothing gothic shadows lend itself perfectly to the occasion. In fact my very first restaurant review for Veggie Foodie was Byzantium back in April 2014. 

This occasion too was a celebration for it was Ruth’s Birthday and her Mum was with us to celebrate. In fact Ruth’s Mum loves the restaurant.

I began with an aperitif. The Negroni. The classic Italian cocktail. 

  Negroni at Byzantium.

The Negroni was a well made aperitif, one part gin, one part Vermouth, one part Campari. Italy in a drink. Delicious. 

We also shared an excellent bottle of Prosecco with our food. Well we were celebrating. 

  

The vegetarian dishes we chose to share were: 

Homemade Flatbread. 

Zaalouk: pan fried Aubergine dip with cumin, Tomatoes, and Corriander. 

Olives: a selection of marinated green and black olives. 

These were all eaten as a shared starter. 

The flatbread was a beautiful unleavened bread, very large, served with a jalapeños chilli on top. Ideal for sharing it was a joyous thing, and probably due to its flavour and size the best plain flatbread in Birmingham. Taken with the punchy tomato and aubergine based Zaalouk its a perfect sharing starter. The pan fried aubergines perfect in a dip and the ideal accompaniment to the flattened doughy bread. A beautiful zingy flavour with a touch of cumin. 
  

To follow Ruth and her Mum ordered a couple of meat tapas to share and I ordered the Halloumi Souviaki for myself and four veggie tapas to share between the three of us. 

The dishes we shared were: 

Croquetas: Cheese and spinach croquetas served with alioi and red onion jam. 

Patatas Alioli: Crisp potatoes served with Garlic Mayonnaise. 

Tortilla Con Queso: Spanish omelette with potato, spinach, cheese, caramelised onions. 

Championes Rellenos: mushrooms stuffed with tomatoes, roasted red peppers and cheese. 

Halloumi Souviaki: skewers of Halloumi cheese, Mediterranean vegetables, served with Tzatiki (creamy yogurt, cucumber and garlic).

  Tortilla Con Queso. 

A classic Spanish Tortilla, an indulgent blend of potatoes, spinach and cheese, topped off with the golden tinged caramelised onions to make s very satisfying tapas dish. One of the best. A Perfectly made tortilla. 

  

Championes Rellenos. 

A tasty tomato based stuffed mushroom dish which had a delicious lingering flavour and complimented the tortilla well especially. The cheese didn’t overwhelm the rich tomato sauce. I liked the bulky mushrooms as a contrast to the Patatas Alioli too. 

  Croquetas. 

Nice Croquetas with a good creamy filling. Served with the red onion marmalade gave it another dimension in flavour that elevated it. A recommended dish. 

    Halloumi Souviaki. 

The star dish on the night. Who doesn’t like skewers of Halloumi? Served with Mediterranean vegetables, the peppers in particular offer a juicy accompany ment as does the side salad and the garlicky Tzatiki. Halloumi heaven on a plate. 

  Patatas Alioli: 

crisp potatoes served with a garlic mayo. A classic tapas dish though not as fine as the Patatas Bravas which is also on the menu. Any potato dish whether Alioli or Bravas is essential for Vegetarians at Byzantium.

  Tiramisu. 

The most disappointing dish of the night. Both Ruth and I chose the Tiramisu. I’m in love with tiramisu and it’s often my first choice when in any menu. Yet in the UK it can be underwhelming, as this unfortunately was. The cream was over whipped and it didn’t ‘pick me up’ at all. Quite the opposite in fact. A disappointing pud. I can’t find anything positive to say about it at all. 

  

Poached Pears soaked in Red wine.

So to counterbalance the bad, meet the good. The Poached Pears, Just lovely, decadent, the pear fragrant against the deep full bodied reduced wine, a beautiful strikingly simple desert that I’ve eaten before and found an old photo of. 

Along with the Creme Catalan the best pudding on the desert menu. 

Byzantium is a lovely tapas restaurant and one that Kings Heath is rightly proud. Our food on the night was delicious. The dishes were all well made, with the menu demonstrating a varied and sensitivity to vegetarians and meat eaters are well served too. In fact for veggies there’s enough choice for tears of joy and to return with Christmas bells on next week, and have a completely different menu. 

The service was good, attentive, friendly and efficient. In fact everything that a neighbourhood restaurant should be. It has a strong drinks menu, with sherry’s, cocktails and a mixed selection of European wine, plus spirits, vin Santo (which we enjoyed) and a good strong espresso. If only their Tiramisu was up to scratch things would be perfect, but for now it will do, maybe the Greeks didn’t get to Venice or Verona, but thankfully South Birmingham and who can complain at that? 

  
 

We paid for our food in full apart from the complimentary bottle of prosecco, kindly given as it was Ruth’s birthday. My opinions are honest and no review was expected or required. 

She had a good night. 

http://www.byzantiumtapas.co.uk/

http://www.byzantiumtapas.co.uk/menu/

Byzantium,  11 York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7SA. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Byzantium have also recently opened an up stairs function room for parties and large groups to dine and party. 

For details and party menu see their website and my post here: 

http://t.co/9wa86cSkdr

   
 

  

#Veggiebreakfastwatch: Kitchen Garden Cafe: Kings Heath.

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

The full veggie as I call it can come in many different forms. Some with veggie sausage, some without, some with fried egg, some with scrambled. Some with beans on the plate, some (my preference) in its own pot. There’s no right or wrong way, but for me generally it’s all in the egg. The egg, and how it’s made, can make or break a breakfast. I always hope it oozes and has a lively bright yellow yolk. But then that’s the thing about eggs, the joy is in the beholder. The choice is yours. At least at The Kitchen Garden Cafe in Kings Heath it’s free range and in this case organic. 

  
  
The Kitchen Garden Cafe on York Road In Kings Heath is a funky kind of place. It’s wooden rustic tables look like they’ve seen a lot of the years. It’s their ethos of organic produce and veggie friendly menu that makes this place a jewel in Kings Heath. With a garden centre, deli and live music and events programme attached to it, it’s a place for all occasions and has a real community feel. 

There are numerous vegetarian breakfast options, that also include the veggie hash potato with onions with a choice of grilled Mediterranean vegetables and a free range egg, (see review below)  pancakes and eggs florentine. 

http://t.co/aFE5Y6AVLD

The Kitchen Garden Full Vegetarian includes veggie sausages, mushrooms, baked beans, free range egg (fried or poached) grilled tomato, fries slice and toast (Brown or white) for a bargain £6.95. 

  
It’s a delicious breakfast, in fact almost perfect. Good veggie sausages, a perfect runny fried egg. Only where it falls down is with the mushrooms, which are a bit hard I this occasion, but I’ve had it before when they’ve been perfectly cooked. The beans are on the plate (not to everyone’s taste, but ok for me.) I like the fried bread slice. Always welcome, and not greasy or oily but just enough to make it fried bread, so not too unhealthy. 

I like the Kitchen Garden Full veggie. It’s a good size, good value and with a coffee or tea a nice way to begin the day in a funky ethical and free range kind of place. Again service is friendly, relaxed and staff are happy to adapt the dish for dietary or other requirements (such as the beans) yes you Ruth!

My parents also enjoyed their veggie breakfasts and have become big fans of The Kitchen Garden Cafes home cooked food. 

It’s a lovely place for any time of day. Though breakfasts are only served until 12. 

      

     For pudding. 

  Cappucino 

  For afters Homemade Fruit Cake. 

   

          
   
 

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

I paid for my breakfast. All opinions are my own. 

You can find The Kitchen Garden Cafe on York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham. 

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.