Category Archives: vegetarian

Met Bar & Kitchen, Solihull supports veggie month this month. 

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Gastro Card, Solihull, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the Met Bar and Kitchen in Solihull for my input into their new menu. They wanted to explore with me their vegetarian dishes and ways in which they could improve the scope and variation on the menu in order to launch their new dishes and menu during Veggie Month which falls this month (March). 

I have to be honest and say that i’d never eaten at The Met Bar & Kitchen before though I’d seen them on Twitter and walked past numerous times when in Solihull, but knew for vegetarians the menu was limited and felt more of an add on rather than interesting enough to attract vegetarians into the bar, as well as impress meat eaters to try them out. 

The Met Bar Press Release says: 

‘Solihull’s Met Bar & Kitchen is marking Veggie Month by launching a range of daily changing vegetarian specials which will run throughout March. 

Created by Head Chef Zeke Agrios with ideas and input from Midlands-based vegetarian food blogger Andy Hare, the meat free dishes have been developed to tempt both vegetarians and meat eaters, with fresh seasonal and colourful ingredients expertly combined to make flavoursome and satisfying meals. 

Veggie Month specials include Coconut and Sweetcorn Fritters with spicy avocado, cherry tomato and Corriander salsa: Chargrilled Aubergine, sundried tomato and mozzarella wrap with marina a sauce and pine nut crunch and Ricotta and Spinach filo parcel served with puttanesca sauce. 

Met Bar and Kitchen Owner Alistair Tyson said: “We were conscious that vegetarian dishes are very often put together by meat eating chefs so we invited Andy to come up with some opinions he’d like to see on menus when dining out.

“Andy’s suggestions are a refreshing change and, with some chef development, they sit well alongside our new seasonal menu which will also launch in March. 

Andy Hare said: “A vegetarian meal when dining out can often mean a pasta or mushroom based dish. 

“We have some great vegetarian menus in Midlands restaurants and I’m delighted to add Met Bar and Kitchen to that list. My wife is a meat-eater and I know these are dishes she would order and enjoy too.”

The new menu also includes Butternut Squash, new potato and spinach Goan curry with Corriander Naan bread and Mac’ and cheese with forest mushrooms, spinach, blue cheese crumb and truffle oil. 

 Mac’ and cheese with forest mushrooms, spinach, blue cheese crumb and truffle oil.   Coconut and Sweetcorn Fritters with spicy avocado, cherry tomato and Corriander salsa. 

The dishes that I suggested will also be on the menu as specials, over the course of the month. 

Met Bar & Kitchen also have a Delicious Spiced chick pea and roasted pepper burrito with sour cream. Served with mixed leaves and frites For £6.25 Monday-Saturday to 6pm.  

Animal Aid’s Veggie Month provides an opportunity to emphasis the positive benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle and diet. 
It runs from March 1st-31st. 

http://www.animalaid.org.uk/veggiemonth/index.htm

  
The Met Bar & Kitchen is owned by Solihull Businessman and residents Chris Kelly and Alistair Tyson. They are also proprietors of The White Horse at Balsall Common and are involved in The Sun on The Hill in Birmingham. 

Met Bar & Kitchen, 680 Warwick Road, Solihull (town centre) B91 3DX. 

0121-705 9495. 

http://www.themetbar.co.uk

https://m.facebook.com/MetroBarGrillSolihull/

@mbksolihull 

Thanks to Lucie Ray-Barrett on behalf of Met Bar and Kichen, Solihull for my involvement. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

The Gastro Card: Buy yours at a discount price here. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Gastro Card, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Recently I’ve teamed up with The Gastro Card to be their Vegetarian blogger/reviewer. You’ll see on my blog a few reviews of their restaurants from time to time that they’ll share with their members, their website and on social media. 

  
Via this blog post I’ve got a Discount Offer on The Gastro Card, so read on to the end of the post. 

I’ve already written a review for Marco’s New York Italian at The Holiday inn, see here: 

https://t.co/AMwyOyzFwL

If like me you like to eat out and feel sometimes that it’s too expensive to do on a regular basis, then maybe just maybe The Gastro Card is for you. 
What is The Gastro Card? 

The Gastro Card is the Midlands leading independent dining card. It provides Gastro Card members with 12 months unlimited access to exclusive dining offers at more than 200+ hand picked restaurants. 

These offers are not available to the general public and the offers range from 10% to 50% off the food bill to a free glass of wine or champagne for each diner to complimentary bottles of wine, 50% off wine when dining A La Carte etc. Gastro Card members can save up to £500 a year if they use their card once a week. 

http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/

Where can I eat? 

The Gastro Card has partner restaurants in Birmingham, Black Country, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Cotswolds, Leicestershire, Herefordshire, Solihull, Rutland, Stratford Upon Avon, Henley in Arden, Worstershire, Coventry, Leamington. 

   Bistro 1847

Henry Wong   Asha’s

Some of my favourites are on the list, including Vegetarian Bistro 1847 in Birmingham where you can get 50% off Monday- Thursday and 25% off on Friday’s and Saturdays.

Plus Henry Wong, Adams, Purnells Bistro, Peels restaurant at Hampton Manor, Ashas, Itihaas, Edmunds, Jyoti’s vegetarian, Kababish-Moseley, Hotel Du Vin, Chung Ying Central, Gas Street Social, Opus, Amantia, And many more. 

http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/restaurants/

What’s the deal? 

To buy a Gastro Card it will usually cost you £30 a year. 

For Veggie Foodie readers I have a special code that will get you £5 off a full 12 month card. 

That’s £25 for a full year of restaurant discounts. 

Just click on the link below to take you to the Gastro Card website and put the code VeggieFoodie in the promo code box for a 12 month Gastro Card it will deduct £5 from the total.

http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/buy-the-gastro-card/

Disclosure: The code gives you £5 off the standard price of the Gastro Card . By using the code I make a few pence too at no extra cost to yourselves. 

Enjoy the card and foodie treats.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊
 Marco’s New York Italian at Birmingham Airport.

   Marco’s New York Italian.

  Opus Reataurant 

  Bistro 1847.

   Amantia Restaurant

 Purnells Bistro
   Asha’s 

 Peels Restaurant at Hampton Manor. 

  Met Bar and Kitchen, Solihull.

New menu launched at Cafe Opus At Ikon with Vegetarian options. 

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Birmingham, Brunch, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, City Centre, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Cafe Opus is a lovely light flooded restaurant for a relaxing brunch or lunch. Part of the Opus family, with Well regarded Opus Restaurant and Bar Opus, the cafe sits comfortably and temptingly in the Beautiful building that is the internationally acclaimed contemporary Ikon Gallery, which is surely one of the best places to visit in Birmingham. 

Again like its other siblings, the cafe focuses on local seasonal produce, ethically sourced and informally put together to make a high quality cafe in its own right.

   

Ikon Gallery
  
 

Cafe Opus have now launched a new seasonal menu (See above) that has a number of tempting Vegetarian and Some vegan dishes on it. 

Try Slow Baked Aubergine, rich tomato and Quorn ragu. (Not vegan) 

Penne Pasta tossed in basil pesto, Wilted rocket and sun blushed tomatoes (vegan) see photo below.

Photo courtesy of Cafe Opus/Clive Reeves PR.  

Spaghetti with homemade rich tomato and Quorn bolognaise sauce. (Not vegan) 

Note: for vegans the menu says vegan friendly for a number of dishes, but only certain quorn products are vegan friendly. This after discussion with Opus is under review. 

Plus light bites: 

Buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, basil pesto salad

Homemade Soup (Vegan soup option available daily).

Goats Cheese, roasted beetroot salad dressed leaves, red onion marmalade. 

Cafe Opus also serve a daily all day Brunch menu that includes mushrooms on toast, and fluffy pancakes- maple syrup and banana. 

And for £10.50 you can enjoy soup and another dish off the menu. 

Cafe open Tuesday-Sunday 10-5. 

Cafe Opus also serve Afternoon Tea every day for £10 per person. This includes finger sandwiches, fancy cakes, scones, clotted cream, fresh fruit conserves and tea. (See photo below) 

Spoil Mum this #MothersDay with their  #AfternoonTea package. Afternoon Tea with prosecco for two, just £30. 

Call 0121 200 2323 for a gift card – the perfect present!
   
 2 Photos above courtesy of Cafe Opus. 

Janet Mendelsohn: Varna Road exhibition: 

At the moment until April 3rd The Ikon Gallery hosts the largest exhibition to date of photographs by American academic and documentary filmmaker Janet Mendelsohn. 

Part of a ‘photo-essay’ Mendelsohn made as a student at the University of Birmingham during 1967–69, the photographs depict everyday life in the inner-city district of Balsall Heath, focusing in particular on a young woman referred to as Kathleen, with whom Mendelsohn formed a close relationship.

Balsall Heath during the 1960’s was Birmingham largest Red light district. A place of work for 200 prostitutes. This included Varna Road which the exhibition is named after. 

Mendelsohn photographs show a working class distinct in flux prior to the so called slum clearance that followed within 2 years. 

This challenging exhibition of photographs is on until the 3rd April 2016.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

  Summer at Cafe Opus. 

Cafe Opus, 1 Oozells Street, Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2HS.

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

https://ikon-gallery.org/event/janet-mendelsohn/

https://ikon-gallery.org/


Restaurant review: Marco’s New York Italian at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport. 

Posted in American, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Food, Hotels, Italian restaurants, Solihull, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  
Airports, love them or hate them, they are not necessarily the place you go for good food. That arrives when you get to your destination, that far flung land of foodie decadence and if like me over indulgence. 

Though Marco’s New York Italian isn’t in the forecourt like some other ‘foodie faves’, it sits quite perfectly in the Holiday Inn that is within a short distance of the terminals and forms part of Birmingham Airports hotels. In fact a shuttle link takes you to the dreaded check in (my thoughts!) and that far flung land. 

I have to say, honestly that eating in a Holiday inn wasn’t my idea of a fun Friday night, but I’d seen photos of the restaurant and felt reassured that it is a place in its own right to visit. Sitting on the Coventry Road not far from Solihull town centre it has a nice comfortable inviting feel about it, and is spacious with booth seating (which we liked) and tables for couples and fours etc. 

The last time Ruth and I ate at a hotel restaurant at an airport it was I recollect a dodgy Beefeater type place that had a a la cardboard as its main course for vegetarians, made exotic by serving it with new potatoes. So on walking into Marco’s We were pleasantly surprised to find a smart modern decor and more upscale feel. 

The restaurant felt intimate and good for couples with its plush monochrome design. 

   

Marco’s New York Italian at Birmingham Airport is open all day and blends American and Italian dining, think pastas, steaks, burgers, pizzas, cocktails and salads. 

It has numerous vegetarian dishes on the menu so I was well covered. 
    

Ruth and I jumped straight in and ordered a couple of cocktails whilst we looked at the menu. Ruth ordered a Gin Martini and myself a Negroni, a classic of Italian cocktails, (aperitif) which shouted Italy as soon as started drinking it. Mmm Florence!

Ruth enjoyed her Martini which she said had a nice gin kick to it. 

    Olives, grissini sticks, croccante with warm baked sourdough bread, olive oil and balsamic. (Below) 

  

We grazed on the above table sharing plates. The olives, garlicky, salty, were good and along with the breadsticks and croccante crackers a highlight and plentiful for 2 or even 4. Though the sourdough?Mmm, not so good, and certainly not the sourdough I’m used to from Maison Mayci in Kings Heath. Not very airy or light, very disappointing. 

  Salad of beetroot, goats cheese and walnuts.

  

For a Vegetarian starter (though the sharer was like one) I chose the salad of beetroot and goats cheese with walnut dressing. I really enjoyed this dish. It looked pretty, the beetroot thinly sliced but not overpowering the salad and with the right quantity of goats cheese and walnuts ( scattered over) was the right type of starter (with hindsight) to enjoy at Marco’s New York Italian. Not too large and lights a feather. A lovely Vegetarian dish. 

Ruth chose the Caeser Salad, with avocado and though this was came with anchovies they said it could be made without. 

For my main course I ordered Macaroni di funghi, wild mushrooms with a poached egg and we shared a side dishes of Onion Rings and Sweet Potato fries (though I think I ate greedily most of the fries).  

Surprisingly, I am pleased to admit this was a lovely dish. The mushrooms, deeply flavoured with a runny poached egg providing a lovely rich and deep flavour to the well cooked and lightly coated macaroni and a contrast to the earthy delicate mushrooms interspersed within the pasta. 

The egg making the dish feel more substantial and though a decent and generous sized plate of food it didn’t feel heavy or repetitive. The flavours held well together to make another excellent vegetarian dish which you can have as a starter also (smaller portion). 

The sweet potato fries were very good though the Onion Rings were not so and became soggy at the bottom of the dish they came in. 

Ruth ordered a 10oz ribeye steak (which I knew she would) with garlic and rosemary, fries and tomatoes and said it was good and I believe her! Well what else can I do. 

  
  Side dishes: Sweet Potato Fries and Onion Rings. 

  Macaroni di Funghi with poached egg.

  

For desert we were persuaded to sample a number of dishes, a trio in fact. I insisted on trying the Hot Italian Donuts with Chocolate sauce and Ruth chose the Classic Affogato with Amaretti biscuits, vanilla ice cream with espresso. (Forgot to take a photo)

We also chose the temptingly sounding and recommended by the restaurant Sicilian lemon sorbet with Frozen Limoncello. 
  

    

The Italian Donuts were very impressive. Hot rich Gooey Chocolate for dunking the lightest donuts I’ve tasted for a long time. A perfect desert with a coffee and an outstanding choice when at Marco’s.

The Sicilian lemon sorbet was a total contrast. Zingy, refreshing, with a good limoncello liquor flavour coming through. They both  worked well together, lovely. 

The Classic Affogato, was also to be recommended. A full espresso flavour, made well. Good flavours with a whopping three scoops of vanilla ice cream. 

We also ordered two large glasses of wine with our main courses both recommended by our server Jason.

Ruth ordered a deep and recommended red wine, a Shiraz (Short mile bay) from Australia with her steak and I ordered a white wine, A Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. 

A so called ‘Marco Recommends’ wine, right? Written as MR on the menu. Got it! They were both good. A nice recommendation. Thanks Jason! Not Marco. 

I was very impressed by Marco’s New York Italian at Birmingham Airport. Not once did it feel like a second rate restaurant in a hotel. It had a quality feel, felt relaxed, modern and in our case romantic. The service was attentive and friendly throughout, helpful when asked for recommendations which were frequently made during the evening. The food we ate was very good, tasty, substantial and had the balance between New York and Italy just right with a good range of dishes. The Vegetarian side of the menu has numerous choices, and for that it is a recommended place to dine for veggies. 

In fact what the restaurant does is provide those living in the area a nice venue for special occasions that is affordable and doesn’t involve a curry or sitting in a pub. 

It’s a hub for the community as well as guests to the hotel and for those guests it’s not A La Cardboard but A la LA (or New York) good, tasty food and good service that ticks many boxes. 

You can feel refreshed taking off (or getting up at home) the next morning, full and satisfied and that can’t be a bad thing. Now that for me is a recommendation, Marco! 

 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

I’ve teamed up with the Gastro Card  who Invited me to try out the new vegetarian dishes and menu at Marco’s New York Italian at Birmingham Airport. Our food and drinks were complimentary, but a positive review wasn’t required, just an honest one of our experience which I’ve duly delivered by aeroplane. 

Marco’s, Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport, Coventry Road, B26 3QW.

http://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/birmingham-airport

For details on the Gastro Card see

http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/

http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/restaurants/

Thanks in particular to Jason and his team for the service on the night and recommendations. 

Also note that if you drive to the restaurant/hotel then you can claim back your car parking fee.

   
 The last two photos courtesy of Marco’s New York Italian and Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport. 

Veggie lunch watch: Asha’s restaurant, Birmingham.

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Colmore business district, Curry restaurants, Lunch, Lunch deals, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Some restaurants will always hold a special place in your heart. The type of place that you go back to because it conjures those memories that make us who we are. 

That is certainly the role that Asha’s in Birmingham City Centre fills. It was here that Ruth and I ate on our first proper date, where we talked and ate for what felt like ages. On that night I can remember talking about singer Nick Drake and the place his music fills in both our lives, laughing and feeling happy that I’d met someone like Ruth who I could talk to at length and who shared my love of food. 

Then on another occasion I remember celebrating our engagement here with friends, of eating there with my brother a few weeks before I got married to Ruth, a little celebration, a toast to the future.

So for my Birthday lunch on this occasion it seemed the right place to go. 

What is it about some places that have this resonance, have this pull? Is it the food, the atmosphere, or does the memory fuel the desire to revisit? In Asha’s case it’s all of those. 

     
  

Asha’s is located on Newhall Street, in what is known as the Colmore Business District of the City Centre. Approximately 5 minutes from the shops, the restaurant offers a large bar area that serves cocktails (recommended) and is a good venue for private parties and celebrations. 

Rated in the Michelin Guide, Asha’s has a stylish, but cosy and warm feel about it with a sophisticated note that stems from the clientele and delicious cocktails that it serves. Decor is exotic (a bit Bollywood) and the menu is extensive with good and varied choices for vegetarians.

  

Asha’s offer an Executive Lunch. 

For £16.95 you get 2 courses, with pulao rice, vegetable raita, Popadoms and a selection of bread. The price also includes either a glass of red or white wine, beer, soft drink or mineral water. There is one Vegetarian choice on the starters and main courses (which may deter some) with four non vegetarian main courses including a fish curry. 

The vegetarian options were a Vegetarian Kebab Platter (Paneer Ka Soola, Aloo Tikka, Papdi Chat) and the main course of Kadhai Paneer. 

  
  Crisp Popadoms with varied dips, some of the best I’ve eaten. 

  
    
  Starter: Comprised of Paneer Ka Soola: A delicious marinated, firm paneer piece, juicy, served with a green pepper that had a nice deep spice flavour. This contrasted the Aloo tikka or spiced potato patties. The perfect Northern indian street food. Asha’s were hot, spicy, with a crisp outside and soft inside with a good savoury flavour. and perfect with the creamy Papdi Chaat. 

For me one of the best dishes in Birmingham. A lovely street food dish. With a Creamy and crunchy texture, a melt in the mouth fusion of chick peas, potatoes and yogurt. Sweet, sour, tangy and spicy flavours. This dish had me in Mumbai. A Delicious and varied vegetarian starter platter.

  Rice and breads with a glass of Red wine.

 

   Kadhai Paneer:

My main course was the Kadhai Paneer and came with the pulao rice, vegetable raita and selection of breads, including Naan and Roti.

A mouthwatering dish, delicious gravy like consistency, paneer  blended with tomatoes onion, with a good spicy lift that served with the Naan made for an exotic taste. Lovely. 

   Nice vegetable raita.

  
  

Kadhai paneer served in a nice bowl.

 

Asha’s is stylish and exotic with a keen eye on the business surroundings outside. The vegetarian options on the Executive Lunch Menu are cooked with aplomb and are plentiful.  Asha’s is a sophisticated spot, with a warm feel and atmosphere especially on the weekend. 

Birmingham has many curry houses but if you want a superior meal in Birmingham City Centre then you won’t go far wrong with Asha’s. For value and quality the Asha’s Executive Lunch is a steal and a lovely way of spending that hour of the day which is so precious and for a celebration it’s well worth revisiting. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

We paid for our lunch in full. All opinions expressed are mine and honest as always. 

Ruth enjoyed a glass of house white with her meaty curry and myself a glass of house red with our lunch. Both went well with the dishes. 

Birmingham Vegan Beer festival returning on the 15-16th July 2016.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Beer festivals, Birmingham, City Centre, Festivals, Food, Independent, Real ale, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   
 This July The Birmingham Vegan Beer Festival will be returning after the much deserved success of last years event. 

The event which will be this year held at The Gunmakers Arms in Bath Street in the Jewellery Quarter and not at Two Towers Brewery in Hockley like last year. 

The Gunmakers Arms which is owned by Two Towers Brewery and has recently opened will run the event over two days, 15th and 16th July which is the beginning of the Birmingham Beer week. 

Last year I attended the event with Ruth and loved trying and ticking off the different beers and the food that was on offer from ChangeKitchen and last year The Warehouse Cafe. 

The event will be bigger than last year, and include roughly 20 mainly locally brewed Vegan friendly beers. 

The beers taking part in the festival haven’t been confirmed yet, but last year selection included from Two Towers, the excellent Chamberlain Pale Ale,  Complete Muppetry, Hockley Gold, and Electric Ale.

  
Plus there were beers from Rock and Roll Brewhouse (Meat is Murder) named after The Smiths seminal album, and their full bodied mild called Telstar,  Ginger Stout from Angel Ales brewed with fresh ginger, and the lovely Duck Blonde from Green Duck Brewing Company, with its fruity peachy then citrus, refreshing flavour and Gold Work from the fantastic Beowulf Brewing Company.

   
   
The Food will be provided by ChangeKitchen and Vegan Grindhouse. 

 ChangeKitchen food. 

Keep an eye on my blog for the full list of beers and food closer to July. 

See you there. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

  
http://twotowersbrewery.co.uk/

http://gunmakersarms.com/

The Gunmakers Arms holds frequent kitchen street food takeovers. See their website for details and Twitter. 

The Gunmakers Arms, 93 Bath Street, Birmingham B4 6HQ. 

Two Towers Brewery, unit 1 Mott Street, Hockley, Birmingham B19 3HE. 

Review: Vegetarian menu at Opus Restaurant, Birmingham. 

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

   

It seems quite an obvious thing to have. A Vegetarian menu can demonstrate your commitment to vegetarians, but also to the produce you use and to the producers. You’re giving them a helping hand and saying here you go this is your time to showcase your wares. Little things help, not that I’m particular about restaurants of a certain Ilk not having a menu for me to peruse. Some of the best meals I’ve had have come off the cuff or from a limited menu of veggie goodness. 

For Opus Restaurant on Cornwall Street I  guess it makes sense to have a vegetarian menu, it allows their producers Worcester Produce scope to be given a platform to grow and perform and the chefs an opportunity to create menus that reflect seasonality like it should. 

That’s an excellent philosophy from the field to the plate. Its one they own and do if you’ll allow me the indulgence, oh so well. 

The Vegetarian menu was launced in January, initially to be changed every month, this has now been amended to a change every season. There is a market menu that changes more frequently also available. 

  

Ruth and i visited on a Saturday evening, and from experience Opus tends to be busier on a Friday and Saturday evening and had a nice chatty atmosphere throughout the evening. Opus is an excellent choice for a celebration, but is relaxed enough for a chilled lunch or evening out. 

We began in the large bar area at the rear of the restaurant in order to have a cocktail and look through the menus. We ordered an exemplary Dry Gin Martini, classily made by Thomas the bar manager with Hereford Chase Gin, who deserves a special mention for his hospitality and cocktail. 

Dry and soothingly beautiful it was a mighty fine thing. 

We both chose to eat from the Vegetarian menu which offers two Vegan dishes also. 

  

Both Ruth and I chose to order the Roasted Butternut Squash Tortellini, Squash velouté, Toasted Seeds.  Dish Before the velouté was poured over the tortellini. 

  

We both thought the dish was stunning. A real taste of the winter season, where a gentle natural heat came through and demonstrated the versatility of the squash with Perfectly cooked tortellini, a luxurious dish of real quality and elegance. 
    

We also both tried a second starter off the menu, as a pre-main course dish. The Asiette of Beetroot, textures of goats cheese. 

This was a fine starter, that though wasn’t as stunning as the velouté before was full of the earthyness of the beetroot which woked well against the creamy goats cheese. An impressive starter which used the fantastic thinly sliced and striped sweet candy beet (from Worcester Produce) against the creamy soft goats cheese. 

For her main course Ruth chose the wintry sounding Porcini mushroom risotto, crispy hens egg, sherry vinegar reduction.

  

A twist on the traditional Northern Italian dish was certainly a winner with Ruth. She loved the earthy intense nuttyness of the porcini (piglets).

She said it was perfectly executed, the risotto the right texture and the strong depth of flavour showed off the so called king of mushrooms well. The added hens egg on top gave it a creamy addition when broken into. A delicious rich dish, which on trying i concurred with. The ruling class of risottos.

I chose the beautifully sounding Celeriac, red onion and feta pithivier, baby spinach confit tomato and pearl barley sauce.

  
  

A pithivier is a classic French savoury pastry dish (I love pastry dishes) with a distinctive round shape and sunbeam pattern scored on top.

Beautifully presented, the contrasting ingredients worked well  with the feta holding it all together to make a stunning winter pie that though large in size wasn’t heavy but had a light finish.

A real centrepiece dish which showed off the subtle but slightly nutty celeriac and confit tomatoes well.

A special mention to the Pearl barley sauce which gave the dish an extra wow factor.

We also ate some top notch chips as a side extra. Naturally they went perfectly with the pithivier.

  

We chose not to have a desert (but recommended) as we had enjoyed a pre main course, but chose to have two excellent double espressos and petit fours. These were ok, though not the best we’d had and were slightly underwhelming considering they were on the desert menu as a dish to buy. Could be improved. 
  

After visiting Opus last year for their Vegetarian Source dinner with Worcester Produce i noted how much more the kitchen were becoming in creating interestingly different and creative Vegetarian dishes. How by using the great fresh seasonal produce you are able to get the best extracted from the season.

 The chefs now seem more adept and positive in creating a menu that gives a permanent showcase for this produce and vegetarians a better and richer dining experience. The vegetarian menu at Opus is a natural progression from the Source dinner and one that makes Opus one of the best dining experiences in Birmingham for Vegetarians, and with a couple of Vegan options (though could be more) a restaurant for them to visit too. I’m looking forward to seeing what the Spring will bring to the plate and long may we enjoy the fruits of the producers such as Worcester Produce and Caroll’s Heritage Potatoes in Northumberland. 

Opus is indeed a special restaurant in Birmingham and now for vegetarians maybe just essential dining. 

  
    
   

Thanks for reading,

Andy😊

Disclaimer: our meal at Opus was complimentary. This does not affect my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

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

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

http://www.opusrestaurant.co.uk/dinner-series/

Opus Restaurant, 54 Cornwall Street, Bitmingham,  B3 2DE.

0121 200 2323

The next Vegetarian Source Dinner is on Friday 19th August 7pm with Worcester Produce. For my previous  review, see the below link:

http://t.co/WkopBcpQ9P

   
 

Previous reviews of Opus from Veggie Foodie: 

http://t.co/WkopBcpQ9P

https://t.co/3tmU7L7Y2V

Henry Wong restaurant in Harborne announces Military Home Fisher House as their chosen charity. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cantonese, Charities, Chinese, Harborne, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   
 It’s always nice to report on something slightly different than the direct food related news and reviews. Henry Wong a lovely Cantonese restaurant in Harborne in Birmingham which is fabulous for Vegetarians, has always been involved in local charity work. 

They are still involved with The Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer charity which raises money directly for the cancer unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but have now added Fisher House also at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.  

The  QE’s Fisher House is Touted as a ‘Home away from Home’, Fisher House is intended for injured military personnel – many of whom have suffered life changing injuries in service – and their immediate families and is based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.  

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is the receiving hospital for all the UK’s military patients who are injured or fall ill anywhere around the world during active service. These military patients are treated by both NHS and military medical staff. Over 400 serving military personnel form the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine are based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

Fisher House opened its doors in April 2013, and has already provided medical assistance and respite for almost 1,700 people, including patients, parents, partners and children. This adds up to more than 9,500 nights of accommodation provided for people ranging in age from one month to 94 years!

Help from businesses like Henry Wong of Harborne is integral to the running of Fisher House, as it solely relies on funds from charitable donations. Mike Hammond, the Chief Executive of QEHB Charity, which runs Fisher House explains “We are extremely grateful to everyone at Henry Wong of Harborne for choosing to support Fisher House. It costs the charity £250,000 a year to run the facility and we rely entirely on the generous support of individuals and companies, like Henry Wong, to raise this. More fundraising means we can offer more free accommodation and support to more military patients and their families. We very much look forward to working with Henry Wong of Harborne in 2016”.

It was a perfect fit for Henry Wong of Harborne owner, Parm Rai, who has a long history in supporting Birmingham-based charities. Commenting; “First and foremost I wanted to support a charity local to the restaurant in Harborne. Mike Hammond from Fisher House regularly visits Henry Wong and has, on occasion, brought along some of his patients to dine with us, as part of their reintegration to society. I, like many, feel indebted to these military personnel who have literally laid their lives on the line for our us, so I could think of no worthier charity to support in 2016”.
Henry Wong of Harborne will be organizing a calendar of exciting events both on and off-site that will raise awareness and funds for Fisher House.  

Henry Wong Harborne was opened just over 30 years ago and saw a relaunch by businessman Parm Rai in 2008. They introduced a new cocktail bar, outdoor terrace dining area and a private dining room to host events.

   

    

Henry Wong restaurant is also celebrating the Chinese New Year with this year is the year of the Monkey.

2016 (on the Chinese calendar) is a year of the Monkey, starting from February 8 (Chinese New Year), and ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).

The Monkey is ninth of the 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Every 12 years there is a Monkey year. (Interestingly, Monkey years are all multiples of 12 — from 12 AD, through 1200 AD, to now in 2016.)
   

For details of Henry Wong you can find them at:

http://henrywongharborne.co.uk/

For more information on Fisher House: 

http://www.fisherhouseuk.org/

http://www.fisherhouseuk.org/about/

For more information onLadies Fighting Breast Cancer: 

http://www.lfbc.org.uk/

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Thanks also to Henry Wong and FU Media for the information on Fisher House. 

All photos apart from the food pics courtesy of Henry Wong. 

For previous vegetarian food reviews of Henry Wong see the links below: 

https://t.co/8wgJpC8N9R

http://t.co/9artBxAlv7

Veggie Burger Watch: One Trick Pony Club, Moseley, Birmingham. 

Posted in American, Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Moseley, Real ale, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers by

  
  

One Trick Pony Club opened in 2014 in Moseley, replacing the tired and quite frankly dull O’Neil’s on the Alcester Road. Though it’s a chain owned by the same parent company as its predecessor, Mitchells and Butlers ( it’s part of the Castle Pubs Group) its revamp resulted in a rustically lit, richer and a more hipster cool venue that’s introduced an American diner-style food menu for the Moseley (or London) wanna be’s. 

Though I’m not one to shout out too loud about chains, the One Trick Pony Club offers a cosy warm feeling space with a mixture of bar stool seating set around tall tables, brown leather booth style seating and a keen real ale list that includes Doom Bar, a Wychwood Beer and local Purity UBU as well as Thwaites Wainright. 

   
 
  
On a Tuesday 2-1 burgers are served and this is the deal that Ruth and I enjoyed, when we visited. 

The vegetarian burger is a Spicy chickpea, cous cous,and coriander burger with crispy onion and sweet potato fries costing £8.95. 

  
Spicy chick pea, couscous and Corriander burger with sweet potato fries. 

The element of spicy chickpea gave the burger a nice flavour, and with a good texture worked well with the cous cous to provide a veggie burger that didn’t fall away when bit into, (always a good sign) and with the addition of the crispy onion it was a satisfying eat. 

The sweet potato fries I enjoyed. They were good looking fries with a good flavour and bite to them. Nice. 

I’d recommend the veggie burger at One Trick Pony Club, especially on burger nights  2-1 deal. Though not the best in town by any means it was a cut above many and was good value even without the deal. For a drink it’s spacious and offers varied wine and beer options with some good real ales on tap. Though not offering a great and original choice of food for vegetarians, it’s satisfactory with a group of mates who may eat meat or with your partner for a relaxed evening. 

I liked the One Trick Pony Club’s cool funk feel it’s a nice place to chill and be fed and watered but, disappointingly not a horse in sight. 

Well not on the night we went. They were all in the Prince of Wales. Probably. 

  

  
 Sweet potato fries. 

One Trick Pony Club also have a brunch menu on a Saturday and Sunday which includes a vegetarian breakfast but no defined Vegan breakfast. 
They also offer what’s called a shoomhalloumi, (under burger menu) which is a grilled flat mushroom and Halloumi and you can build your own veggie burger with a base of Spinach and lentil, with extra toppings, extra patty and dips if you wish. Each topping is £1, and the basic burger is £6.95. I think this is good particularly for those with particular dietary requirements. 

The Toppings include avocado, crispy onions, Halloumi, flat mushroom, jalapeños, fried egg and Mac and cheese. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

We paid for our burgers and drinks in full. My opinions are my own and honest as they can be on a one off visit. 

https://www.onetrickponyclub.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/1trickponyclub?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

One Trick Pony Club, 93a Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8DD. 

The Vegan Grindhouse Diner: Crowdfunding campaign launched. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, healthy, Independent, Kings Heath, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie, Warwick by

   

 Veggie Foodie favourites The Vegan Grindhouse have launched a crowdfunding campaign at Indiegogo to raise funds to open the first all vegan diner in The West Midlands. See below: 

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-vegan-grindhouse-diner

After the success of their weekly Pop up at The Mockingbird in Birmingham for Meat free Monday’s showed the demand in the city for unique vegan food that captures the street food vibe inside, a retro diner to showcase their popular Americana food is a great logical step. Helping to offer more food, more often and spread the Vegan message further through quality and locally sourced and ethical healthy food. 

They currently run a Plant-Based Vegan food truck and can be seen around Birmingham and the Midlands at street food events such as Brum Yum Yum, Digbeth Diner and the monthly MAC food market. They’ve been trading for two years via the truck and are hugely popular with Vegan’s Vegetarian’s and meat eaters. 

They also want to help a local animal sanctuary – Rogue’s Place in Aldridge, West Midlands which was given notice at the end of January 2016 that they have to close down and relocate all of the animals as they don’t own the land. They have done some amazing work rescuing and housing injured, abandoned and rescued animals and The Vegan Grindhouse have been proud supporters of them over the last 12 months. They hope that a donation from the funds raised can help them to find new premises or homes for their residents during this time of crisis for them.

There is a selection of great rewards for contributing to the campaign and other goals if they do not reach their target of £25.000 to open their diner, including a vegan take away shop and new street food van and trailer. 

They plan to open 6 months after the Crowdfunding closes and when premises are identified. 

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-vegan-grindhouse-diner/contributions/new

So pledge to help them, Rogue’s Place and Birmingham/West Midlands in getting its first all vegan restaurant.

Please click this link to go to their campaign and share this with everyone you know via social media.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-vegan-grindhouse-diner

It’s a good cause and helps support a local family business that is a leader in driving the Vegan and meat free message forward in the Midlands. 

The crowdfunder runs until the 27th February. 

http://www.thevegangrindhouse.co.uk

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

   
 Photos from The Vegan Grindhouse.