Veggie breakfast/brunch watch: Loco Lounge, Kings Heath. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Breakfasts, Brunch, Cafés and Restaurants, Kings Heath, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

One of the things that impresses me generally when it comes to restaurants is when they change the menu frequently. Whether that’s seasonal or just when they feel like it. 

The Loco Lounge in Kings Heath, do this very well. 

As I’ve mentioned before The Lounges cafe bars are excellent for Vegetarians and Vegans.  The all day menu includes a variation of dishes, but it’s the all day brunch dishes that catch the eye. I’ve previously reviewed the Veggie breakfast on my blog,

http://t.co/WXzd8EAfQv 

so on a recent visit decided to try one of their new brunch offerings. 

  

 

The Chimichurri Field Mushrooms: with potato, spinach and spring onion hash, fried aubergine, slow roasted tomato and spicy beans is£6.95. 

Take the moist seasonal flat mushrooms and add fried potato aubergine to give it bite with the additional spicy curried beans in their own pot and you have a delicious and different brunch option. All the ingredients worked well. I ordered it with a slice of toast as extra which gave it a more traditional breakfast crunch, and I didn’t even miss the egg (well slightly) but it didn’t detract from the niceness of the dish. The spring onion hash in particular was a good addition. 

In the modern age of more innovative veggie breakfast dishes loco Lounges new offering works well for a filling brunch without an egg. So suitable for vegans.

It’s a shame not to try it. 

 

Taken with a Flat white at Loco Lounge. 

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

Loco Lounge, 32-34 High Street, Kings Heath, B14 7JT. 

Click to access LO_Vegan_Winter15_Web.pdf

Click to access LO_FoodFull_Winter15_Web.pdf

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

I paid for our breakfast in full. All opinions are my own. 

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

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

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

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

The World whisky award winner comes from Japan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Wellington-City Centre. An excellent whisky list. 

The Bureau-City Centre, good for whisky cocktails. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Visit their webpage:

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.htfw.com/

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊
  
Whisky at The Plough Harborne. 

   
   

A selection of my Whisky’s from home. 

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

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

   

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

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

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

The menu will include the following at a minimum:

Starters / Snacks

– Pumpkin Soup

– Samosas

– Pakora

– Sausage Rolls

– Roast Vegetable Wraps

– Raw Lasagne

Mains

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

– Thai Curry

– Moussaka

– Spinach and Mushroom Lasagne

Desserts / Afters

– Lemon Drizzle Cake

– Carrot Cake

– Apple & Plum Crumble

– Chocolate Mousse.

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

https://www.facebook.com/ChangeKitchen

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

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

Home

  Vegan Homity Pie 

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

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

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

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

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

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

My previous post on The KingsHeath Food Assembly.

http://t.co/ZYtMSurfrS

   
  

  

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/ChangeKitchen

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

Bar Opus beer is a real Peaky Blinder. 

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

   

   

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

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

The Peaky Blinders Gold Is also Vegetarian friendly. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
  

   

   
Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

  

Nomad re-opening in November. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you there. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

   
    
   

Reviews of Nomad from Veggie Foodie: 

http://t.co/RjhlejagxY

http://t.co/BH6rikDNAY

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

hello@foodbynomad.com

@nomadbirmingham

http://foodbynomad.com/

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

BOM

A very 1847 Christmas. 

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

Charles Dickens’ The Christmas Carol was published in 1843. 

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

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

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

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

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

  
Christmas Bellini style cocktails at Bistro 1847.  

  

The Christmas menu includes dishes such as:

Starters: 

Mushroom Crostini, 

Winter Warmer, 

Squash and feta, 

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

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

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

Desserts:

 Tropical fruits, 

Chocolate and pear 

chestnut pie. 

We tried: starters (sample size only) 

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

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

A very warming  Christmas seasonal like dish. 

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

My favourite starter, light and well flavoured. 

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

  Vegan version of Fish and chips made with tofu. 

  

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

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

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

Dinner is £24.00 3  courses plus coffee. 

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

http://by1847.com/

   
 
  
   

   
 
   
   

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

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

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

0121-236-2313.

Have a very 1847 Christmas. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

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

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

http://www.By1847.com

@By1847

@1847Birmingham

Byzantium in Kings Heath launches its upstairs room. 

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

  

Byzantium Tapas Restaurant in Kings Heath, is one of the best places for vegetarians in the area and in Birmingham itself. The eclectic mix of Mediterranean tapas has many decent options and with its good and attentive service its a firm favourite for Ruth and myself. We even had a lovely Valentines meal there this year. It is a very romantic restaurant. 

The other night we were pleased to be invited to attend the launch of their new 40 seater Upper Room. 

The Upper Room is perfect for a variety of functions such as parties, business meetings and conferences. When not in use by the above it will be handed over as part of the restaurant, which she enable more people to be able to sample their lovely tapas.

In case you didn’t know Byzantium serves up up a wide variety of Mediterranean-inspired tapas and is a popular restaurant in the Kings Heath community. It’s family run, independent and owners Efua and Antonello Turco Are passionate about their food and the good service they provide. Byzantium is one of the friendliest restaurants I’ve found in Birmingham and its this as well as the food that makes it popular hence their new room. 

It can be set up for Birthday parties and anniversary parties, and with an eclectic array of tapas dishes it’s great for a party. 

I’ve always thought Byzantium was one of the best restaurants for vegetarians in Birmingham, with numerous options plus an array of seasonal specials. Byzantium has a special party menu:

Click to access 18.pdf

Veggie dishes on the party menu include Potatas Bravas, delicious flatbread, Zaalouk (Aubergine Dip) a personal favourite, Championes Rellenos (mushrooms with red peppers and tomatoes) amongst others. 

Tapas is the perfect food for sharing. Which makes it ideal for parties. 

The extension opens just in time for Christmas parties, either family, friends or work. 

The Christmas menu consists of three courses for £24.95 per person. Bookings on 0121-444 5444.

We sampled on the night some delicious food, in particular the Halloumi skewers and the Camembert below were delicious. 

Many thanks to Greta from Digital Glue for the invites. 

   Camembert crostini. 

  

Halloumi skewers with peppers 

 

3 Photos kindly donated from Sanjeeta Bains of The Birmingham Post and Mail. Thank you. 

   

  Byzantium from the outside. 

 

   

Negroni at Byzantium 
 Tortilla Con Queso. 

  
  

Croquetas at Byzantium. 

 
My photos of the Food and drink at Byzantium from a previous visit. 

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

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

https://m.facebook.com/Byzantiumtapas

   
 

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

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

   
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

Tables outside Treat Deli.

  
  

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

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

    
    
    

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

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

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

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

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

Other sweet treats are available. 

   
  Pies and baklava 

  Baklava from Treat Deli

 

Skopolos mixed vegetable pie. 

  

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

  Inside stool seating at Treat Deli. 

    Better than over the arcade. 

  Olive oils 

  Salads at Treat Deli. 

 Herbs at Treat Deli. 

   
    
 

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

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

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

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

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

Keep an eye out for their traditional Christmas goodies. 

Treat Deli, Great Western Arcade, Birmingham. 

Open Monday-Friday 7am-6pm

Saturday 9am-6pm.

  

Opus reveals newly-refurbished Kitchen Table Dining experience. 

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

  
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about Opus restaurant, visit 

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

0121 200 2323

Photos courtesy of Opus and Clive Reeves PR. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

In praise of: Carters of Moseley. Michelin Starred dining from a Vegetarian perspective. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Moseley, Sunday lunch, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  
It’s taken me awhile to get this review posted, but in so many ways I’m pleased it has. You see a couple of weeks ago Carters of Moseley was awarded its first Michelin Star. 

Now back in May when Ruth and I celebrated our wedding anniversary with a meal so beautifully put together, this was just a dream in chef Brad and front of house Holly’s mind. 

Yet the hard work to amaze and impress and make this small neighbourhood restaurant one of the jewels in Birmingham is now been taken seriously by more than just mere locals like me and thus the story of Carters of Moseley evolves. 

It all began with a Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year in 2015, lots of garnished praise locally, plus a great review in The Independent newspaper. 

Yet, when Ruth and I entered chez Carters we hoped for a celebratory meal and man did we get one. 

From it’s mere storefront outside Carters provides food that is quintessential of the perfect neighbourhood restaurant, locally sourced ingredients, foraged often, good value for money food and service which is amongst the best and friendliest anywhere. 

For Vegetarians it’s a journey of enticing flavours, textures and innovation. The seasonality of ingredients used make it fresh, and exciting. 

Simplicity and restraint is central to the cooking, the preparation of the produce with its essence on ingredients is to be applauded. So why does this sound like a conclusion before I’ve shown the dishes? Well, this is a post that’s in praise of Carters of Moseley, not a review as such, but just me saying Vegetarians go there, don’t hesitate, just do it. You won’t regret it. 

So to the food: 5 course menu. 

   
  

To begin a trio of small dishes: 

  Courgette Flower, Ricotta.

  Sparkenhoe Biscuit

   Ogelshield Gougeres.

All three dishes show the touch of dash that makes up the Carters ambition. Good flavours, the precision in the presentation and cooking. A lovely trio. 

As a footnote, we also enjoyed some beautiful homemade wholemeal bread made from flour from the local 250 year old Sarehole Mill, served with butter for vegetarians. 

  Black Headed Gull’s Eggs: 

A seasonal addition to the set 5 course menu. 

Handpicked from around the South Coast of England. The eggs are hand selected by ‘Eggers’ regarded as the greatest eggs on the market. Only 20.000 are picked across the whole country and The season is only three weeks long. 

The whites were delicate, soft and melted in the mouth. A vibrant yolk orange in colour made for a creamy texture and rich flavoured finish. 
  Lichfield Asparagus, Moliterno Al Tartufo.  

A pretty dish of delicate seasonal (May) and local asparagus with an intense black truffle like flavour from the sharp beautiful cheese. An irresistible flavour and texture. 

  Parsley Grains, Lemon Pickled Fennel. 

Then, a satisfying risotto like dish. Prettyness, prediction and confident cooking with lovely flavours running through it. 

  Salt Baked Carrots, Barley Milk, Swiss Chard.

A dish full of flavour, the salt roasting bringing out the vibrant textures of the carrots and lays it on a bed of Swiss Chard. Very Copenhagen, well seasoned, well…’it’, well done. 

 Wye Valley Rhubarb with Rose and Custard.  

Finally to puds: A simple soothing to the palette desert, local rhubarb given refreshing flavours. Lovely. 

  

 
 Sheep’s yoghurt mousse, alphonso mango, pistachio.

Delicious, well presented and creative dish. A decadent desert. 

 Wedding anniversary surprise. 

Well tempered home made chocolate. A lovely touch. 

A word on the service which is amongst the best anywhere. It forms a huge part of our evening, and Holly was attentive and enthusiastic throughout.  It’s not stiff or formal, but friendly, the vibe is relaxed. It is true in this case that the service and food do work in tandem. 

Food at Carters is intricately simple and focuses on flavour, there are few ingredients on the plate 3 or 4 components which allows them to build a properly prepared dish that’s both seasonal and fresh and of the moment. 

The focus is on the food and their own style, which allows the five courses to be an menu to eat rather than to taste. The dishes build like an orchestration and leave you with a symphonic high by the final movement. 

Consistent in quality and true to their passions Carters cooking shows a smart touch in the kitchen. Not pretentious, not complicated and good value for money. 

Carters of Moseley is a lovely neighbourhood restaurant.  One that for vegetarians should be a must and a ‘when can we go.’

An adventure in food. 

One to savour. 
   

  
Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

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

5 courses are £45.

3 course lunch: £28. Half bottle of house wine £8. 

Sunday lunch: £32. 

Sunday Supper: £32. 

 No A La Carte menu served. 

We also drank a bottle of The Crusher Viognier 2012: £26.50. A beautiful Pale, Golden White. Delicious with the food. Plus two glasses of Champaigne. 

  

http://cartersofmoseley.co.uk/

2c St Mary’s Row, Wake Green Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9EZ. 

0121-449-8885.

https://twitter.com/cartersmoseley