Review: Cafe Opus at Ikon: Birmingham 

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

   
 
Cafe Opus is located in the Brindley Place part of Birmingham City Centre at the acclaimed modern art Ikon Gallery on Delightful Oozells square. 

It’s a stylish, modern British cafe on the ground floor of the Ikon Gallery building with a tempting outdoor terrace that begs for sunny days and nights and is perfect for their informal menu that’s designed to let you eat what you fancy when you fancy it. Serving cafe classics, afternoon tea, fine beers, wines and coffee, at reasonable cafe prices. 

The true taste of Cafe Opus is that they are independent and source their produce locally and ethically, knowing all of their producers, farmers and fishermen. It’s all about utilising fresh produce and allowing the simplest of ingredients to shine through. 

In fact I think the summer months are the best time to visit Cafe Opus. The terrace itself demands it, and the produce, well speaks for itself. 

   
 
Ruth and I have have always loved visiting Cafe Opus on a Summer evening and thus couldn’t resist the recent good weather. We chose a Friday evening partly because Ruth wanted to try out the steak on ‘steak friday’ and because they were running what’s called ‘Come Vinyl With Me’. 

Now, this is where you can bring your own records and be a DJ by serving up three courses of musical delights in 10 minutes. This is strictly vinyl, but is very eclectic music wise and was good fun. At least our dinner was accompanied by a decent soundtrack. 

We didn’t bring any records ourselves on this occasion, but you never know in the future. This is held on the first Friday of the month. 

So there we had it, good music and maybe good food. 

Having visited Cafe Opus before to eat  on many occasions I knew the Vegetarian Dishes were always diverse and thoughtful. So that’s me satisfied too! 

We did sit on the terrace, and ordered a local Langley’s Gin and tonic (1724) for me and a glass of white wine for Ruth. The gin and tonic was lovely, perfect on a summers alfesco night. 

  
   
 It’s the informality of the menu that makes Cafe Opus the ideal Summer venue. The food feels relaxed, continental and I always feel sitting on the terrace whatever time of the day that Birmingham is some far flung city not just home and familiar. 

For that reason I chose The Vegetarian Plate from the all day menu. Comprising of Welsh rarebit, hummus, and toasted pitta, piquillo pepper stuffed with couscous, marinated grilled vegetables. 

   

   
All of the elements were excellent, nothing was out of place. The Piquillo peppers were the stars though, the contrasting flavour of the pepper with the slightly spicy couscous was summer in itself and reminded me of some lovely tapas meals in Spain. The Rarebit, with a good string cheese flavour was excellent too and the marinated vegetables (courgettes, aubergines) delicious. It was a good plate of food, though simple it was a good example of how informal dishes can be uplifting if the ingredients are fresh and well cooked. I also ordered some fat chips which were delightful and went well with the vegetarian plate. 

   
 
Ruth surfice to say loved her steak aged for 28 days to ensure their succulent flavour it appeared to work. She was happy. 

We ordered another 2 glass of wine and a Chapel Down brewery Curious IPA and Lager (from the winery in Kent that makes some delicious wines and some nifty Sparkling brut too). 

The IPA a powerful but hoppy Indian Pale Ale. Very drinkable, very flavourful. Lovely in the sunshine. 

 
  
We were both happy to order puddings too. Ruth ordered a lemon posset, fresh raspberries which was very nice. Fresh, summery and quite light. No picture I’m afraid as she started before I could take one. 

I ordered the Mixed Summer berry pavlova. The combinations of meringue, cream and strawberries and raspberries worked well. Though it was quite creamy in texture it didn’t feel heavy, but was light was a subtle meringue crunch. A well made and enjoyable pudding. 
 

  
Cafe Opus is a lovely spot for a light summery dinner or lunch or afternoon tea. If the weather is fine, the terrace is a super spot to people watch and to take in those sunny Rays. 

The food, been seasonal is of the highest quality, fresh, well made. 

Cafe Opus do the simple things delightfully well. 

The dishes are well cooked, the Vegetarian dishes are thoughtful, not just an add on ( though could do with a few more, maybe specials?) and with the seasonal aspect feels modern and interesting. 

They are more cafe orientated than fine dining, but that simple nature works well. 

 The menus are affordable and the service was good throughout. 

Cafe Opus is well worth a visit for an ethical slice of artistic Birmingham whether after, before or separate from a gallery visit. There’s a lot to like about Cafe Opus. It’s got so much right. 

Now when’s my next visit? 

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

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

   
   
  
Cafe Opus at Ikon, 1 Oozells Square, Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2HS. 

0121-248-3226

Meat Free Monday: every Monday at Cafe Opus, daily vegetarian specials. Day time only. 

   

 Afternoon tea 
  
Come Vinyl with me at Cafe Opus. 

You can also receive 2-1 on all breakfast menu items until 12pm (Monday-Friday) or 10% off the bill (all day all week) with the Independent Birmingham card. See link to purchase the IB card. 

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

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

We received our food at Cafe Opus complimentary, but paid for our drinks. All of my opinions are my own and my review is honest and without bias as always. I was not required to write a positive review. 


Review: Amantia Spanish and Mediterranean 

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

  
Amantia is a new family run (and family friendly!) independent, Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant right off New Street in Birmingham City centre, taking the ground floor and basement of the iconic Sun House.
This building on Bennetts Hill was the house of the Sun Insurance offices, which were founded in 1710. The name Amantia is the name of some ruins near chef and owner Andrea’s birthplace and also includes the initial of him and Marta’s (owner and front of house’s) children. 

Amantia is a smart place. Inside the space is large, bordering on vast, with a sweet bar area to the right of the entrance as you walk in. Serving pinxos  or Pincho (Basque country small snacks from Northen Spain). Oh the memories of San Sebastián are returning. It is in itself a good spot for after work downtime. 

I digress though. The decor of Amantia, contemporary- purple, grey with black and white prints on the wall, smart, and cooling. 

   
   
Though it could feel impersonal it doesn’t. The atmosphere is good,  quite busy too on a Friday evening and the warmth of the service from Marta and her team is a joy. Marta twinkles with charm and enthusiasm for the food and the adventure she and her husband are on with Amantia. 

Ruth and I were invited by Marta and her sister Silvia (also from Amantia) to taste and review some of the Vegetarian dishes on the menu and some new ones not yet on the menu. For that reason the food came out of the kitchen like tapas (discussed on arrival with Marta) and thus this review will reflect that. I like small plates though, tapas is one of life’s pleasures whether italian in nature, or Spanish (tapas) or pintxos for that matter. 

It is fun to have an element of surprise and not order from a menu. It’s very informal and thus more interesting. 

Ruth and I ordered some Olives and two glasses of Manzanilla Sherry whilst waiting for the tapas. The sherry a refreshing fino from Andalusia, served chilled it’s a perfect aperitif and goes well with tapas like dishes. 

   
 
The dishes we shared ( Ruth was a Vegetarian for the evening) were a selection of  croquetas Amantia, (blue cheese and creamy mushroom)  a Rustica mushroom Crepe, a Greek Salad, Roasted Vegetables and Vegetable Moussaka. 

   

 
Having tried the Blue Cheese Croquetas before I was looking forward to eating them again. They held a lovely creamy blue cheese flavour, a recommended vegetarian tapas. A star dish. 

On the other hand, the Mushroom croquetas were disappointing. Quite bland in flavour, with not a lot of mushroom filling,  the croquetas lacked an intensity of flavour that maybe a porcini mushroom filling could have brought. A shame. 

Oh the contrast The Rustica Crepe with its mushroom centre had a deep intensity of flavour. It wasn’t too cheesy which was a relief and the quantity and quality of the mushroom filling made for a very satisfying and enjoyable crepe and served with a side salad would make a excellent and filling main course offering. Maybe use the intense filling for the mushroom croquetas.  Recommended. 

   
 
The Greek Salad, was also very good and looked very appetising.

  
Lettuce, tomatoes, sliced cucumber, onion, Kalamata Olives, Feta cheese, in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It was well seasoned, with salt and oregano and the splash of olive oil made for a nice ripe and fresh salad. The feta creamy and the flavours bold. A very refreshing contrast to the hot dishes. Lovely. 

Our Roasted Vegetables were also well presented and looked stunningly appetising. I think roast vegetables get a bad press sometimes from vegetarians and vegans, cited as a bit boring, but when the veg are fresh and carrying a good in season flavour there arn’t  many better summertime dishes. It always makes me think of sunshine and hot sun and alfresco dining. (Appologies I was lost in memories of Italy there). 

   
 
The peppers and courgettes were delicious and looked stunning. I also didn’t mind the presentation on a board. It worked with this dish. 

   
 
The final hot dish we tried was the Vegetable Moussaka. I think of all the dishes We tried on the night this was our favourite, we felt we could have eaten more of it, it was that creamy, hearty and warming. The combination of aubergine, and potatoes, and tomatoes worked well and made for a classic Greek dish with a veggie twist. 

It also went well with the Greek Salad. A complete summer main course. 

We washed down our mains with a delicious Spanish White Wine: a Marques de Luna macebo. Amantia has a good wine list and also serves cocktails and Sangria. 

As Ruth and I border on hungryly greedy (or just nosey or easily tempted)  types when it comes to food and the fact that Tiramisu was on the menu we felt we had to try a desert. 

Ruth chose one of her favourites the Churos Con Chocolate  

 
Which she exclaimed was beautiful and one of the best she’d had. I tried a mouthful and it indeed was decadently a top pudding. 

Of course onto my Tiramisu test. 

One of my test dishes Is the above pudding. I’ve had it all over Italy and one in particular in Verona on our honeymoon I remember with salivating affection ( the restaurant had won the world tiramisu award, yes there is such a thing! ). 

Yes, it true I wasn’t disappointed. 

   
 
It looked stunning for a start and had the right quantity of coffee flavour and certainly ‘picked me up’. It was very cool, dreamy and light. It had a classic image and was nicely layered. Delicious, it passed the test and was one of the best I’d tried in Birmingham. 

We also enjoyed an after dinner Liquor    and two double espressos. 

   
 
The Vegetarian dishes at Amantia are excellent. I highly recommend it for veggies in Birmingham.

 I would like to see more in particular in the tapas section of the menu for Vegetarians (tapas and summer go well together) how about a veggie paella? On talking to Marta I know they are rolling out a Vegan menu at some point and are working on new veggie dishes which will be introduced dependent on seasonality of the ingredients. 

Amantia though has many strengths, it’s in a good location just off New Street and has a warming and cooling (at the same time) kind of atmosphere. 

The service is charming and aims to please. It’s friendly and demonstrates that it cares. 

Amantia is a good Authentic place for a lunch whilst shopping in Brum or for a delicious evening meal With a group or  with a partner. It ticks all the foodie boxes. 

Maybe some live music would be nice, some Spanish guitar or flamenco or a pianist would help fill the space. That’s Always good for atmosphere (Maybe live music nights). 

I liked Amantia, it’s a gem in the city and the type of authentic mid price restaurant that Birmingham needs more of. Good Solid cooking without the gimmicks, independent and with a good heart. 

And as Feargal Sharkey sang in 1985 that’s hard to find. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Thanks to Amantia (Marta and Silvia) for the invite to the restaurant. Our food was complimentary, though we paid for our drinks in full. My review is honest and has my own opinions as always. 

http://www.amantiarestaurant.co.uk/

Amantia, 9 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RS. 

0121 643 3647. 

  

Amantia do an after work social from 4-7pm with a free Pintxo with your drink and £2 for all cocktails weekdays. 

It also has a children’s menu for £6.25. For a main, desert and a drink. 

  
Facebook: Amantia restaurant

Twitter: @RestAmantia

  


Birmingham Independents day: Saturday July 4th. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Coffee, Craft beer, Food, Food Festivals, Harborne, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Veggie foodie brunch breakfasts by

On Saturday 4th July, while America celebrates its Independence Day, BrumHour invites you to share #BrumIndependentsDay across social media and support your local businesses. 

If you don’t know #BrumHour and use Twitter then you should make yourself familiar with it. Every Sunday from 8-9pm is Brum Hour where the opportunity is there to shout out your business, blog or whatever takes your fancy, a new shop you’ve found, an event or just a jolly good meal. It’s a very supportive hour, and all the better for it I believe. 

Dave Massey from BrumHour (and I quote) said “I’ve seen businesses across the UK take part in Small Business Saturday in previous years and I wanted to do a version we could do in Birmingham”. Dave works hard to promote the Birmingham scene and has been a massive support to my blog and his posts on his blog are eclectic and interesting. 

https://brumhour.wordpress.com/ 

This Saturday join in using #BrumIndependentsDay on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 
For me it’s about highlighting great Independent businesses in and around Birmingham and shouting out that they are the cornerstone of all that’s good about Birmingham and what makes this city unique, alive and current. And I believe it’s fun to explore. 

Next week in fact sees pop up kings Two Cats open up their permanent restaurant in the Jewellery Quarter, with some good veggie options. Stay tuned for more. 
Also a new Greek deli called Treat has opened in the Great Western Arcade and seems to be doing a good trade. Expect fresh salads, pies, figs, cheese, and Greek coffee. This joins All Greek Deli on Stephenson Street near New Street station. 

Recently Harborne has welcomed Paradice Gelateria to its indie ranks.   Serving cooling ice cream, waffles, deserts and drinks. 

   
   
A fantastic Flat White at independent coffee shops Yorks Colmore Row and Yorks Bakery Newhall Street. 

   

 

  
Amantia Mediterranean and Spanish  restaurant Birmingham City centre. 

   
 
Vegetarian Veg out Cafe Kings Heath Birmingham

   

   
Vegetarian Sunday lunch at The Plough Harborne. 

   

 
Gas Street Social and its veggie brunch #allyoucaneatbrunch Mailbox Birmingham. 

  

Blue Ginger restaurant Kings Heath. 

   

 
Henry Wong in Harborne

   

   

    
Veggie tapas, courgette salad and Gin Martini at Fletchers Bar in Kings Heath

   

    
 
Veggie breakfast bap, flat white and cappuccino at Grand Central Kitchen opposite New Street Station

   

 
Flat white at Faculty Coffee and tea in Piccadilly Arcade in City Centre. 

   

 
Veggie burger at The Victoria pub on John Bright Street. 

   

 
Coffee or breakfast  at Cherry Reds on John Bright Street City Centre and York Road, Kings Heath 

Of course I can’t mention Independents in Birmingham without mentioning independent Birmingham and the great work that Joe does in the city 

For details of the many independents in Birmingham not just food take a look at their website. 

App coming soon. 😄👍

Home

Also bag yourself an IB Card via their website for discounts at many independent establishments in Birmingham. 

For more great independents check out the Colmore Business District Food Festival on the 4th July in Victoria Square. 

  

See my post for traders and menus. 

http://t.co/FtCNg5Hwr0

Thanks for reading and have fun. 

Andy 😊



Colmore Food Festival Friday July 3rd and Saturday July 4th, Birmingham City Centre. 

Posted in Uncategorised by

   

   
2015 is the 5th year of Birmingham’s popular  Colmore Food Festival in Victoria Square. The two-day event on Friday 3rd July and Saturday 4th July from 11am-7pm and showcases the great food and drink the district offers.

Twenty five top venues – including Bar Opus, Ashas, Chung Ying Central, The Edwardian Tearooms will be serving taster options in Victoria Square both days with all dishes priced at just £3.

It’s a great way to sample an array of mouth-watering, internationally inspired cuisines as well as traditional British options, not forgetting artisan coffees, real ales, fine wines, champagne and delicious cocktails. 

There will also be a programme of live cookery and cocktail demonstrations, as well as live music, outdoor theatre and other entertainment.

colmorebusinessdistrict.com

Participating venues
All Bar One * Asha’s * Bar Opus * The Bureau * Chung Ying Central
Costa Coffee * Edmunds Bar * The Edwardian Tearooms * Ginger’s Bar
Hindleys Bakery * Hotel du Vin * The Jekyll & Hyde * JoJolapa
Metro Bar & Grill * Nosh & Quaff * The Old Contemptibles * The Old Joint Stock
Opus at Cornwall Street * Purecraft Bar & Kitchen * Purnell’s and Purnell’s Bistro
Refreshments by Centenary Lounge * Starbucks * The Square Peg
Urban Coffee Company * The Wellington * Yorks Bakery Café
The timetable for events for both days is:
Friday 3rd July.

11am BAND – The Boombusters
12pm JoJolapa kitchen demonstration
12.55pm Official opening of event
1pm Nosh & Quaff v. Opus kitchen demonstration
1.40pm Colmore Chorus
2pm Metro kitchen demo
2.20pm Asha’s kitchen demo
2.40pm Opus cocktail demonstration
3pm BAND – C-Jam
4pm Hotel du Vin kitchen demonstration
5.20pm Nosh & Quaff kitchen demonstration
6pm BAND – Ricky Cool and the In Crowd

Saturday 4th July

11am BAND – Stockholm Stompers
12pm Opus cocktail demonstration
1pm Nosh & Quaff v. Opus kitchen demonstration
2pm The Jekyll & Hyde gin demonstration
2.40pm The Bureau kitchen demonstration
3pm BAND – The Brothers Groove
4pm Metro kitchen demonstration
4.30pm Chung Ying Central kitchen demonstration
5.20pm Nosh & Quaff kitchen demonstration
6pm BAND – Rebecca Downes Band
You can follow the Colmore Food Festival on Facebook at facebook.com/Colmorefoodfestival

Join the conversation on twitter using #CBDfoodfest15 and follow Colmore Business District https://twitter.com/ https://twitter.com/ColmoreBID

I will be judging the best veggie dish at the festival, looks ago of competition. Keep an eye on Twitter @andydhare for the winner and the best of the rest. 

  
Thanks for reading and enjoy the festival. It should be a sunny one. 

Andy 😊

Details of the menus: including vegetarian options. 

   

    
    
    
    
    
 
   
    
   
Menus courtesy of The Colmore food festival. 

  

See you there. 

#Veggiefoodietakeaway: Deliveroo: Delivers into Birmingham. Dining to your door. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Curry restaurants, Edgbaston, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Moseley, vegetarian, Vegetarian takeaways, Veggie foodie by

Deliveroo is the new delivery service that has recently arrived in Birmingham. 

Deliveroo enables  you order food online from a restaurant (ones that wouldn’t normally deliver), Deliveroo drivers then go and pick it up and deliver it to your door, or desk, or wherever! 

The website (deliveroo.co.uk) enables hungry users to select dishes from their favourite restaurant, pay for them online and have them dropped at their door for a £2.50 charge  by one of the site’s drivers. Whether it’s a work lunch at the office or an evening meal at home, the site aims to deliver the food in just 32 minutes. 

The service, which currently covers Birmingham City Centre, Edgbaston and Moseley/ Kings Heath with plans to quickly expand to other areas in the region, has joined forces with some of the city’s finest restaurants to deliver your favourite dine-in dishes to your table. 44 (frequently added to) venues, many of which are independents, have signed up to the scheme including vegetarian The Warehouse cafe, Deepalis and Veg Out Cafe in Kings Heath. 

Jacob Lourie, regional manager at Deliveroo, has big plans for Birmingham’s take-away scene. He said: “Birmingham has such a vibrant culinary scene and is full of fantastic eateries and restaurants which, until now, you’d have to have visited to experience. So if it’s for a corporate lunch entertaining clients, a dinner party you don’t want to cook for, or just a meal in front of the TV, Deliveroo brings that food to you. 
“We’re helping to grow the takeaway offering in Birmingham, so we’re not limited to just two or three types of cuisine. We’re also launching in new zones in and around the city so more people can get online and have good food delivered directly to them.”

The service has also teamed up with award-winning street food event, Digbeth Dining Club, to offer users the opportunity to order food for delivery from a different street trader each week for the next four weeks.

To place an order using Deliveroo visit http://www.deliveroo.co.uk. 

Participating restaurants by area

Birmingham City Centre

All Greek Deli
Amantia

Annexe

Asha’s

Aunt Sally’s

Big Papas at The Sunflower Lounge

Blue Nile

Bodega

Bun and Bowl

Carluccio’s

Celebrity Indian Restaurant

Chung Ying – Central

Deepalis

eastZeast

Gourmet Burger Kitchen – 

Habaneros Mexican Street Food

Handmade Burger Co – Bullring & Brindleyplace

Itihaas

Jojolapa

Karczma

La Galleria

Rossopomodoro

Shogun Sushi

Syriana

Tap & Spile

The Dirty Cow Burger Co

The Warehouse Cafe

Tiger Bills

Viceroy Tandoori

Wrapchic

Edgbaston

Bangla Lounge

Bengal Delight

Boo Boo Coffee

Casa Italia

Chop & Wok

The Plough Harborne

Moseley/Kings Heath

Cafephilia

Ponte di Legano 

Carib Grill

La Favorita

Piquant

Saba

Sahara Bistro Restaurant

Shabab

Tru Burgers

Veg Out Cafe 

  

https://deliveroo.co.uk/

https://mobile.twitter.com/deliveroo_bham

The delivery concept is a unique one and offers vegetarians numerous excellent dining choices in Birmingham. With many independent restaurants on the list. More are added frequently so keep an eye on Twitter and their website for details and give it a go. 

The days of takeaway pizza at your desk seem to be long gone. Just quality freshly made restaurant quality cuisine. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

New Meat free Monday’s at The Church and Peel and Stone Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Food, healthy, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter, Real ale, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

From Monday 1st June Soul Food Kitchen have launched their very own Meat Free Monday. 

 Across both Soul Food Project sites The Church in the Jewellery Quarter and Peel and Stone there will be special offers on a selection of our Vegetarian and Vegan food offerings!

At The Church they’re offering 50% off all vegetarian and vegan main meals (excluding the Shia NoBeouf)

At Peel and Stone bakery you will get a free selected cake with any selected vegetarian or vegan sandwich. 

The bakery will also put emphasis on using less meat on a Monday in general too.

Showcasing how great food is without relying on the meat!

For details keep an eye on both Twitter and facebook accounts and websites. 

I’m sure to making a journey down to them soon to check them out. 

  
Blueberry & Goats Cheese Salad available at The Church.

Photography by Jack Adams.

http://www.churchjq.co.uk/

http://www.peelandstone.co.uk/

https://mobile.twitter.com/churchjq

https://mobile.twitter.com/peelandstone

For details on Meat Free Monday see below: 

https://mobile.twitter.com/meatfreemonday

http://www.meatfreemondays.com/recipes/

The Church, 22 Great Hampton Street, JQ, Birmingham, B18 6AQ. 

Peel and Stone, 33 Water Street, Birmingham B3 1HL. 

Vegetarian Dish of the Day: Squash velouté, gnocchi, Burnt Leek, Feta Terrine. Bistro 1847. 

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

Many years ago when I first became a Vegetarian, I was often greeted when I ate out with the words ‘vegetarian dish of the day’. 

This generally meant a mushroom stroganoff, a pasta bake, a veggie curry, or a badly made risotto or pasta dish. Though it sometimes still happens and restaurants sometimes dress it up in another guise, things are much better now. This was often very disheartening. 

This occasional inspired post is a play on that and reflects that bygone era with fondness and celebrates a current dish that is worthy of highlighting. 

   
 

Catch it whilst you can. As restaurants change over from their Spring menu to Summer offerings, it leaves you with only one week to try out this sumptuous dish from Vegetarian restaurant Bistro 1847 in Birmingham. 

Humour, seasonality and an inventive ambition belies the ethos of Bistro 1847. Never has this been more true than in the case of the Squash velouté, gnocchi, Burnt Leek, Feta Terrine. Poached not boiled, ballotined and rolled, the texture of the gnocchi has a lightness akin to soufflé, with a super soothing, velvety,  deep orange sunset flavour of the squash sauce, providing colour, flavour and a gold winning touch. Throw in a burnt leek, adeptly charred with soft decadent feta terrine and you have a beautifully balanced and stunning plate of food. 

Best not to hang around, it’s going, going, gone, try it out this week. 

Find it at Bistro 1847, 26 Great Western Arcade, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B2 5HU. 

   
         The same dish, a different look. From a second visit. I didn’t eat that one, my Dad did and he’s eaten it twice now,  so it must be good!

Bistro 1847 do a lunch time £10 offer for one course and a drink (wine, beer or soft drink) 

A variation of the dish review originally appeared in May during National Vegetarian Week, in the I Choose Birmingham online weekly magazine. I payed for my own food (lunch time) at Bistro 1847 and didn’t receive any payment for the review. I chose the restaurant and dish myself and my opinions are honest and my own as always. 

Thanks to I Choose Birmingham for asking me to contribute to their ‘You choose’ section of their magazine. 

http://ichoosebirmingham.com/ 

to sign up for their weekly email magazine. 

Thanks for reading. 
Andy 😊

Bistro 1847 are launching their Intro to Summer menu on Monday June 22nd with a five course menu in Birmingham with matched wines for £25. 

 Details here http://www.By1847.com 

  

Nathan Eades former Head Chef of Epi moves to St Andrew’s Hotel Droitwich Spa. 

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Food, Hotels, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Nathan Eades formally of Bromsgrove’s eponymous restaurant Epi at The Courtyard, has joined as Head Chef of St Andrew’s Town Hotel in Droitwich Spa. 

Nathan will oversee all aspects of the food offering at the 31 Bedroom property, including the relaunch of the hotels restaurant which is due to re-open on 1st September 2015. 

  
Drawing on experience from working with industry high profile names, Nathan will look to bring a similar dining experience as to what one would have experienced at Epi, great food without the fuss of fine dining. 

On his appointment Nathan commented “I am delighted to join such a well respectable and established hotel such as St. Andrew’s with such fantastic produce on our doorstep, creating a ‘Modern British’ menu in such idyllic surroundings will be an absolute delight. Our goal is to create not only a fantastic Hotel/Restaurant within Droitwich, but one within the Midlands and the UK. 

Having experienced one of the best Vegetarian meals of last year at Epi, I know that Nathan’s cooking is innovative, using the best seasonal produce, and creating dishes that bring out the best in their flavours and textures. His dishes also look stunning too. 

   
   Photos from my previous visit to Epi. 

The St Andrew’s Town Hotel was built in the 1820’s as the home of the town clerk of Droitwich Spa. The elegant Georgian building which has been sympathetically extended, refurbished and with a tranquil garden, making you feel that your’e in a country house retreat, not minutes from the Motorway network. The hotel also has a choice of function rooms for both business and kwasurw customers, including a new orangery which seats up to 150 guests. It can also cater for weddings and functions. 

I’m looking forward to visiting the restaurant when it opens in September and the new vegetarian dishes are launched. 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

Twitter: https://twitter.com/st_kitchen

@nathaneades

@standrews_hotel 

Muy Loco Tacos: #Tacoverthenation #TacoTuesday @ Cherry Reds Kings Heath. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Craft beer, Craftbeer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Street Food, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

    

  
I’ve come to realise that some of the best Vegetarian food on the planet is the type you can eat with your hands. Why else, do I like Street Food so much! From slices of Pizza in Italy, a veggie burger in a pub or in the sunshine, veggie hot-dogs, so rare to find unless at home. why? Or even, just a piece of cake or bun or scone. These are the foods that veggie dreams are made of- and this is why the Taco Tuesday that Muy Loco Tacos run at Cherry Reds is one of the most fun nights you can have. A match made in heaven, when eaten at cost and intimate Cherry Reds in Kings Heath, my kind of place, my kind of fun. Yes, then paired with sharp cocktails and craft beer what is there not to like. Oh yes I forgot Ruth and I can walk to it! 

So that’s what we did a few weeks ago.

   
 So take my Nutty Spinach falafel taco with #Blackcherry and #Spicychilli sauces. The tacos were finger licking good. The soft but foldable tortilla held the gentle delicate balls of spinach and falafel gentle, but when but into released a delicious flavour of yes summer an paired with the flavourful sauces which lifted the tacos above the ordinary. The sweet, sour, spicy combination helped and complimented the well made double shot Margarita creating a happy combination that made me smile. 

Ruth’s meaty variety also got the thumbs up from her. 

We also ordered some lovely sweet potato fries which were well made and I think necessary at times like this. 

The cost for three tacos (always a veggie option) 2 sides and a drink was £8. 

   
   

So now Muy Loco Tacos are taking a Kings Heath break until Tuesday September 29th.  Only a few months, but back with more cocktails and a bit of a party I would think. Oh, and yes more Tacos. 

See you there. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

We paid for own food and drinks which included a craft beer too. All opinions are my own and honest as always. 

@muylocotacos 

Tacoverthrnation: Facebook. 

http://www.cherryreds.com/index.html