Big Papas: Deep South Soul Food in Birmingham UK review

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Events, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Street Food, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by



If like me you’ve been watching the fantastic Reginald D Hunter ‘Songs of the American Deep South’ on BBC2 over the last few weeks then you will know just how intrinsically linked Soul Food and music is in the Deep South of America. It is on this premise that the ‘partnership’ between Big Papas Beautiful South and The Sunflower Lounge bar seems a match made in heaven, one specialising in soul food and one in music. 

The dishes created by chef Anthony Duffy echoing the history and authentic feel of Americas history and way of life. The fact that it serves food in Birmingham UK and not Birmingham Alabama even more in tune with the rhythm of soul and blues that encompasses its historic connection. 

Soul food originated in the Deep South by slaves and has become one of Ammericas richest regional cuisines. 

Myself along with Ruth were invited by Anthony along with other esteemed local food bloggers to try the food at Big Papas. It was a super night and lovely to see and meet everyone in attendance. 

Big Papas is approximately 5 minutes from The Bullring and a short walk down Smallbrook Queensway near TK Max. It’s based in The Sunflower Lounge a Birmingham favourite for many years as known for its live indie music and bustling and lively bar. 

So for good pints it is well stocked. 

Big Papas have a residency at The Sunflower Lounge and from their kitchen their Soul Food is created. 

The food on the menu is good value for money and includes a main course, 2 sides and 2 dipping sauces and then a choice of deserts as extra. 

For Vegetarians the options are limited but includes Big Papas famous Mac ‘n’ Cheese. They are Planning to add more vegetarian dishes in the next few weeks, (keep an eye on Veggie Foodie as I’m due to try them). 

The Mac ‘n’ Cheese came with Butternut Squash, and Poached egg and I chose two sides of Sweet Potato Fries and Greens. The 2 sauces were BBQ and Homemade Spicy Sauce. 



The dishes were served on a cute tray and the 2 sauces in their individual pots. 

The Mac ‘n’ Cheese was delicious, well made with a good cheesy flavour. Though I felt it could have been lifted more so by some mustard within it. I really enjoyed the dish, and with some of the best Sweet potato Fries I’ve had anywhere, in fact little slices of Cajun heaven, made a hearty and filling vegetarian dish that is so worth revisiting. The greens (cabbage in butter) were a nice contrasting accompaniment (always good to have veg, though they didn’t have my favourite okra)  the dipping sauces were well flavoured, quite spicy, but I like that and lovely with the fries. 

The Mac ‘n’ Cheese can also be ordered as a side. 



The brand new menu at Big Papas. 

Big Papas is a brilliant place to visit at any time of the day, but for a place for a lunch whilst shopping or an after shop  meal and drink its to be well recommended. The food is excellent, authentic and filled with their pride to provide good meals at reasonable prices fulfilling the Soul Food history and ethos. 

Thanks to Big Papas (Anthony and Craig) for dining us and for their hospitality, and enthusiasm. 

For soulfully cooked food, which is good for your soul’ veggie or non veggie Big Papas provide an abundance of flavour and a bit of Deep South history in Birmingham UK. Hallelujah! 

#feedyoursoul

#streetfood

Big Papas Beautiful South, The Sunflower Lounge, 76 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham B5 4EG.

Food is served from 12-9pm 7 days a week. 

Big Papas are also street food traders and can be seen around the area serving their fine food at Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Kerp an eye on their Twitter and Facebook pages for other dates and events. 







Facebook: bigpapassouth

Twitter: @bigpapasUk

I was invited by Big Papas to attend the food blogger evening to try their vegetarian food with an honest feedback and review required. All food was complimentary but all drinks consumed paid for by myself and Ruth. All opinions expressed are honest as always. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

The Sunflower Lounge and Big Papas Beautiful South are supported by Independent Birmingham . They are featured on their website under bars. 

For discounts and to purchase the IB card see their website below. 

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

Veg Out Cafe: Vegetarian and Vegan dinner in kings Heath Birmingham

Posted in Birmingham, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Coffee, Food, healthy, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by



Veg Out Cafe is an Independently owned cafe and restaurant on popular Poplar Road in Kings Heath, in the South of Birmingham. 

As with many Vegetarian places it covers all bases and is open all day Monday-Friday, Friday and Saturday evenings and for Sunday brunch. 

Veg Out is a smallish, minimal and friendly in the community kind of place with colourful walls adorned with art work. It has large windows bringing in lots of natural light, apart from after dark when we visited of course, but that’s stating the obvious. 

The furniture and floors are wooden, sturdy and won’t rock and roll as you eat your soup or tuck into a vegetarian breakfast (there Arn’t many things worse). There are potted plants, community information on the walls and a gaiety of spirit that only a thoughtful independent business beholds. The care and attention to its customers, that bellies the Kings Heath vibe. 

Positively, there is a Bring your own on alcohol which keeps the price down and makes Veg Out Cafe one of the best value places around. 

Veg Out Cafe do a set price menu which includes vegan options. 3 courses for £ 17.95 and 2 courses for £17.95. 

On the Saturday evening that Ruth and I visited the restaurant was busy and had a good buzzy atmosphere. 

After a quick drink en route from home at Fletchers Bar on York Road we decided on looking at the menu to go for the 3 course menu. 




We both chose the Ravioli set on a cauliflower and Tarragon puréed mushroom and cream sauce to start. 


Our Ravioli was excellent. Though it felt quite small in size (though that was probably because we were hungry) the Ravioli was hand made, had a good flavour and was cooked perfectly, and with the complimentary flavours of the cauliflower, tarragon and cream lifted it into a fine starter, one demonstrating a touch of quality in the cooking and presentation. 

For my main course I chose the Cannelini Al gratin with fennel, garlic served with wilted spinach. 



The Cannelini Al Gratin was also very good, warming, filling and hearty. Packed with a subtle garlic and fennel flavour it was a good size and a really tasty main. The Spinach gave it a contrasting texture and made for a good main course. 

Ruth chose the Kale salad with artichoke, garlic potatoes, chilli and white wine. A pretty dish that she commended for its healthy, filling and flavoursome potatoes, which she enjoyed a lot. 


For pudding Ruth had the sorbet which she found refreshing and a healthier choice. Sorry no photo as Ruth had started before I could get one taken. 

I went for The Sticky Toffee Pudding with Double Cream. 

A sticky toffee pudding is one of my favourite puddings, it is for me one of my taste tests along with tiramisu, fresh bread and chips. (To name a few)  having eaten Sticky Toffee Pudding in the Lake District and North Yorkshire I’ve had it where it was created. 

I was very impressed with Veg Out Cafe’s sticky toffee pudding. It was superbly toffee flavoured, a good size, perfectly cooked, not burnt or overlooked but moist, and with the right amount of cream to give it the contrast in flavour. A super job, well worth having if on the menu.  


The menu at Veg Out changes weekly usually so what Ruth and I ate may not be what you will find. I like the fact that the menu changes, it keeps it seasonal and fresh for both the chef and the customer who visits frequently. 

Check Twitter and Facebook for their menus and their website. 

I would have liked to have had some fresh bread when we arrived especially as exquisite independent bakery Maison Mayci is on the same road. Maybe to nibble on arrival or over the menu. I know how good the bread is there. 

Throughout the service was friendly, enthusiastic and prompt and with a buzzy feel to the atmosphere made for a very engaging evening. 

Veg Out Cafe is a brilliant Vegetarian place to go for an informal weekend evening. It’s casual, fun and the food is delicious, well made and shows a creative touch that is well executed and presented well. 

Veggies, Vegans  and meat eaters alike will enjoy the ambience and welcome and the price. As the hashtag on their website says #wecarewhatyoueat. 

Who can dispute that. 

Veg Out Cafe, 46 Poplar Road, Birmingham, B14 7AG. 

Twitter.com/cafevegout 

Facebook.com/CafeVegOut

http://vegoutcafe.co.uk/
https://vegoutcafekh.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/cafe-menu1.pdf
https://vegoutcafekh.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/veg-out-march-menu.pdf
We paid for our own meal all opinions in the view are my own, honest at all times. 

Thanks for reading 😊

Andy 

Has anyone been to Veg Out Cafe? What did you think, what’s your favourite time to visit? 

In my previous review I reviewed Veg Out Cafe’s lunch and daytime menu: 

see my review here: 

https://vegiefoodie.com/2014/09/16/veg-out-cafe-a-vegetarian-lunch-in-kings-heath-birmingham/

You can now receive 10% off your bill with the Independent Birmingham Card so this makes the evening weekend deal even better value. 

Unfortunately the deal became live a day or so after we visited. But another time😊

See what they say here:

http://independent-birmingham.co.uk/veg-out-cafe/

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, The Kaiser Chiefs, The Bilash Wolverhampton and Me.

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Curry restaurants, Food, Independent, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Wolverhampton by

I could never profess to being The Voice of knowledge on all curry restaurants, but I know a good one when I see it.  

If you told me that I couldn’t eat another Veggie curry, then I sure would become one of ‘The Angry Mob’ and I would ‘predict a riot’ in Wolverhampton if the Bilash ever closed down. You see the Bilash is popular. In fact very popular in the Midlands. 

The Bilash is located in the Cheapside area of the city opposite the Civic Centre where the Civic Hall is based. Tucked quietly away from the traffic and shoppers at the back of Wolverhampton’s  beautiful  church. 

Ruth and I were in the city to see the band The Kaiser Chiefs ‘never miss a beat’ on a cold Friday night a few weeks ago and the Bilash is a restaurant that I knew was very highly regarded and good for Vegetarians.

The Bilash specialises in Bangladeshi cuisine and from its warm friendly welcome and decor-an Anglo Indian mix of bright shades which is both modern and traditional, and very soothingly ambient. It’s a family owned restaurant and has been established for over 30 years. It has numerous awards, it’s in the Michelin Food Guide, AA food guide, and The Good Food Guide, and is the only establishment in Wolverhampton in all the above guides. 

The restaurant is on two floors, we were seated on the ground floor.





On looking at the menu it was apparent that the Bilash has extensive Vegetarian options. The food is cooked fresh to order every time and this along with the keen and spot on service is the key to its success. It has high standards and is warm, courteous and treats you like a friend. Something money can’t buy. In fact by the time we left for the gig at 7.30 the restaurant was packed.

The Bilash also has a large window looking into the kitchen with a big table set out for groups nearby. 

We decided to not order a starter so enjoyed poppudums whilst we waited for our main course. The Poppodums arrived crisp, with delicious fresh sauces, and a fine fruity raita that was quite delicious. 

As we didn’t order a starter Ruth and I decided to sample some of the veggie side dishes with our main courses. Ruth had ordered a meaty main and I ordered the Panneer Bengum Bahar, homemade paneer (cottage cheese) cooked in Royal Almond, curb and yogurt sauce. 

For the Veggie Sides we ordered the Aloo Bangan Jhool, Potatoes and aubergine in spicy tomato sauce, the Bhindi Bhajee, spicy stir fry okra, and the Aloo Dum , spicy potato curry, plus a Garlic Naan and Basmati Rice. 



spicy potato curry

The Paneer Bengum Bahar was fresh,  creamy, delicate, like a golden nugget of pure joy, with wonderful nuances of spicy taste sensations that I devoured. A great dish. Also available as a side. 

The sides, a subtle Aloo Bhangan Jhool, which held a delicious tomato flavour, superbly spiced, and a quite lovely okra stir-fry (Bhindi Bhajee) and Aloo Dum spicy potato curry distinct in its spicing, creamy and warming. All excellent Veggie side dishes and perfectly complimenting my Paneer Bengum Bahar and Ruth’s delicious meat curry-she said. 

For desert the options are minimal and all home made and presented on a tray which took me by surprise in a good way. From which you choose which you would like made for you. 

I chose a Semilina, raisins and cardamon pudding, which slid down and was full of creamy flavour and mouth quenchingly good. I liked it. 

Ruth chose the Gulab Jamun executed superbly, warming dough balls, sugary, syrupy with a good dose of cardamon and rose water. 

Gulab Jamun





Semilina pudding 

The Bilash is a jewel in Wolverhampton and excellent for vegetarians in search of a curry. 

Its subtle cooking is a cut above most Asian restaurants in Birmingham and the Midlands, authentic, freshly made, each dish made with care and attention all in a relaxed modern space. The Bilash deserves all its awards and is worthy of its name Bilash, warm, reliable with good hospitality and delicious food, and yes for some, and now me too it feels like ‘Coming Home’. 



we paid for our own meal. All opinions expressed are my own and honest as always. 

Bilash 

No  2 Cheapside, Wolverhampton, WV 1 1TU. 

01902 427 762

http://www.thebilash.co.uk

Twitter: @TheBilash

http://www.facebook.com/The Bilash



We also enjoyed a couple of bottles of Kingfisher lager and a couple glasses of white wine.



#CoffeeTime: New independent coffee shop openings. 

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

It seems that Birmingham City Centre is going independent coffee shop crazy this month with four new openings in and around the centre in the last few weeks. 

I’ve already mentioned the  Six Eight Kafe which has opened at Millenium Point  recently which if as popular as their original on Temple Row should do very well indeed and bring a coffee boost to Millenium Point and its eclectic mix. 





Flat white at Six Eight Kafe 

Also open is the new Urban Coffee Emporium at 1 Dudley Street near New Street Station (back entrance near the yet to be opened John Lewis entrance) 

Urban’s new emporium is a smaller affair, but will still be serving brunch, coffee and cake of course. 



flat white at Urban Coffee Church Street

The new emporium is at the new Birmingham Open Media Gallery and has plenty of vegetarian options on its brunch and  lunch menu. See above 

Also recently opened are Quarter Horse Coffee which is an Oxford based coffee shop which is independent and has branched out to Birmingham at 88-90 Bristol Street B5 7AH. @Qtrhorsecofee.

Plus the intriguing Diplomat Barista at the 2 SnowHill development near Snow Hill Station. 

They have a deal with the RBSA Gallery in the Jewellery Quarter to display art on their walls. Looks a good newcomer. 

I’ve also heard that Java Lounge from Moseley Village are opening up at some point on Colmore Row in Birmingham City Centre. 

So exciting times for coffee drinkers in central Birmingham. Expect to see reviews and reports on all of these in the next few weeks on my blog. 

Happy coffee drinking. 



Photos above taken at Yorks Espresso bar on Colmore Row and Marmalade at Birmingham Rep Theatre. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊





#Veggiepizzawatch: Barebones Pizza-The best pizza on four wheels. 

Posted in Events, Festivals, Food, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, pizza, Stratford Upon Avon, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Barebones pizza produce wood fired pizzas. Pizzas are cooked in a wood fired oven to a Neopolitan style and are very generous in size from their strikingly funky red van. 

Deservedly they were recently shortlisted by Shortlist.com for best pizza in the UK and were awarde 5 stars for hygiene and food safety standards. 

 As street food Barebones are the real deal. 

A chance reading of an article on the new wave street food scene paved the way for the idea to sell pizzas in the Midlands from their travelling pizza van. Bare Bones relates to the notion of natural and organic ingredients. No additives, and the freshest ingredients, which equals healthier pizzas. 

Barebones Pizza are a family run company. Father and son team Mike and Tim Evans are the main cogs in a well oiled machine or in this case van. 

Pizza’s are cooked to order in front of you, piping hot, fresh and incredibly tasty. 

Pizza’s are 10” using the best toppings. For vegetarians  try: 

Margherita (Bare Bones) pizza with tomato and mozzarella cheese. 

Vegetarian: (Boneless) with mushrooms, red Onion, sliced green Peppers, and mozzarella cheese. 

You can also create your own pizza with mozzarella, try from red onion, green peppers, mushrooms, black olives and sliced tomato. 

Plus the Vegan pizza: vegan friendly veganic cheese, red onions, smoked tofu, mushrooms, (example only) 

Plus you can order garlic bread with or without cheese. 

On a recent visit to Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh i ordered the Boneless pizza. 



It was a real pizza, crispy, nice toppings, great fresh thin base, cheesy, and looked a proper Italian pizza. 

What impressed me by the Boneless was that you could taste all the ingredients individually, they weren’t charred or burnt. The ratio of veg was spot on, a good size portion, ingredients in proportion and not too much cheese that it felt greasy and sickly. A quality authentic pizza. Like Italy in Birmingham.

Added to that is friendly service, and though very busy and with a long que,  it never felt rushed or that the standards of Barebones had slipped. A quality experience. 

You can find them at Street Food events, festivals and markets. 

14th March-Brum Yum Yum 10-4pm 

15th March- Digbeth Dining Club St Patrick’s Event 5-9.30pm

20th March- Scoff Street; Stratford Upon Avon 5-9.30pm

27th March: Digbeth Dining Club 5-10.30pm

11th April- Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh 

24th April Scoff Street Food event- Stratford Upon Avon. 

27th March: Digbeth Dining Club. 

2nd/3rd/4th/5th/6th April: Easter Market, Brindley Place. 

11th April: Brum Yum Yum Kings Heath. 

24th April Scoff Event in Steatford Upon Avon. 

Barebones have a great concept, a quality product and a fun looking and hard working van. They have an innovative menu, good vegetarian and vegan options and their pizza is good value for the price between £5 and £8. Dependent on choice. 

Barebones have put time into their flavours and cookery, their pizzas are handmade, rightly irregular, and have authentic fillings and a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. 

A 5 star success,  and not only the great pizza from a van, but from anywhere in Birmingham. 

Seek them out at the next street food event near you. They are well worth it. See above details on where to find them and also on their website. 

http://barebonespizza.co.uk/

Facebook: barebonesizza

Twitter: @barebonespizza 

For menus, details of events and background to the company. 

Thanks for reading. 

I paid for my own pizza and all opinions expressed are my own and honest at all times. 





Have you tried Barebones pizza? What did you think. Let me know your thoughts via Twitter @andydhare or in the comments section below. 

Thanks 

Andy 😊





Foodies Festival comes to Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park 15-17th May 2015

Posted in beer, Birmingham, Events, Festivals, Food, Food Festivals, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

This May an exciting new food festival arrives in Birmingham. Throughout the weekend of 15-17 May the Uk’s biggest celebration of food and drink will transform Cannon Hill Park into a foodie paradise with Birmingham’s Michelin-Starred, and top chefs, a new tasting theatre, pop up restaurants, and Street Food in the form of Street Food Avenue: Exciting!

Originally set up in Scotland in 2005, it promises to be a superb foodie day out for all the family. 

I’m really looking forward to the Foodies Festival and full details can be found on their website.

http://foodiesfestival.com/





The Aga Rangmaster Chefs Theatre welcomes Michelin Starred chef Glynn Purnell as well as Simpsons  Matt Cheal and Lasan’s Aktar Islam who will cook their favourite summer recipes and share top tips for visitors to take away and impress families and friends with. 

Fans of Masterchef can also see 2014 winner Ping Coombes cook her signature dishes from the series in the Chefs Theatre and try her Malaysian Pop-up on the Street Food Avenue. Ping is also joined by Masterchef 2010 winner Dhruv Baker and finalist Jackie Kearney. 

Also Birmingham can enjoy toasting Foodies’ 10th Anniversary in the New Wine and Champagne Theatre where experts Neil Phillips and Charles Metcalfe will guide visitors through the seasons best British bubbles and beer expert Melissa Cole hosts masterclasses in the New Craft Beer Theatre, matching foods with locally produced alcoholic and non alcoholic craft beers. 

Also on offer on the New Tasting Theatre will be ‘How to sniff chocolate like a Rockstar’ or Chocolate Safari. A group of masterclasses  with Coeur de Xocolat. 

Of interest to veggies and vegans are masterclasses in Raw Food and Vegan blogger Katy B from Little Miss Meat Free will be sharing her recipes, tips and inspiring visitors to create vegan meals and bakes at home. Katy is one of my favourite bloggers and her blog is well worth checking out. 

http://www.littlemissmeatfree.co.uk/?m=1

Facebook.com/littlemissmeatfree

Twitter/lilmissmeatfree

The Cake & Bake Theatre will showcase local cake makers and bakeries sharing their tips for baking delicious Summer Cakes. Their will also be Sugar-craft masterclasses and a Chocolate Cake and Bake Village. Selling bakes, jams, gadgets and baking essentials. 

The part of the festival I’m looking forward to is the so called Street Food Avenue a vibrant and exciting festival hub showcasing the best of street food from around the world, hopefully with some good veggie dishes to enjoy. 

There will also be an Artisan Producers Market of over 200 exhibitors. 

Here visitors can meet the producers and sample and buy award winning produce, cheese, wines, bakes and condiments. 

For children there will be a Children’s Cookery Theatre and learn basic cooking skills with Kiddy Cook. 

Plus live music, a pop up bar and entertainment throughout the day. 

As with all food festivals there should be plenty for veggies and vegans to enjoy,  when I know more about the vendors and traders I will update my post. 

see you there. 

Tickets are available from http://www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0844 995 1111.

There are single day passes, and VIP passes, and  weekend passes available And all children aged 12 and under go free to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.

At the beginning of May I will be running a ticket giveaway on Twitter and the blog, to get your foodie hands on a pair of tickets for the show. 😊

Disclosure: I’m attending the Foodies Festival as their guest, but have not received any other payment for my post or my promotion of what is a brilliant event for Birmingham. 

Thanks for reading. 



Scoff Food returns for Fab Feb Food extravaganza

Posted in Bars, beer, Cocktails, Coventry, Events, Festivals, Food Festivals, Independent, pizza, Stratford Upon Avon, Street Food, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

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The last weekend of February (this Friday and Saturday) is a street food lovers birthday and Christmas rolled into one. Especially if you live near or in Stratford Upon Avon or Coventry in the Warwickshire.

On Friday 27th February at The Stratford Boat Club overlooking the pretty River Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) theatre sees an evening Scoffs Food Event.

Featuring The Jabberwocky, Spectacular Goat Pizza, Delize Italian, Canoodle and Bournville Waffle, amongst others. Plus live music and shelter from the elements if need be.

So what’s better than Stratford’ s first street food night and theatrical setting and even Shakespeare himself would be impressed with the atmosphere and stunning river views.

Plus, of course cocktails, and beer from 17.00-23.00 27th February and every week until the 27th March at Stratford Boating Club. CV 37 7LS.

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Saturday 28th is just as good.

Venue is Fargo Village in Coventry. This Saturday you will find an enlarged foodie extravaganza, a full line up of world-wide street food, and a colourful double decker bus, The Bus Bar to quench your thirst. Plus fantastic independent shopping throughout the village.

The Fargo Street Food Scoff Food thing has excellent nosh, plenty of veggie options at both events.

See Spectacular Goat pizza, yummy. Canoodle, Big Daddies Diner, and more. The food and the atmosphere should warm the cockles of your heart whatever the weather.

http://www.scofffood.co.uk for directions

Venue:

Fargo Village, Far Gosford Street, Coventry, CV 1 5ED.

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The Bus Bar at Brum Yum Yum.

Thanks for reading.

Andy

@andydhare

Facebook: Andy Hare and Veggie Foodie

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Review: Marmalade: Bistro at The Birmingham Rep Theatre

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

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I’m not prone to visit a new restaurant within its early days of opening, due to
the potential to either be vastly disappointed or underwhelmed by the package presented.

So it was with some trepidation that Ruth and I visited Bitters N’ Twisted’s Marmalade’s in its first week ( its first proper night after a soft launch) seduced by the much trumpeted vegetarian dishes and a bargain 50% off opening week deal. Based at the Birmingham Rep Theatre near the ICC building/Symphony Hall and on Broad Street.

On entering we were quietly relieved to see that the old style of theatre dining had disappeared. A Nondescript, dull, quietness had been replaced by a modern, funky, wooden, quite cosy feeling space, that had all the hallmarks of other Bitters N Twisted venues. (Bodega, Jekyll and Hyde, Rose Villa Tavern to name just three).

I liked the room, long tables, small tables, good lighting, large windows, a bit like Bodega, but unique too the brand too. It had potential to be buzzy when busy.

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The Bistro was quite busy when we got there, though the pre theatre guests would be engrossed in their play and the night was quite cold.

We were seated in a cosy corner and perished the menu. Service initially was quite slow, but generally improved as the night went on. Though it felt decidedly chilly and without a personable touch, more functional with little enthusiasm compared with say Bodega. Not fitting for a restaurant in its opening days, where you may expect that touch.

One must not grumble though, it’s early days, and this is something to work on.

We ordered a couple of drinks. Ruth a white wine me a Mojito. My cocktail was good, a good touch of rum, refreshing, sweet, what you would expect.

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So onto the food.

We decided to order one of Marmalade’s small plate options to share along with some bread.

We ordered the stone bread basket, homemade butters (Balsamic and Thyme, Fig and Rosemary, and sun dried tomato) plus the Charred Kale, caramelised swede, coconut, cranberries, walnuts.

The bread we felt wasn’t as fresh as it could have been. It was ok. The butters didn’t taste of any ingredients in the description and were disappointing as we were looking foreword to trying them. Great idea though.

The Kale dish looked impressive, pretty on the plate. It was delicious, the crunch of the kale against the soft swede and blended into a coconut sauce felt quite Thai or Malaysian, subtly spiced and a good plate of food, and with the bread for dipping into the creamy coconut a good mix. For £7.25 good value shared with another sharing plate dish as a taster.

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To follow I ordered the tasty sounding
Roast Aubergine, lentil, feta, Basil
Leaves, chick peas, croutons, curry oil, raisins, shiitake mushrooms salad. (A long title).

Which when it arrived didn’t look anything like the press release photographs, but was covered in rocket/salad which his the beautiful bright colours of the chick peas, lentils and aubergine, as if it was embarrassed by them. Shame. It was that presentation that grabbed me.

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The official photo.

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How it was presented.

On the whole though the taste of the dish was very good. Lovely flavours running through it, it felt healthy, warming, the chick peas, lentils, mushrooms and aubergine gave it a bite and vitality and with the toasted croutons made for a filling warm salad. I enjoyed it.

It would make a good starter (and is available as such) promising and with two other vegetarian main dishes plenty to return to, including a lovely sounding vegetable crumble with tofu.

We also ordered a good side portion of chips which were good.

Ruth ordered cod fish and chips which was she said ok, cooked well but a bit bland and unseasoned, and served with a small portion of chips, hence the extra portion ordered.

For desert we decided to share the brilliant sounding Repertory Mess- almond meringue, coffee sponge, whipped cream, raspberries, and blue berries.

It was ok, good in fact until we came across (about half way down) the cloying and overpowering coffee soaked sponge, and then a good mess became a tiramisu, a bit confused, we liked half of the pudding, but was left with an after taste of coffee not fruit and meringue. A shame.

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So on the whole Marmalade was a good experience. It has massive potential. Credit is deserved and due for the varied and from what I tasted good vegetarian dishes. A lot of work has been put into them and thinking of us veggies as an important diner. They show a progression and trend for a varied tastes, textures, and ingredients. Yet, maybe a curates egg on the day I visited.

The service was only ok, no one checked whether we enjoyed the food, no one checked how the veggie dishes were, no market research, not a great deal of enthusiasm but always polite.

I liked the space though, the decor, lighting and potential and I did return to enjoy a fine flat white the next day in the bar, and service there was much better.

So maybe a return visit in a few months, once things have settled down. Those veggie dishes deserve to be discovered. Theirs lots to like about Marmalade, the cocktails, the varied and imaginative menu, the pre theatre deal, and there’s some things to work on.

That’s normal at this stage, so perhaps I should have waited a little longer? But then I’ve always loved Marmalade…

See you again.

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Marmalade Bistro Bar
Birmingham Rep Theatre
Broad Street
Birmingham
B1 2EP

0121 245 2080

http://www.marmaladebirmingham..co.uk

@marmaladebirmingham

Facebook/ marmaladebham

Has anyone visited Marmalade yet? What did you think? Let me know your thoughts via the comments below and in Twitter @andydhare

Thanks for reading.

Andy 😊

We ate at Marmalade with 50% off the bill. The other 50% we paid for. My opinions are my own, honest as always.

I also drunk a delicious Brew Dog Punk IPA. Part of a good selection of craft beers on offer at Marmalade.

Three official photos courtesy of Marmalade and Bitters N’ Twisted

Thanks.

Review: Lasan Restaurant: Birmingham

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Curry restaurants, St Paul's Square, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

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Lasan’s reputation has often in recent times proceeded it. Offering a fine dining like experience, it’s Indian dishes are refined, and woo the diner with their keen and exquisite seasoning and little touches of street food delights. It feels more like an experience than a general night out.

It’s those touches that have brought it accolades not only from Gordon Ramsey but The Sunday Times newspaper who have named it as one of Britain’s top 100 restaurants, the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide. A true list of quality.

Chef Aktar Islam and his team have consistently created on all my numerous visits (and there have been many from whence Lasan opened) Vegetarian dishes that demonstrate those techniques, textures and flavours that are a joy to discover and heavenly to taste.

On our mid week arrival Ruth and I decided to enjoy a Gin and Tonic in the smart bar area with the menus. A good thing to do when visiting Lasan.

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I discovered disappointingly a few weeks previous that Lasan doesn’t serve a vegetarian tasting menu-minus points- but only a non veggie one. Though this is sad, as other fine indian restaurants in London do its not the end of the world, as the menu for vegetarians is excellent, with plenty of choice and from previous experiences delightful.

Having taken our seats at our favourite mezzanine level table, good for people watching, we observed the restaurant filling up with large table bookings and couples. Excellent to see mid week.

I like the decor of Lasan, slightly modern, slightly Eastern influenced, a lovely wall mounted sitar and large ornate mirrors give the space a brightness, though with an intimate feel.

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We began our meal with a complimentary Indian Street Food morsel (not an amuse bouche, that’s French) called Panipuri which originates from the Magadha region of India.

A popular street food snack it consists of a round hollow puri, fried crisp and filled with a mixture of chaat masala, potato, onion and chick peas. To be taken in one mouthful, it was delicious, sweet, savoury, gently spiced. I love Indian street food. I could have quite happily eaten more.

Plus some quality crisp and flavoursome poppadoms and dips.

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For a starter Ruth and I chose to eat the vegetarian shared platter. A dish we’ve ordered before many times. The street food leanings of this dish is the main draw for me.

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It combines an assiette of two each of Caraway Spiced Paneer, Spinach and Potato tiki, onion and spinach palak pakora, South Indian potato cakes and a selection of well made dips.

A dish of differing and contrasting flavours and textures with vibrant touches. The potato cakes an all round taste sensation, the spinach and potato tiki, superb. All round for veggies this starter can’t be beaten and is my favourite. The only catch you have to find someone to share it with. Ruth as a meat eater loves it.

For my main course I ordered the veggie Chamon Punjab (paneer) with two vegetarian sides to share with Ruth-the Gobhi Angara and Ghar ke dhal, with a Garlic and Coriander naan and Pilau Rice accompany.

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The Chanon Punjab was delicious. Spiced with caraway seeds and scented with cloves, with a smooth spicy Kashmiri spinach and fenugreek gravy it was probably the best paneer I’ve tasted in Birmingham and only the one I ate at Michelin starred Benares in Mayfair London beats it. The flavours were deeply spiced and went perfectly with the two side dishes I ordered. A lovely vegetarian main dish.

The Gobhi Angara, is a North Indian delicacy. As lovers of cauliflower in curries both Ruth and had to choose this dish. The nigella scented masala with roasted cauliflower a gentle lighter contrast to the paneer punch of the main dish. More subtle in flavour, but delivering with aplomb.

The Ghar Ke Dhal offered once more a delicious contrast. The blend of lentils, simmered gently and spiced with green Cardamom and cassia bark had finely tempered flavours, with the tomato base and fresh herbs providing subtlety. A lovely dhal.

Ruth didn’t have space for a pudding so ordered some petit fours for her coffee. Disappointingly they proved to be sadly underwhelming which we thought would be homemade but wasn’t. Not great, she felt and for £2.50 very expensive. Why not a plate of traditional Indian sweets or small Indian deserts instead. More authentically Indian please.

For pudding I ordered the superb Gulab Jamun Rabri.

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To describe: the Gulab jamun Rabri is a Holi festival recipe with cardamon. It can be defined as deep fried melt in the mouth dough balls which are coated in sugary rose water and cardamon, slightly warm. Gulab means rose in Hindi and Jamun is a South Asian fruit. An Indian version of doughnuts. Drizzled with rabri a form of sweetened reduced milk flavoured with nuts and spices.

It was a delicious melt in the mouth pudding. Creamy, nutty, lovely. Not heavy to eat, but light and perfect after the spice of the previous dishes.

Lasan do the traditional deserts well, more please.

Throughout the meal the service was impeccable, courteous, charming, they explained every dish enthusiastically and with knowledge but not overwhelming you with attention. The balance was as it should be.

With our food we also ordered two glasses of wine, Ruth had a white-a lovely Gewürztraminer and me a punchy Red Malbec, both complimented the spicy food well.

Plus to follow two brandies to follow our Americano coffee. (Ambre Pierre Ferrand cognac)

Lasan is the real deal for curry in Birmingham. More pricy than some, it’s certainly a splurge kind of place and why wouldn’t you. A treat to enjoy, overwhelm and dive into. The vegetarian dishes (as the non are, according to Ruth) are inspiring, and flavoursome.

There are more than enough vegetarian dishes to return to again and again, their can be no complaints.

The service, hospitality and the food is testament to the hard work that goes into making the Lasan experience whole and nearly complete, (veggie tasting menu, more indian puddings) please😊

one that ‘teases the senses and stirs the soul’.

Lasan
3-4 Dakota Buildings
James Street
St Paul’s Square
Birmingham
B3 1SD

0121 212 3664

http://www.lasan.co.uk

@lasan

@akrarislam

Facebook/Lasan-Restaurant

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We were invited as guests of Lasan Restaurant Group, we received part compensation for the bill the balance we paid ourselves. As always my opinions are honest and my own. No positive review was required though there is no doubt you couldn’t fail to be impressed. 

 My previous review of Lasan Restaurant last year. 

Lasan Restaurant-teasing the senses-review



#CoffeeTime: Marmalade at Birmingham Rep Theatre

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian by

Marmalade is the new bar and bistro that opened last week at The Birmingham Rep Theatre on Broad Street near the ICC complex.

It’s bar and bistro received a lot of Social Media action prior to its launch and since, promising murmurings have been given on its food menu especially the much heralded vegetarian dishes.

Last week Ruth and I visited the bistro for dinner and you can read my thoughts on their aforementioned veggie dishes in a few days time.

As if once wasn’t enough to visit Marmalade Last week I decided coincidently to try their coffee, and why not. The Rep space has always had a cafe and on the whole I remember having a decent coffee their before.

Now Marmalade is owned by Bitters N Twisted who own Bodega, The Victoria, and The Jekyll and Hyde amongst others I thought it would be a good independent bet.

Good news is that it is.

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I ordered a flat white, which was well made, creamy with a good sharp coffee under lying flavour, a very good coffee and it looks good in the photos. I was impressed that it came with a glass of water, very European. Excellent.

As a space to work it’s excellent, you are seated in the bar area and the friendly service on this occasion takes over. At £2.50 it is competitively priced. The seating is comfortable with plenty of room if you wish to work seated on a semi circle type seating with a large table.

I thought it was a good space, though small, it felt new, clean and with windows all around was light and airy.

They also serve sandwiches at lunch in the bar/coffee area so if you are peckish then it’s your lucky day. I didn’t see any cake offerings, but that maybe it was hiding, but if not well why not?

As an alternative to the nearby coffee chains of Costa, Starbucks, and Cafe Nero that you find in that Broad Street/ Brindley Place area then the Independent Marmalade is the real deal.

If you are walking through to Brindley Place or just want a small space to sit and take in a pleasant view then this is your place.

And remember it is independent.

I wasn’t disappointed. I hope you won’t be either.

Marmalade bar and bistro
Birmingham Rep Theatre
Broad street
Birmingham
B1 2EP

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