Veg Out Cafe tasting night.

Posted in Uncategorised by

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Eating out in Kings Heath is becoming almost as regular as eating my five a day, but with far greater temptations. The most recent addition to the Kings Heath culinary scene is Veg Out Cafe (formally Manic Organic) on Poplar Road off the High Street, a road that is fast becoming a personal favourite as a foodie destination.

Last Friday myself and my wife attended a free food tasting night where three chefs had prepared various canapés for guests to sample.

The space at Veg Out Cafe is light and airy, and on the night of our visit was full and had a lovely warm and relaxed atmosphere.

We were given a menu at our table of the prepared dishes and advised that they would come out one by one.

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The dishes we sampled in no particular order were:

Roast Pepper, Hummous and Halloumi bites.
Spiced Olives.
Spinich and Cheese Pastry bites.
Grape and chedder bites.
Roasted tomato, Aubergine and Basil parcels.
Lebanese lentil and Bulgar wheat salad.
Baba ganoush.
Tabbouleh.
Red cabbage salad.
Cucumber, olive and feta.
Broad Bean, Stilton and Walnut crostini.
Fresh fruit kebabs.
Dark Rum chocolate pot.
Cupcakes from Tall Poppy Foods.

Smoothies

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My particular favourites were the spiced olives which were marinated by the chef, the broad bean, Stilton and walnut crostini which had a lovely crunch and Stilton flavour, the roasted tomato aubergine and basil parcels which were full of flavour, the baba ganoush and the tabbouleh.

The dark rum chocolate pot was a small pot of heaven and very indulgent, and the cupcakes given by Tall Poppy Foods in Selly Oak were superb and finished the tasting off perfectly.

What impressed me also was the service. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and prompt with the food as the restaurant filled up. At all times they showed enthusiasm, pride and a knowledge of the dishes that were sampled.

Veg Out Cafe is a welcome addition to a thriving foodie scene in Kings Heath. It’s superb as a day and an evening restaurant and is also open for lunch.

I look forward to returning and trying the main weekend evening menu and lunchtime delights soon.

Lucky old Kings Heath:)

Disclaimer:

This was a free event and all views are my own.

Follow @CafeVeg.out on twitter
Telephone 0121 441 3802

http://www.tallpoppyfoods.co.uk

BYZANTIUM MEDITERRANEAN TAPAS KINGS HEATH


Living in the food mecca of Kings Heath and Moseley is hard work. The choice of where to dine and drink is tough on the decsion making process. Where do you go and savour top vegetarian delights.

Byzantium in Kings Heath on York Road in South Birmingham is a favourite of my wife Ruth and myself.

It seems wrong though to not start the night at Fletchers Bar next door, for cool cocktails, and a good Saturday evening Kings Heath vibe. Fletchers is all wood and has a good cocktail and drinks menu and also serves food from lunch to dinner. It is owned by The Kitchen Garden Cafe near by and thus like them promotes organic and well sourced food.

After a couple of good martinis we were off to Byzantium. It is a lovely restaurant, it has a warming and localised feel that is generous in its welcome and one that will get you talking. It is a small resturant, but big in heart. We began with a Fino sherry (what else) The restaurant has a good selection of drinks, from cocktails to a good selection of wines from the mediterranean and numerous sherries. Many by the glass.

We ordered the Middle Eastern flat bread, slightly griddled and so very aromatic. Superb. With this the smoky aubergine dip, the zaaluk which was also very good.

I also ordered to follow the Aubergine Parmiagiana, Patatas Bravas,
championes rellonos, and from a large special menu the Cheese and spinich Croquetas and
roasted root vegetables with honey and rosemary. Byzantium has a regular specials menu that has numerous vegetarian options on it.

We both finished it off with a Baklava which we enjoyed. We also enjoyed a glass of red and white wine and two coffee’s.

Byzantium is very good choice for vegetarians and meat eaters alike due to its superb choice of on its menu.

The service is informal, friendly but attentive.

Byzantium is very good value and if you don’t order too much.

It will have you returning again and again.

The restaurant was buzzing on a Saturday evening and had a good vibe. I advise you too book a table.

We were having such a good night we returned to Fletchers for a whisky and brandy.

Byzantium certainly glitters gold.

0121 444 5444

Facebook.com/byzantiumtapas

Info@byzantiumtapas.co.uk

Byzantium Mediterranean Tapas Restaurant
11 York Road
Kings Heath
Birmingham
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Watch Great British Menu tonight 6.30pm

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants by

Watch the Great British Menu tonight on BBC2 from 6.30 to see chef Aktar Islam fight it out in the Midlands Heat.

Lasan is one of my favourite restaurants and is superb for vegetarian flavours and the choice of dishes. Look out for my review in a couple of weeks.

Go chef! Watch for the whole of this week.

Www.lasan.co.uk

The Edgbaston bar opening 2nd May 2014

Posted in Bars and Pubs by

The Edgbaston area of Birmingham is due to welcome a new cocktail bar and boutique hotel to its leafy suburbs on Friday 2nd May when The Edgbaston opens its doors.

With their sister hotel The Kenilworth boasting numerous awards and plaudits, Birmingham is due a real treat.

My wife and I stayed at the Kenilworth Hotel a couple of weeks ago and sampled some superb cocktails in the bar downstairs.

The Edgbaston will serve classic, original cocktails and spirits with table service with a slick and trendy vibe. The Edgbaston according to their website will house three cocktail lounges and advises that reservations are recomended in order to guarantee a table.

Contact the Edgbaston on 01926 779 473 and info@theedgbaston.co.uk
for bookings.

http://www.the edgbaston.co.uk

My wife and I are visiting this Saturday prior to dinner in the area. Report to follow.

The surrounding area is blessed with superb restaurants, including Simpsons and The Blue Piano.

It sounds perfect for a cool night out in Birmingham.

About Veggie Foodie

Posted in vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

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Hi, and welcome to my blog,

I’ve been a vegetarian for 25 years and I love eating out from street food to fine dining.

My mission is to share my favorite dining and food experiences, and to show that vegetarian options on the menu are not always boring and predictable. When I can I will highlight vegan dishes too.

My favorite experiences have often been where there has been no vegetarian menu, or few veggie options on the existing menu, but with some forward planning I have still had a great night out. Veggie foodie will help you to share these experiences too!

I love eating the best seasonal produce around and will highlight this whenever I can.

I will also promote and occasionally review events, food markets, street food events and restaurant pop ups that include vegetarian and vegan dishes on their menus.

My blog will also highlight the best independent coffee shops to visit for a good all round experience.

My blog will not post recipes as a norm, but may feature occasional mentions from time to time of Cook books and recipes of interest I’ve found.

All the views on this site are my personal opinion and honest.

I hope that I will be able to help you with your veggie journey and make eating out for you more fun and enticing.

Thanks for reading.

Andy