Tag Archives: Birmingham

Zen Metro launches its Thai Food menu in Birmingham.

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Colmore business district, Thai, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

Colmore Business District has always been the hub for great bars and restaurants in Birmingham and now it’s going to get even better with the launch of Zen Metro in Birmingham.

Based on the site of the old Metro Bar and Grill – the restaurant and bar will be launching a new menu serving great Thai food from the 6th July.

Having been taken over by Paul Bassi and Pawan Kenth’s Brandasia Group in 2015, the iconic venue has been refurbished and will be taking a new direction offering a quality offering for its regular business clientele.

After a £250,000 investment, the 100-seater venue has now been transformed into a sophisticated Thai restaurant complete with a huge blossom tree statement piece, emulating a luxurious south-eastern vibe. Guests can enjoy Metro by Day and Zen by Night.

There is a glass private dining room too that seats up to 20 people, where you can enjoy dinner and a quality wine list or liven up the night with some divine Thai inspired cocktails.

This iconic bar is the sister restaurant to award winning Asha’s on Newhall Street, with Jaimon George at the helm. As you would expect from his team, they will be offering exemplary service with an eclectic range of traditional and modern Thai dishes created by Head Chef Shailender Kothiyal, who has spent several years in Thailand learning the cuisine. 

Pawan Kenth of Brandasia said : “Metro has always been immensely popular with property, banking and legal professionals. Great deals have been done here over the past 20 years and we want to continue to make the place great. 

   
 
Birmingham’s hospitality landscape is always changing but Zen Metro will always be part of that and I know our regulars will be proud of how Zen Metro looks today.”
The ethos is based on the Zen Buddism Enso-a circle drawn with one continuous brush stroke to express a particular moment in time that is as individual as the person that created it. 

For Vegetarians try Tom yum noodle soup flavoured with lemon grass, galangal and kafir leaves, Thai Spring rolls, Veg Massaman Curry: Potatoes, onions, carrots, pineapple, Zucchini and peanuts in coconut milk or stir fry mixed vegetables with tofu garlic and soya. Or Pad Thai stir fried rice noodles and pad egg noodles. 

Zen Metro will surely be a good and different addition to the Colmore Business District and for Vegetarians out for the night either with meat eaters or with other veggies an interesting choice which I’m looking forward to trying.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy😊

http://zenmetro.co.uk/

Zen Metro, 73 Cornwall Street, Birmingham City centre. 

0121-200 1911.

http://www.zenmetro.co.uk

http://zenmetro.co.uk/menus/

https://twitter.com/metrobarbham

https://m.facebook.com/metrobarbham/

Also, good news for Gastro Card holders is that you can save 10% off your bill with the card.  See the link below for details: 

http://eblast.barques.co.uk/t/y-l-dkdliid-jutjitlkc-q/

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

 
  

Photos courtesy of Zen Metro.
 

Bonjour Birmingham – Bistrot Pierre is in town.

Posted in Birmingham, Breakfasts, Brindley Place, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, French Restaurants, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

The French restaurant group, Bistrot Pierre officially opened its fifteenth bistrot on 1st July in one of Birmingham’s oldest buildings – located on Gas Street.

Having opened their first restaurant in Nottingham more than 20 years ago, school friends and business partners Rob Beacham and John Whitehead are delighted to be opening in the UK’s second city.

“This has been a long time coming and we’re really looking forward to welcoming Birmingham’s diners to our newest location,” said Rob.

“The Grade II listed building is steeped in history, having previously been used as the headquarters for the Birmingham Canal Company – playing a vital role in the rich history of the city.”

Bistrot Pierre received a significant investment from private equity firm, Livingbridge, in 2015 to support its expansion plans – and Birmingham’s bistrot is the first of many new openings since this cash injection.

John said: “We believe very strongly in maintaining an individual and unique feel across our bistrots and the interior in each restaurant strongly reflects its location; no two bistrots are the same. Our passion for French food and high levels of service are features which we believe are paramount across the brand. We’re also very pleased to have created almost 50 new jobs in Birmingham.

“We’ve learnt a lot during our time in business and we continue to adapt and evolve to give the loyal diners we’ve built over the years an authentic and enjoyable dining experience. Birmingham is one of our most exciting openings to date and the bistrot itself is certainly something different for us – and for the city.”

Vegetarian main course options include Super Salade, Risotto vegetarien, Tarte aux Legumes, plus apetisers and starters such as Gousse d’ail rotie ( whole roasted garlic bulb with artisan bread) and signature dish Brioche et champignons (toasted brioche with fricasse of mushrooms).

Menus vary from full A’La Carte to Prix fixe Lunch, pre theatre, breakfast and Long Weekend, plus children’s menus. 

  
The launch of the new Birmingham restaurant coincides with an important rebrand for Bistrot Pierre – modernising its livery with a new look logo, menu design and signage incorporating stylised French characters and artwork, which will be rolled out across all of its restaurants in the coming months.

The independent restaurant group has also embraced the current trend in social media video with its Birmingham launch – introducing its arrival in Britain’s second city with three high quality lifestyle films.

Using three of the restaurants’ own waiting staff as the stars under the umbrella title of #bonjourbirmingham, Birmingham based videographer Ergo films has produced the three films using stunning iconic locations around the city as the backdrop. The first film launched on Bistrot Pierre’s social media channels last week.

“Using video to launch a restaurant is a new venture for us,” explained head of marketing Arpita Anstey. 

“Using video to launch a restaurant is a new venture for us,” explained head of marketing Arpita Anstey. 
“It has been incredibly exciting to see the film’s popularity amongst our new Birmingham audience, having received more than 20,000 views in its first week alone. The reaction to the video has given us a lot of encouragement that our new location is the perfect choice for Bistrot Pierre and that we will be a welcome addition to the city’s important and thriving food scene,” she continued.

Bistrot Pierre has locations across the UK in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Leamington Spa, Harrogate, Ilkley, Sheffield, Stockton Heath, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Plymouth, Torquay, Cardiff, Bath and Newport.

To see the videos, visit http://www.facebook.com/BistrotPierre or follow @LeBistrotPierre on Twitter.

To book a table at the city’s newest French bistrot please contact 0121 616 0730.

  
Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Photos courtesy of Bistrot Pierre.

Midlands most sustainable restaurant leads the hive on saving Birmingham’s bees.

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Colmore business district, Events, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Talks and discussions, Veggie foodie, Wildlife by

  

A city centre restaurant is set to create a buzz next month with a lively conversation on how to save one of Europe’s most endangered species – bees. 

Opus at Cornwall Street will be bringing together some of The Midland’s leading bee specialists as part of its ‘Opus In Conversation’ series – a collection of talks discussing matters important to the city – to debate how the demise of these small but mighty insects would have a detrimental effect on the economy, environment and diet, and what can be done to save them. 

Since the 1900’s, the UK has lost 20 species of bees with a further 35 currently considered under threat of extinction. Without these intriguing insects, it is estimated that a third of our diet would be lost due to the catastrophic effect it would have on crops and would cost UK farmers £1.8 billion a year to pollinate their produce without them. 

On the panel is Sharif Kahn, President of Birmingham & District Beekeepers Association (BDBKA), Professor Keith Walters, specialist in invertebrates and researcher into neonicotinoids at Harper Adams University and Simon Needle, Ecologist, Woodland and Conservation Manager at Birmingham City Council. They will be giving their top tips on how to better our gardens, streets and cities to stop bee numbers declining. 

The sound of bees is something that fills my garden during the months and helps create an Eco balance in my humble space. 

Ann Tonks, director of Opus at Cornwall Street, said: “Bees are in serious danger at the moment and yet, we don’t feel enough people are aware of how quickly their numbers are declining. That’s why we’ve taken action and dedicated an ‘Opus In Conversation’ to them, to get the people of Birmingham talking and acting to save our bees. 

“Bees play a fundamental part in our society. They are a key pollinator to a lot of the delicious produce we like to serve in our restaurant. In fact, every dish in our restaurant relies on bees, from tomato to thyme, and without them, our diet would change drastically. We’re thrilled to have gathered some of the region’s most knowledgeable professionals and can’t wait to hear their thoughts and advice.”  

The Opus In Conversation: Bees In The City debate at Opus at Cornwall Street is a free ticketed event and will take place on Friday 15th July from 5.30pm.

Audience members are encouraged to field questions to the panel before the discussion.

For tickets, call 0121 200 2323. 

Thanks for reading, 
Andy 😊

   Ann Tonks of Opus. 

 

Bee facts:

– There are over 250 species of bees living in the UK. The bumblebee and honeybees the most popular.

– Only 10% of eggs are male.

-Most normal honeybees live for 40 days. The Queenbee can live for up to five years.

-There are an average of 35,000 bees that live in a single hive in the height of Summer.

-Honeybees are speedier than they look and fly at around 16MPH and beat their wings 200 times per second.

-Queen bees lay approximately 2,500 eggs a day.

-Bees talk to each other through dance, to share information about the best food sources. This is called the Waggle Dance. Hence the beer that’s named after it. 

-One bee will make 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its entire life.

-Beekeepers only take honey that bees do not need, but this can be as much as 45g. 

-Currently there are 110 beekeeper a in Birmingham. They are between the ages of 12-92. Anyone can become a bee keeper through a course held by the BDBKA.

Photos courtesy of Opus and Clive Reeves PR.

#FoodExhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art in Birmingham.

Posted in Art, Birmingham, Colmore business district, Festivals, Food, Food Festivals, Independent, Veggie foodie by

   
Food has often been depicted in art, but a new exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art on Colmore Row in Birmingham City centre from 27th June until the 30th July takes the ancient tradition of still life and lets it meet the modern phenomenon of pop art. 

Artists turn their hands to food in all its glory from fresh fruit to fondant fancies, fried eggs and Belgian buns to Bowels of spaghetti to make a colourful and light-hearted exhibition.

Artists such as Danny Howes, Horace Panter, Rick Garland, Mark Lippett and Cameron Gait have each brought their own unique talent and style to this engaging subject. 

  ‘Asparagus with tissue paper’ by Rick Garland.

Colmore Business District’s annual two-day Food Festival will take place in Victoria Square, Birmingham on 8 and 9 July 2016. The event attracts tens of thousands of visitors and is an integral part of the city’s cultural and culinary calendars.

‘Food’ has been mounted to coincide with the Colmore Food Festival and looks a stunning and interestingly foodie exhibition. Reuben Colley Fine Arts will have a stall at the festiva in Victoria Square.

During the Festival, they will also be launching a permanent collection of our outstanding signed limited editions at Purnell’s Bistro in Newhall Street.
    Buns and cakes: 

 
  Danny Howes’ classical still life painting.

  Mark Godwin’s egg.

  

Ice cream van at a British sea side captured by Horace Panter.

  Spaghetti in a bowl Renaissance inspired by Cameron Gait.

  

Buns depicted by Mark Godwin.

 

   
Chocolate wrappers by Danny Howes, memories of childhood. 

 Hamburger, Horace Panter.

So when two of my favourite things food and Art merge, what’s not too like. 

Check out the exhibition until the 30th July. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy😊

Reuben Colley Fine Art, 85-89 Colmore Road, Birmingham, B3 2BB.

https://twitter.com/RCFA_Gallery

For the full catalogue:

http://reubencolleyfineart.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f36b9b2eafdbe41c4de2b7acb&id=9648ddc8b2&e=a2c98c5626

  
  
Colmore Food Festival is from July 8th-9th in Victoria Square.

http://www.colmorefoodfestival.com/#intro

All images from the exhibition. 

The Plough, Harborne launches ‘Spit’ wine and spirit school. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Courses, Harborne, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Whiskey, Wine by

  

The award-winning team at the Plough in Harborne has launched a wine and spirit school with a difference. ‘Spit’ will cater for enthusiasts and those looking to secure industry-calibre qualifications alike and offer a range of recognised wine courses and tasting events, gin and whisky nights and other short courses in a simple, fun and straight talking fashion – with plenty of hands on tasting. 
‘Spit’ is an approved Wine and Spirit Education Trust program provider and the courses will take place ‘Next Door’ at The Plough which is home to two private dining and meeting rooms. The courses will showcase best-in-class, progressive wines and spirits. 

 The Plough has forged a reputation for its well-curated selection of craft spirits which takes in a 100+ strong whisky list and the courses will be designed to introduce delegates to exciting and lesser-known spirit and wine varieties. 
The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) was founded in 1969 to provide high quality education and training in wines and spirits. Since then the WSET has grown into the foremost international body in the field of wines and spirits in education, with a suite of sought after qualificatIons. 
The Plough’s James Thewlis who is an approved WSET provider will lead the courses. James has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality sector earning his stripes as General Manager at Circo, the first bar in Birmingham to secure a late license and then heading up cocktail bar and restaurant 52 Degrees North. An eight year stint in Melbourne followed before returning to Birmingham’s fine dining and michelin star scene as Sommelier at Turners, before joining The Plough four years ago. 
James said, “Our aim is to make wine and spirit tasting interesting, sociable and accessible. We’re thrilled to have been approved as a WSET provider, these courses are a great way for those in the industry to bolster their experience and credentials. Wine tasting has something of a stuffy reputation, we’re really keen to dispel that and the idea that you aways have to ‘spit’. We’re passionate about illustrating how much fun it can be whilst introducing some top-class spirits and wines to an many people as possible.”
Each WSET course includes lunch from The Plough’s popular sharing menu, which has been designed especially for ‘Next Door’, and will be followed by a glass of wine in The Plough bar afterwards. 
Course Details:

15th June 2016, 9.30am – 5pm
WSET LEVEL ONE, £140

22nd June 2016, 7pm – 9pm 
INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH WINES, £17

18th, 19th, 20th July 2016, 9,30am – 5pm 
WSET LEVEL TWO, £355

27th July 2016, 7pm – 9pm 
INTRODUCTION TO ITALIAN WINES, £17

ABOUT WSET LEVEL 1 AND 2 
WSET LEVEL 1
This course is a good starting point for the exploration of wine styles. No prior knowledge is required as the course is designed to introduce wines in an interactive, structured and concise manner. This course will suit a novice wine enthusiast or those wishing to start their career in the wine or hospitality business.
WSET LEVEL 2
The course covers the major grape varieties, regions of the world, food and wine pairing, sparkling wines, fortified wines and the major spirits. You will not need any formal qualification, just an enthusiasm for the subject and willingness to learn. This course is ideal for anyone wishing to be introduced to wine or spirits in an informative and structured manner. It is suitable for both the enthusiast and those looking to enter or already working in the wine and hospitality business requiring a good level of product knowledge.
About The Plough:
The Plough, Harborne has been serving fresh home-cooked food and the best coffee and Sunday lunch in the neighbourhood for 11 years. Established in 2003 The Plough has undergone extensive renovation since its launch boasting a quirky and eclectic interior and an ‘outdoor lounge’ that is airy, light and unrestricted by season. With a focus on quality and provenance, ingredients are carefully sourced locally to minimise the environmental ‘tread’ of the business where possible. No stranger to accolades The Plough has been recognised for its coffee, Sunday lunch and interior – named by the Independent as ‘best coffee shop’, celebrated by The Times for the best Sunday Lunch in the region and awarded the ‘Best Restaurant / Bar Design’ at the Northern Design Awards. 

The Plough, 
21 High Street

Harborne

B17 9NT

Follow Spit here: 
@spitwine

Follow The Plough story here: 
Instagram : @ploughstagram 
Twitter : @PloughHarborne 

Facebook : The Plough Harborne

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

More than just a meal: Yumzee comes to Birmingham.

Posted in Birmingham, Supper Clubs, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   

Ever been to someone’s house and said wow that’s good food. You should cook for others. Well it seems you can.

There is a food revolution cooking up in the kitchen near you and it’s being served in Birmingham. 

Yumzee has launched. 

Yumzee is a new way of social dining and connects people who love to cook, with those who love food, in great company and in a unique and authentic home experience. Think ‘AirBnB meets Come Dine With Me’.

After being a big trend in Paris social dining has finally come to Brum too. 

Those of us who are passionate about cooking can become hosts and create a meal, be it a dinner party, Sunday brunch or cocktail tasting. The host chooses the date, sets the number of places at the table, creates the menu, and sets the price for the meal. 

Those of us who love to eat can sign up to the meal, show up to the host’s home, meet new wonderful people and enjoy. Et voilà – you host or attend your very own supper club.

Vegetarians are catered for at most meals and there are  invitations to set up complete veggie and vegan meals. 

Yumzee is a fantastic new way to meet like-minded people and enjoy a new and authentic experience in one of the hosts’ comfortable homes. A chance to bond over one of the most basic yet enjoyable experiences in life, food. 

Yumzee have hosted many meals already where people started as strangers and left as friends.

One of their guests has said: ‘’I can’t believe how nervous I was when I first rang the doorbell, compared to how sad I was when it was time to say goodbye. It was a really great bunch of people, and I really didn’t want the night to end. What a difference to my normal Friday night take away!‘’

Get involved and take your passion to the next level or to meet likeminded people over great food. 

Join us for A Taste of Home (Indian), L’art de Vivre (French Fusion) or a traditional Sunday Dinner.

http://www.yumzee.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/Yumzee-154140481612878/?fref=nf

So check Yumzee out and get involved.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

    
    
 

Restaurant review: Rofuto, Broad Street, Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Independent, Japanese, Japanese food, vegetarian, Whiskey by

   
 

‘As the wind does blow

Across the trees, I see the

Buds blooming in May’ 

Japanese. Haiku example (modern) author unknown.

I get in lifts quite a lot for work, but the joy of reaching my destination their provides no comparison or fun than getting in a lift at Rofuto. 

There’s something about going up a lift to the sixteenth floor to eat food thats carries more anticipation, more hope, more adventure. I suppose when you have a view from the restaurant then that makes it even more exciting, and we’ve not even eaten yet. 

Rofuto resides in the new Park Regis Hotel at Five Ways/Broad Street. An area that previously so underwhelmed me that that it was unmentionable when it came to visiting. This though has changed. With bells on in fact.

Rofuto is a Japanese restaurant. Japanese food isn’t something I know well and have only just discovered that Vegetarians can eat with gusto. Better late than never. In fact Rofuto ticks many boxes for me. It concentrates on the ethos izakaya or small sharing plates in English. Sharing plates are a revelation and for vegetarians the holy grail of cooking and eating, because it means we have choice. Yay! 

Going Up.

Its not offered on arrival that you get greeted and are shown to the lift   And sent on your way to the 16th floor. Certainly in Birmingham City Council tower blocks that doesn’t happen. A Nice touch. 

Arrived.

Inside Rofuto is an eye catching space. The decor paired down, stylish fittings, fitted with elegance glinting in the late evening sunshine. It’s modern, clean and well lit with a fitted bar in the centre and a 360 degree view. It’s sophisticated city dining. 

Initially we thought it lacked atmosphere and it’s vastness was a hinderance to our enjoyment.Eventually the restaurant filled up and the atmosphere became livlier and much more fun. Though the pop music been played over the speakers was slightly annoying and we felt unnecessary.

Ruth and I were sat at a lovely table, decorated with flowers and with a superb view over the city. Watching the sun set from our vantage we looked at the menu and had a warm relaxed feeling about our evening. Very romantic. 

The menu involves a mixture of sushi (including veggie under Maki) starters, tempura, Robata, mains, and grills. With plenty of Vegetarian options to tempt a return visit.

   Lovely View from our table. 

And bar area below. 

 

Whilst we looked at the menu we ordered two Sake Martini’s (we had to with the view) which was pitch perfect with a nice Japanese twist. Superb. 

    
  Perfect Sake Martini at Rofuto. 

  
   
  Sake Martini, soy, view.  

For our food I ordered a mixture of three dishes to try together. I chose the Asparagus Kushiyaki, Butter Soy, Aubergine Kushiyaki, Nesu Dengaku, and Tempura Vegetables from the Robuta and Tempura sections. 

We also drank some delicious Sake (Japanese rice wine) 

All three dishes together proved to be plentiful in size and complimented each other perfectly. I also chose a large glass of Malbec to have with the dishes. 

The Aubergine Kushiyaki, Nasu Dengaku: A two part dish. A Miso glazed aubergine (Nasu Dengaku), perfectly meaty, fleshy aubergine providing the perfect foil for the intensely flavourful Dengaku sauce. A mixture of sweet and savoury with a potent earthy feel. Lovely. 

The Aubergine Kushiyaki (skewered grilled veg) was delicious. Again well grilled aubergine, not greasy, but firm and juicy. Delicious. Together a perfect demonstration of fresh aubergines. 

  Aubergine Kushiyaki, Nasu Dengaku

The Tempura Vegetables were set in perfecly fried batter, a light, crisp coating that hadn’t absorbed the oil when fried. The veg maintaining a freshness of flavour. A healthy sin of delight. 

  Tempura Vegetables The Asparagus Kushiyaki , Butter Soy was exceptional. As a massive English asparagus fan, the fresh vivid green indulgence were perfectly cooked morsels of delight. Perky, firm and full of flavour. The jewel been the Butter Soy which Raised the dish to new heights and gave an elegant, warm and luxurious rich savouriness to a perfect dish. As a threesome a pleasurable combination of top drawer Japanese cooking. 

  

    
    
  Soy and Sake (Left) Interior

  
    
   

For dessert we chose to share the Matcha Green Tea Tiramisu.  

Now this Dessert intrigued me.asca person who loves tiramisu, this Japanese version was worth trying. It was lovely. Different, but still. creamy, airy and soft. Very light and with a lovely green tea underbelly from the sponge below been soaked in the matcha green tea. A clever and delicious pud. It also looked pretty and was very distinct. 

    Matcha Green Tea Tiramisu.

We were also given to share some  White Chocolate Martini with homemade marshmallows which was the perfect after dinner drink. 

A delicate and light martini. Not creamy or full of chocolate sweetness, but vodka based, and very easy drinking, but potent cocktail. Vodka heaven. 

Ruth said the marshmallows were sticky with subtle indulgent flavours and well presented. A perfect end to the meal. 

    White chocolate Martini with marshmallows.

 
 Espresso 

Afterwards we spent awhile in the comfort of the adjacent Kurabu Bar (Sy Bar) which has giant windows with a panoramic outlook. It has a relaxed vibe and worthy of been a destination for drinking and socialising in its own right. It also plans to serve bar like food.

Here we were given samples of the Japanese Whiskies on offer. We tried shot portions of in particular The Hakushu single malt, The Yamazaki single malt 12year old, Hibiki 17 years. All outstanding and worthy of further drinking. In fact Japanese whisky has a reputation now of been award winning and Rofuto are rightly proud of their whisky range.

Rofuto is a class act. Proving to be one of the best meals I’ve had in Birmingham in recent years. From the attentive and informed service which never wavered and was filled with charm and helpfulness around the menu To the delightful Vegetarian dishes, that were superbly made and presented beautifully. 

Rofuto has the power to be a game changer in Birmingham, it has a special vibe about it and with its cocktails, whisky, views and varied menu it’s a quality experience. 

Sometimes you pay for the view in restaurants and findcthecfood lacking somewhat. Not at Rofuto. 

It ticks a lot of boxes and is one of the best places for Vegetarians in Birmingham, no mistake with food to be repeated especially keen on the veggie sushi. 

Power of five to Rofuto.

Going Up!

  
    
 Rofuto interior. Courtesy of Rofuto. X4 photos.

  

  Kurabu bar (Skybar) AH

  
  View from Kurabu bar AH

  
  The whisky challenge.

 

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

Our food and drinks were complimentary. This doesn’t affect my opinion of my experience and the honesty of my review.

Thanks to Neil Reading PR for the invite and four photos of the interior of the restaurant. All other photos are my own.

Rofuto Restaurant, 160 Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1DT.

http://www.rofuto.co.uk/

http://www.parkregisbirmingham.co.uk/dining-bars/rofuto-restaurant/

https://m.facebook.com/Rofuto-1693857547503031/

https://twitter.com/rofutotweets

KingshEATh goes Veggie: All Vegetarian Street Food day. Sunday 22nd May, Kings Heath.

Posted in Food Festivals, Independent, Kings Heath, pizza, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

This month, Brum Yum Yum are serving up a double helping of their hugely popular KingshEATh Street Food Market, in Kings Heath, Burmingham.

As well as their regular monthly market on Saturday 14th (always the second Saturday of the month) the pioneers of Birmingham’s street food renaissance are collaborating with leading Midlands street food company, The Vegan Grindhouse to host an all Vegetarian street food ‘special edition’ on Sunday 22nd May from 12-5pm, at Kings Heath Village Square, High St B14 7RA.

KingshEATh goes veggie the only 100% meat-free street food event in the region, will feature dishes freshly cooked by leading street food chefs, showcasing entirely Vegetarian menus with Vegan options available at every stall. 

As a big supporter of Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh I was flattered to be asked for a quote by organiser Duncan Stanley for the event: I said, 

“For flesh-dodgers of a foodie nature, KingshEATh Goes Veggie ticks the meat-free box and proves that you don’t need to eat meat to enjoy fantastic street food!”

As well as all the street food, the event will feature live music from local musicians, a bar from local all-vegan brewery Twisted Barrel Ales along with organic fruit and vegetables, animal-friendly clothing and cosmetics, a fermented drinks bar, and a range of vegan and gluten-free cakes and desserts.

The event is supporting Gracie’s Rest a not-for-profit organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals in crisis. 

http://www.gracesrest.co.uk/

Lisa Burbidge-Brown, Co-owner of The Vegan Grindhouse said,

“Following on from the huge success of last July’s event, we are thrilled to be co-hosting this, the first of two KingshEATh Goes Veggie specials this year. It’s a great way to showcase quality meat-free street food and raise money for a good cause at the same time.”

There’s some amazing vegan and vegetarian street food in Birmingham, from some of the most popular street food chefs. More people are looking to reduce or eliminate their meat intake due to health, environmental or ethical reasons and this is a great opportunity for people to try exciting new vegan and vegetarian food and see why going meat-free is a viable alternative diet and lifestyle.”

   
 Brum Yum Yum founder, Duncan Stanley added,

“Here at Brum Yum Yum we’ve always set out to prove that street food isn’t just about the meat-in-a-bun classics and I firmly believe that a lot of the best street foods out there are the vegan and veggie dishes. What better way to spend a Sunday than stuffing your face with some of the tastiest and most interesting meat-free meals in town?! Add in the vegan bar, the live music and the great vibes, and this is the animal-friendly street party that Kings Heath deserves!”

Throughout the time that vibe been writing this blog I’ve always believed that some of the best vegetarian and Vegan food in Birminghamcan be found on street food markets  with an abundance of different cuisines and styles available. Brum Yum Yum is the biggest supporter of Vegetarian friendly traders for me and this day should prove that you can still enjoy cutting edge street food in a meat free zone. 

Unfortunately I’m not able to make it on the day myself, but look forward to the next veggie one hopefully later this year.

So get down to Kings Heath Village Square on Saturday 14th May for KingshEATh Streetfood Market and Sunday 22nd May for the KingshEATh Goes Veggie special from 12-5pm.

For up to date information in the run up to the events and for the full streetfood lineups follow  @brumyumyum and @vegangrindhouse and myself @andydhare.

Enjoy, 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Hot off the press:

So here it is…the moment you have been waiting for…the hot food line up for Sunday’s KingshEATh Goes Veggie…the only place to be in King’s Heath this Sunday 😉 with BRUM YUM YUM!!

The Vegan Grindhouse by Vegan Vox (Americana)
Pietanic (Pies and Mash)

Bare Bones Pizza (Pizza)

Sri-Licious (Sri Lankan)

Michael’s Caribbean Storehouse (Caribbean)

Greens Vegan Catering (Thai/Moroccan)

9 Tea Cups (Iranian)

and the long awaited return of…
The Mexican Bean (Mexican)

Also vegan beer from Twisted Barrel Ale Brewery and Tap House, vegan/gluten free cakes from Rachel’s Cake Delights – Vegan & No Gluten Containing Ingredients, Organic veggies/fruit from Vegetropolis, Clothing & Books from V Active, Kombucha from The Happy Gut Hut, and percentage of proceeds going to Grace’s Rest.
Plus live music, entertainment and a warm fuzzy feeling!
From Sunday 12 noon – 5pm!

Please bring the sunshine!!
☀️😊

Opus launch new 2 course for £25 Market menu every Friday evening with added wine. 

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

  
  
Friday evenings at Opus is a new concept menu that celebrates local and sustainable produce. 

Now you know what they say. Never look a gift horse in the mouth, or eat 5 a day: Either way, Opus has this sorted. 

Opus is one of the best restaurants if not the best for vegetarians in Birmingham that isn’t purely veggie. So if you have meat eating mates or partner, then this bargain Friday indulgence maybe for you. 

Every Friday you can enjoy two courses from their British market menu including Vegetarian options, home baked bread and half a bottle of house wine for £25.00 per person. The perfect way to kickstart your weekend! 

All dishes reflect produce from their family of farmers and fishermen around the British Isles, including   Worcester Produce, Caroll’s Heritage potatoes, M&J Seafood, Brixham Seafish, and award winning butchers Aubrey Allen.

Available Every Friday from 6pm for £25 per person. 

Join in an celebrate the beauty of British produce. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

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

http://www.worcesterproduce.co.uk/

http://heritage-potatoes.co.uk/

Opus has recently launched a new vegetarian menu. For my review see here: 

https://t.co/AIpppfvenl

   
    
 Photos from Opus’ recent vegetarian menu.

   
 

Birmingham Viva Vegan Festival: Saturday 30th April, Birmingham Council House. 

Posted in Birmingham, City Centre, Festivals, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

  
Viva! Europe’s largest Vegan campaigning group is visiting Birmingham this weekend, Saturday 30th April.

 Aimed at not just vegan and veggies, but meat eaters and meat reducers too, the festival’s have visited 37 towns and cities in the last 9 years and attracted over 60,000 visitors. 

From 10-30-4pm at Birmingham City Council House, Victoria Square, B1 1BB. 

For Free Entry there are hot and cold food tastings, free advice, vegan products, cookery demos, hot and cold food, chocolates. Information, beauty products, fashion, books, campaign news and talks by top speakers. 

Local and national producers are taking part. 

The tastings are free, as is the advice on all veggie subjects, including health and nutrition. 

Viva will also be producing a comprehensive listing of local places to stay and eat as well as local health food shops for visitors to take away with them. 

Remember entry is free so if you are in or around Birmingham City Centre, just pop in. You’ll never know what you’ll find. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

http://www.viva.org.uk/festivals/birmingham-2016