Opus leads the way on sustainability.

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

Opus has been named the most sustainable independent restaurant group in the Midlands by leading organisation, the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).

The restaurant family, which includes Opus at Cornwall Street, Cafe Opus at Ikon and Bar Opus at One SnowHill was named a ‘Three Star Sustainability Champion’ by the SRA, the most prestigious and highest possible rating a restaurant can achieve, and it is the only independent restaurant group in Birmingham to achieve the accolade. From achieving its highest rating yet of 82%, the restaurant group is now in the top 9% of SRA members.

The SRA, a not-for-profit organisation which encourages restaurants to improve its social and environmental impact, awards One, Two or Three Stars depending on how a restaurant rates against the three pillars of sustainability – ‘Society’, ‘Sourcing’ and ‘Environment’.

Opus achieved exceptional results, ranging from 90% – 100%, for sourcing local, seasonal and ethical food, through a sustainable supply chain, for being highly committed to community engagement, responsible marketing and treating people fairly.

Fuelled by a passion for fresh British produce, Opus is fully committed to an ethical approach to sourcing. The menus are ingredient led and at its Cornwall Street restaurant, they are freshly-written each day.

Through its unique ‘Source Dinner’ series, Opus connects the diner with its family of farmers and suppliers, allowing them to hear their compelling stories and see first-hand the passion they put into raising their quality produce.

Lucianne Allen, sales and marketing director at award-winning butchers Aubrey Allen, said: “Opus is a pleasure to work with as they are genuine and passionate about their commitment to ethical and sustainable purchasing”

Executive chef, Ben Ternent, has handled the sourcing of produce since April 2015 and it is his uncompromising stance on only using strictly market fresh, seasonal ingredients and free-range livestock that has made Opus the most sustainable it has ever been.

“Frankly, it’s all about the ingredients that you start with. There is a definitely a direct connection between ethical, quality sourcing and the delicious flavours on the plate. My team love the sourcing side and get fired up by meeting the farmers and visiting the farms – they take real pride in the produce,” Ben said.

Sarah Hepburn, sustainability champion at Opus, said: “Supporting sustainable, British food is so important to the Opus family – from sourcing fruit and vegetables from Worcestershire to fresh fish from Brixham Market – we only buy seasonal, ethical ingredients. Receiving this recognition from the SRA is a fantastic achievement and is a testament to our team’s passion and commitment.”

This outstanding rating from the SRA is not the first success for the Opus group this year. 2015 has seen Opus at Cornwall Street celebrate its 10th birthday, going from strength to strength even through a difficult recession, Cafe Opus at Ikon was recently named a ‘local gem’ by The Good Food Guide 2016 and Bar Opus at One Snowhill continues to push boundaries with innovative and award-winning cocktails.

For more information on the Opus restaurant group, please visit:

http://www.opusfamily.co.uk/

My Review of this years Vegetarian Source Dinner:

http://t.co/WkopBcpQ9P

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

Sustainable vegetables from Worcester Produce: Opus Source Vegetarian Dinner.

7Nov2014

Bar Opus launch for breakfast, lunch, and after 5pm fun

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Coffee, Food, Gin, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Bar Opus is the newborn child of the Opus family of restaurants that include Opus on Cornwall Street and Cafe Opus at the Ikon Gallery. Both firm favourites of mine 🙂

This week Ruth and I were kindly invited by Ann and David of Opus to attend one of their pre launch evenings to sample the ‘after 5’ sharing plates and some of the drinks.

Bar Opus is at No’ 1 Snow hill, Birmingham City centre, a new complex behind Snowhill Station. That it resides in such a nice location is a positive for the bar with a clutch of through foot traffic, local businesses and the new Midland Metro tram line nearby when it’s complete.

Bar Opus has an inviting terrace area for those Alfresco lazy summer days and evenings which I can imagine will be a real sun trap and will provide the Birmingham with a continental type atmosphere.

On arrival we were greeted with two glasses of Champagne and were straight away impressed with the light and modern decor which is a mix of Cafe Opus decor and a continental inspired light openness.

The bar was busy, with a lovely atmosphere. The bar area is split into a long bar, an open kitchen, some seating in the windows around tables for eating on and some bar stools and tables.

Near the bar is an impressive Musee d’Orsay (art gallery in Paris, if you haven’t been go) clock (see photos above) which gives
Bar Opus a real iconic central image that invites the eye. A real symbol of the bar and its continental leanings.

As a vegetarian I have always loved the Opus food, whether the formal Opus restaurant or the laid back cafe in Brindley Place with its fab terrace and Meat Free Monday menu.

The ‘After 5’ sharing plates were what we had come to sample. The premise is that from the open kitchen the chefs will serve up a variety of dishes from £4.50 onto plates where the colour indicates the price. The waiter will at the end count the plates you’ve had and produce your Bill.
The plates include meat, fish and vegetarian a whole plate is £10.50.

Ruth tried the meat and fish options that were handed round and loved the complex flavours and in some cases simplicity of the dishes, they were presented in a delicious looking way.

My vegetarian options were plentiful. The ones that stand out are the confit tomato & mozzarella croquettes, which were delicious, real Italian creamy mozzarella, which complemented a complex and lovely tomato texture. The other I enjoyed was the Daylesford organic cheddar rarebit which was the best cheese on toast ever.

They reminded me of the type of food that you find in Aperitivo hour in Italy which is a very relaxed thing to do with friends and family..try it with a Aperol or Campari Spritz or Negroni.

The food I tried at Bar Opus in conclusion was made with the same high quality ingredients as at the other two venues and I was impressed with the vegetarian selection on all the menus. The all day menu includes four different options which is superb.

To add I also enjoyed a lovely Negroni Cocktail which was well made and probably the best I’ve had in Birmingham.

Bar Opus has a lengthy cocktail list, a good wine menu and also stocks craft beer and their very own Opus lager. A lot of the menu has local gin makers Langley’s on it, the Negroni was made with Langley’s gin.

Bar Opus is a superb addition to Birmingham’s food and bar scene. As an all day venue from breakfast until evening it’s going to be a very popular and exciting place to go.

I can’t wait to visit properly and try out their all day menu and ‘After 5’ options in full.

Bar Opus is a bar redefined.

Thanks to Ann and David for their invites. The food and first two drinks were on the house and our glasses of wine hereafter were paid in full by me. I was not required to write a post for my blog.

All opinions are honest and my own.

Bar Opus
1 Snowhill piazza
Birmingham
B4 6GH

0121 289 3939

Open from

7am-11pm Monday to Friday
10am-11pm Saturday

@baropus

http://www.baropus.co.uk

22Oct2014

#TASTYMORSELS: NEW BAR AND RESTAURANT OPENINGS NOVEMBER 2014

Posted in Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Tapas, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

There are two new bars/restaurants opening in November 2014. Both of which will be superb for vegetarians and be a classy addition to Birmingham and to Worcester.

The first is Bar Opus from the Opus Team who will be opening their third venue after their Opus Restaurant on Cornwall Street and Cafe Opus in Brindley Place in Birmingham City Centre. Bar Opus will be based in a new Snow Hill complex near the railway station in the Colmore Business District and adjacent to the new Midland Metro line due to open in 2015.

Bar Opus will be open for breakfasts, and lunch, but it is the after 5pm hours where the bar will come into its own. Its inspiration will be Barcelona and Copenhagen, offering shared plates of food created from an open kitchen. There will be good vegetarian options. The ethos will be the same as the other restaurants, well sourced local produce, creatively delivered with a twist. Bar Opus will also have a terrace on the piazza of the new One Snowhill building which should enhance the continental idea, ableit in the Summer months. 🙂 a full wine, cocktail and drinks menu will be available.

It’s a city bar redefined.

Bar Opus is due to open its doors on the 6th November 2014.

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

http://www.baropus.co.uk

The second #TastyMorsel is in nearby Worcester where the fantastic Bodega Cantina will be opening in November. Bodega owned by the Bitter N’ Twisted group already have a very successful and veggie friendly bar/restaurant in Birmingham City Centre which is superb.

Bodega are known for their hand crafted cocktails and delicious food in equal measure, will be offering their authentic South American food-Burritos, nachos, and tacos with a large vegetarian selection. It will be right next door to Foregate Street train Station. They are not taking bookings as yet, but keep an eye on their website, facebook page and twitter page for details, or you can sign up for their mailing list on their website.

Bodega will also be offering their Go Go Burrito take away service.

All being well Bodega will be opening in Worcester at the end of November.

I will keep you posted.

Two great openings:)

@bodegaWorc
@bodegaBirm

http://www.bodegacantina.co.uk/locations/worcester

14 Foregate Street Worcester WR1 1DB (near the train station)
01905 22200

1Sep2014

#COFFEETIME: URBAN COFFEE COMPANY BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Coffee, Coffee hour, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Drinking Coffee is a past time that I love. Birmingham as you know as a number of very good Independent coffee shops that offer many differing experiences and provide a solace for many different people. One of my favorites, and one that I have been frequenting since it opened is Urban Coffee on Church Street, Birmingham city Centre. Sitting a little away from Birmingham Cathedral and Snow Hill Station Urban Coffee is one of the original coffee pioneeers of independent coffee in the city.

Urban Coffee Company are dedicated to bringing and creating a unique coffee experience. Started by a couple who were tired of the chains and wanted to start an independent coffee shop in Birmingham, they now have three emporiums, one in Church street in the city centre, one in The Jewellery Quarter and one in Harborne.

It was the Church Street emporium I visited on a friday afternoon. When I entered surprisingly it wasn’t very busy, with plenty of tables free. You see Urban Coffee can be very popular, and finding space can be difficult at certain times of the day.

The Church Street Emporium is light and airy and has two levels. The ground is busier usually and more fitting for a quicker visit, with a traditional cafe layout, with stout tables, mixed seating and one long communal table. Upstairs has a more loungy feel, with bean bags and couches, a more leasurely and relaxed space.
I chose on this occasion to sit downstarirs for a change.

I chose to drink a flat white and sample a cappuccino slice. Though it was cup cake friday, the slice tempted me more. The Flat White was good, artistically presented, but certainly not the best i’ve had in Birmingham. It did have a good coffee flavour though and went well with a lovely cake, that I enjoyed. The cakes have always been consistent, and the filter coffee and the cappucino is excellent too:)

Unfortuantely every time I visit they seem to have sold out of handmade Yipsy Macarons, but never mind.

Urban coffee offers a good selection of cakes, pastries, bagels, teas, sandwiches, and has a licence which allows it to serve alcohol such as craft beer, spirits, cocktails and wine. It has a number of events such as live music, poetry readings, cocktail nights and book clubs that happen from time to time. See their website for full diary and food and drinks menu.

They serve bottled beer from 5-7pm when the emporium closes.

Urban Coffee is a great Independent coffee shop, it has a strong free wi fi, and the urbanisters (staff) are friendly, passionate and know their coffee and are happy to assist if you are unable to decide from a long coffee menu.

I like the Church Street emporium, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the main part of the city and on a street that is a nice one to wander down. (off Colmore Row opposite the Cathedral). Urban Coffee is a coffee shop that is full of people who love coffee and and know of a good product and service.

I would recommend Urban Coffee, and though have not tried their other two emporiums feel that The Church Street venue as the original offers a good mix of airy space that caters for a mixed crowd of people. Though it can be busy.

In many ways, Urban Coffee Company are what makes Birmingham’s Independent coffee scene exciting and something to be proud of. It offers another unique expereince and thus is well recommended for coffee and cake enthusiasts. All veggies welcome 🙂

Urban Coffee Company
30 Church Street,
Off Colmore Row
Colmore Business District
Birmingham
B3 2NP.

http://www.urbancoffee.co.uk
@urbancoffee

For Independent Birmingham card holders Urban offer a free refil on any single estate filter coffee or tea.

Disclaimer: I paid for my own coffee and cake. My review is my own experience and is honest.

Have you been to Urban Coffee? What did you think?

what are you favourite independent coffee shops? Let me know using the comment box below.

Thanks for reading 🙂

25Aug2014

PURNELLS RESTAURANT BIRMINGHAM: ‘NOW’ VEGETARIAN TASTING MENU

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Any visit to Purnells Restaurant in Birmingham City Centre is a real treat, when visiting with a couple of friends even more so.

Purnells Restaurant on Cornwall Street in the Colmore Business District is one of the go to restaurants in Birmingham. Chef Glynn Purnell has stamped his food footprint on this glorious city like a bright shining Michelin star that he has above his door.

Glynn Purnell has represented Birmingham well. He won The Great British Menu in 2008 and then again in 2009, one with a desert, one with fish.

Since it opened in 2007 Purnells Restaurant has always been a chic place to visit, a celebratory place. Well that is how it has been to Ruth and I. We have celebtrated special birthday’s and getting engaged there.

Purnells won a Michelin Star in 2009, its a contemporary space, fine dining without the stuffiness, way more modern and knowing than that.

Being a vegetarian at Purnells Isn’t difficult. As long as they know in advance you will then be treated to some of the best vegetarian dishes that you’ve ever tasted. There is no menu to be found on their website or on their window. That is because the food served is of the ‘now’ seasonal, fresh and adapted from the main menu with what’s available. It’s a fine skill to be able to do this, some chefs are daunted by vegetarians, Glynn Purnell and his team aren’t. Hence the lack of menu. We are a challenge:)

It is always best to mention your dietary needs when booking, and whether vegetarian or I’m sure vegan you will be well catered for.

Purnells is a spacious restaurant, with a large bar area. This is where we began our night with a glass of champagne and some aperitifs with the menu.

The bar area is a comfortable space, designed to help you relax and before being taken into the main event.

The large dining room has seating for couples, small parties and one for a large group.

The menus represent the ‘old’, and ‘new’ or ‘now’ as its called.
This is the menu the four of us dined from. The adverb of which is titled

‘Summer, Sunshine, fun times and sand castles’.

Over the years I’ve eaten some stunning dishes at Purnells. The ‘now’ vegetarian tasting menu is 12 courses long. Each dish is a visual treat that is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

The imagination and skill across the menu was only bettered by the textures, flavours and playfulness of the menu.

The dishes are listed in the photograph of the menu. I’m not going to go through each dish individually but mention my favourite dishes on the night. Your menu may be different, dependent on the season and your personal tastes.

The vegetarian ‘Now’ menu is adapted from the non veggie ‘Now’ menu. The last two desert courses were the same on both menus.

1.Lime potatoes in oats and spices duck egg maionaise. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant.

2. Poached egg yolk leek purée, lemon balm Brummie cake.

Refined, delightful wonderfully presented it sets the scene with its eggy notes of flavour.

3. Thus the third course of Beetroot mouse with horseradish, salted beetroot was a fine dish, an ensemble of harmonious flavours and fresh beetroot which floated gentle notes of flavour over the horse radish. A lovely balanced and fresh dish.

4. Provencal morsel. A delicious interlude. Well executed.

5. Next came The pea salad with its fresh flavour of peas, broad beans, that exalted the seasonality of the produce to create a wonderfully hypnotic dish. Fantastic.

6. Remoulade 2012: A palate cleanser, three morsels designed to be eaten in succession in order to increase the flavours of the first. Breathtaking cooking.

7. My favourite dish:) served along with the divine spicy lentils, which have an advanced spicy note that compliments the pickled carrots a harmony of stunning complicated flavours, with superb depth.

8. Main course: tomatoes bursting with flavour, Mediterranean like textures, with the gentle borlotti beans, contrasting with the scorched lettuce and courgette, lovely.

9. Waffle: morsel. Underwhelming dish because of the quality of before.

10. Deserts: Strawberries and violet ice cream.
A delectable simple dish, summery and pretty. Lovely, a take on strawberries and cream.

11. Mint choc chip, a playful take on summer ice cream and chocolate. Pure theatre, with minty notes wafting off from the steam stimulated at the table. Rich chocolate, pure heaven for chocolate lovers, teasing the palate. A lovely desert.

12. Lemon meringue pie: demonstrating Glynn Purnells, nostalgic playfulness. The best lemon meringue I’ve ever had. A truthful report of his culinary vision. Evocative of childhood, a refreshing desert.

Purnells Deserts are playful, all fabulous, always original.

The service throughout the meal was excellent, formal/informal with the right balance between interaction and restraint. The staff at Purnells represent the restaurant well with enthusiasm and knowledge.

A vegetarian meal at Purnells is a cosseting experience. Glynn Purnells technical competence is evident. My food was incentive, seasonal, with superbly executed dishes that struck the right balance of flavour and texture. Delivering on all levels, of indulgence and nostalgic fun.

Purnells shows a keen focus on sourcing on the ‘now’ menu, quality ingredients, evident in the freshness of the menu and the work put into the dishes to make them delightful to the palate.

This star still shines brightly delivering stunning refined vegetarian cuisine. Every course delivers something new, always innovative and thoughtful.

A playful vegetarian treat.

Simply stunning.

Please note, your dishes may not be the same as the ones I enjoyed. Due to seasonality and dietary preferences.
Let then know your desires and enjoy.

The cost of the vegetarian tasting menu is £85 per person.

Ruth and our two friends had the ‘Now’ tasting menu (non Veggie) and said it was superb.

Has anyone else being to Purnells and had athe vegetarian tasting menu? What did you think?

Disclaimer: we paid for our own meal at Purnells. The opinions expressed are my own and are honest and true.

For booking see website:
http://www.purnellsrestaurant.com

Info@purnellsrestaurant.com

Purnells
55 Cornwall Street
Birmingham
B3 2DH

0121 212 9799 option 1

Reservations taken up to 90 days in advance.

22Aug2014

OPUS RESTAURANT: WORCESTER PRODUCE VEGETARIAN DINNER

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Events, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Every source has a story.

That statement forms part of the ethos of Opus Restaurant on Cornwall Street, Birmingham City Centre.

The source dinner series of events that Opus run is a chance for customers to meet their suppliers and hear their compelling stories. Opus have a mission to promote their farmers, fisherman and wine makers, hence the vegetarian Source dinner with Worcester produce.

The source series introduces a food hero over four courses with wine.

As I’ve already explained in my previous blog post on Opus’ market menu and the Meat Free Monday menu at Cafe Opus, I’m a big fan of their vegetarian food and ethos which always means good seasonal veggie dishes.

Opus celebrates the freshest of ingredients, independent and market fresh produce allows the ingredients to dictate the menu and allows Opus to buy each day from their suppliers.

Fruit, salad and vegetables are grown in nurseries of Worcester Produce across the Vale of Evesham (Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire) and were picked on day one and were with Opus on day two. The produce is nurtured by local farmers for nearly a year.

Ruth and I were pleased to be invited as guests of Opus Restaurant for this their first vegetarian dinner.

As a vegetarian this felt like pure Indulgence, not only to eat delicious vegetarian food, but to hear about the process from ground to kitchen, to fork. Something I’ve always been fascinated by as a keen grower of vegetables.

We arrived at Opus and were warmly greeted and shown to the bar area. Here we met other guests for the evening and were indulged with an aperitif and some home made nibbles.

Eventually, We were shown into the dining room and were seated on a large round table we shared with six other guests.

Bread was brought round and wine before the main meal. Wine was topped up throughout the dinner.

The Vegetarian Source dinner was a four course dinner with wine, structured that before each course the producer of the ingredients used would give a short introductory talk into the mechanisms of growing the ingredients, the nurturing, and indulge us with stories of their motivations and history. This was a lovely intimate way to feel closer to the produce and producer, and it set up the meal well.

The first course was the Sautéed King Oyster and maitake mushrooms, creamed tarragon, crispy rocket and crouton.

I’d not heard of maitake mushrooms before, but the Japanese name means ‘dancing mushroom’ and grows in clusters at the base of trees, particularly oaks. Can be known as hen-of-the-woods.

It was a gutsy and meaty dish, with a really deep flavour and colour of mushrooms. The two mushrooms complimented each other well and when set with the creamy tarragon made an almost soupy texture, which worked really well. A lovely dish and testament to the grower Tim Livesey who is so passionate about his produce.

The second course was a warm Pablo Cabrita goats cheese custard on whole grain granary biscuit, Pixley Court black berries, salted and caramelised walnuts.

The Pablo Cabrita goats cheese is made by Sarah Hampton in Bridgenorth.

The dish was delicious, the goats cheese was creamy, set like a custard, and packed with flavour. The best goats cheese I’ve ever had. Set with the summery sweet berries and crunch of the walnut it made my favourite dish. The goats cheese worked well on the granary biscuit which gave it an almost desert like texture. Lovely. A high quality dish and produce.

The third course was a Roasted celeriac tortellini, baby beets, kale, heritage carrots, beurre blanc, pumpkin seeds, and pumpernickel granola.

I loved this dish, the handmade tortellini, had a smooth celeriac flavour, quite different, but then with the fresh crunch of some amazing vegetables made for a pretty and beautifully executed veggie main course. The freshness of the veg was apparent and the flavours were complimentary to the silky pasta. It worked well.

The final course, the desert, was delicious. It was called the ‘Celebration of the Victoria plum’ trio served with almond Tuille, sorbet mousse, poached. A summery dish, a ode to the plum. Packed full of flavour, simple in construction but as it says a celebration of Victoria plums in all their glory. A dish to end the meal on a high.

Note that all vegetables and plums are grown within a ten mile radius of Pershore.

The Opus Source Vegetarian felt like a triumph. It was very well attended by both vegetarians and meat eaters, and it felt a privilege to be invited and to experience such passion and enthusiasm for vegetables and fruit produce.

The dishes served made the best of the great produce and Opus once again showed that they understand vegetarian food, that the freshest ingredients are central to good vegetarian cooking. One can only hope that next year Opus Restaurant do it all over again. Ruth and I will certainly be there.

Produce grown with pride, and eaten with pride.

An evening to savour.

For details of the remaining source series dinners see Opus’ website
http://www.opusrestaurant.co.uk

For all menus including the daily market menu see also the website.

Disclaimer: We dined as guests of Opus Restaurant. We didn’t pay for the evening. All views and opinions are my own and honest. I was not required to write a positive review.

Opus Restaurant
54 Cornwall Street
Birmingham
B3 2DE

0121 200-2323

@opusrestsurant

1Aug2014

OPUS RESTAURANT: MARKET FRESH IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants by andydhare

Opus restaurant is one of my personal favourite restaurants in Birmingham. It’s independent, classy, contemporary and market fresh, using the freshest produce available.

It’s been open for eight years on Cornwall Street in the heart of the Colmore Business District, a thriving area in Birmingham city centre and home of some of Birmingham’s best cafe’s and restaurants.

Opus Restaurant celebrates the freshest ingredients, British, mostly locally sourced, knowing their farmers, producers and history of their fruit and veg.

It is one of the best restaurants for vegetarians and vegans as you can always guarantee a lovely seasonal meal.

It daily changes its menu, called market menu which allows what produce is best and now. Allowing all of the ingredients to shine through.

The Market Menu is great value a main course is £10 two courses are £14 and three £16 and includes home made bread. Which was excellent.

That is why Ruth and I visited on a Friday evening to sample the here and now. Ruth loves lobster, sold by Opus for a short period of time when it’s in season and at it’s freshest.

It’s a regular yearly treat and visit at this time of year for us.

For me the luxury is to try such great summer produce by sampling their market menu.

The Market Menu offers one veggie option for a starter and main, which though limited in choice is outstandingly good value. It’s probably the best value meal in the city for the quality in both food, service and the classy Opus environment.

We began in the bar which is a really nice way to start a meal at opus as it sets the tone and it feels right and proper.

As an aside, two years ago we watched Mo Farah win his second gold medal at the London Olympics, in the bar, on our i phone:) it’s that kind of place:).

We ordered two Martinis, one dry and one wet, both excellent, both well made with local Chase Gin.

The restaurant area is spacious and caters for couples, small groups and large groups well. You never feel crammed in, and the room feels airy and classy.

I chose my dinner from the market menu.
For my starter I can only describe it as one of the best tomato soups I have ever had. A total luxury of flavour.

I had the Roasted Plum tomato soup, pesto, croutons.

The flavour of the tomatoes were so fresh and rich, an indulgent starter, demonstrating what Opus do well. Fresh bang on in season ingredients. It was superb, with a delicate pesto drizzle on the top and crunchy croutons sitting inside. Lovely presentation.

Ruth ate from the A La Carte for her starter and enjoyed the fresh bite of her celery, Braeburn apple, toasted walnut salad with Roquefort dressing.

For my main course I had the Tian of grilled Mediterranean vegetables, gnocchi, and heritage tomato sauce.

Again, a superb dish, well flavoured, with the punch of the tomato complimenting the soft potato gnocchi , and well flavoured seasonal vegetables that were delicately grilled and gave the dish it’s balance. The accuracy of cooking shown and the balance of flavours are the key to a simple dishes brilliance.

Ruth of course ate her lobster, she said it was superb, I knew that, because she told me:) she always enjoys it:)

I decided to stick with the two courses, and because we haven’t ever eaten the cheese at Opus we decided to share one. This gave us three British Cheeses plus homemade fruit chutney, celery and walnut bread, which is plenty between two after a filling meal. You can order more.

We chose the Sparkenhoe Red Leicester which is the only Red Leicester made in Leicester, a superb cheese, so much better than the norm, fresh and full of flavour.

The Perl Las from Cowes Canarth in Wales. A strong but delicate cheese, salty but creamy. Lovely.

The Wild Yarg garlic, a Caerphilly style cheese, from Cornwall, again a nice flavour and the three together compliment well.

The walnut bread again was good, though maybe needed a bit more on the plate:)

With the cheese we chose two glasses of Quinta de la Rosa LBV Port, lovely, and very generous in size:)

The service throughout was as refined and unfailingly good, friendly and with a touch of elegance about it. Throughout a good team, from kitchen to front of house.

There is so much to like about Opus Restaurant. It’s a superb advert for all that’s good about knowing your producers, your farmers and suppliers. It’s veggie dishes are fresh, simple, but exciting, three good things on a plate. The presentation and skill is superb, the smells of the food at the table, shows the care in the ingredients and freshness of produce.

My two vegetarian courses from the market menu were outstanding and I’m sure the non veggie dishes will be too. The best I’ve had at Opus and I’ve been many times.

As a restaurant they are fiercely committed to their core values and quality with an ethical approach to food where the best is only good enough in season. The produce brought, the dishes created. Sounds simple. It is, but so many restaurants don’t adhere to this basic principle.

That commitment is to be applauded and our commitment to that should be too. The humble veg never tasted so good, so respected, indeed Opus is a vegetarians idea of heaven.

Opus Restaurant,
54 Cornwall Street
Birmingham
B3 2DE

0121 200 2323
Restaurant@opusrestaurant
@opuscornwallstreet

Opus restaurant will be hosting a Worcester produce source vegetarian dinner on Friday 15th August 7pm.

This will be an opportunity to meet the farmers and producers from the Worcester area and eat 4 courses of vegetarian food for £45 per person with wine.

Contact the restaurant on the addresses above for details.

I will see you there:) it should be a good night. An evening to savour. An evening for the Veg:)

Please note that the market menu that you have at Opus Restaurant may not be the same as the one I enjoyed. The menu changes daily. Enjoy:)

We paid for our own meal, my opinions are my own and are honest and true.

30Jul2014

#TastyMorsels: Chung Ying Central Summer Menu Express Lunch

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Lunch deals, Tasty Morsels by andydhare

Chung Yung Central is Birmingham’s newest Oriental restauarnt, located on Colmore Row in Birmingham City Centre. It sits in the Colmore Business District area of the city near to The Bureau Bar and Victoria Square. It opened in November 2013.

Chung Ying Central has a modern and contemporary decor and offers a variety of high quality Dim Sum, specially selected dishes and cocktails in its cocktail bar and beers.

The Express Lunch runs from 11.30-2.30 in the week and 12-3pm on Saturdays.

It is priced at £5.95 for any dim sum and soup. With other options available for more money. The dim sum and soup is the best for veggies.

For veggies the menu offers vegetarian Spring Rolls and crispy vegetarian Won Ton for dim sum.

The restaurant has advised me that the two soups and some of the other dishes on the menu can be veggified (great word) too on request. So veggies need not miss out:)

It seems a brilliant deal. One that is Summery and at a good price.

The menu has many other options for non veggies, so grab a friend or six from your office or just go yourself and try it out.

Chung Ying Central also offers a Happy Hour on its cocktails, beers and bar snacks where you buy one get one free on selected drinks. This is from 4pm-7pm daily.

Chung Ying Central
126 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 3AP
0121 4000 866
@centralCY
http://www.chungyingcentral.co.uk

14Jul2014

CBD Food Festival 2014

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Coffee, Events, Food Festivals, Independent, Street Food by andydhare

One of my favourite food festivals of the year is Birmingham’s own CBD Food Festival (Colmore Business District) which is on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July 2014 11am-7pm at Victoria Square off Colmore Row and New Street Birmingham City Centre.

Now in its fourth year, the CBD Festival organised by Colmore BID is a two day foodie extravaganza showcasing and celebrating the excellent food and drink offerings in Birmingham’s Commercial quarter CBD.

For me the best place for bars and coffee shops in Brum.

Venues from the CBD will serve tasters of signature dishes ranging from £1.50 to £5. All food options are priced at £3 or under, a bargain 🙂

All the businesses and participents are local to the area within a 10 minute walk of Victoria Square, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries and deli’s.

Included in the participents are:

-Contemporary Indian restaurant Isaacs
-The Bureau bar and deli
-Purnells restaurant
-Purnells Bistro and Ginger’s bar
-Pure Bar and Kitchen
-Urban Coffee Company
-York’s Bakery and cafe
-Hotel Du Vin
-JoJolapa Bar and Restaurant
-Opus Restaurant
-Hindley’s Bakery
-Edmunds Lounge and bar
-The Old Joint Stock pub
-Chung Ying Central
-Asha’s Indian Resturant
-Chi Bar and Restaurant
-The Jekyl and Hyde
-The Old Contemptibles pub
-The Square Peg pub

For Veggies and Vegans that is a feast of good food:

I recomend Ashas, The Bureau Bar and Chung Ying Central, and Opus for food.

Ashas will be serving the lovely Papadi chaat served chilled £3
The Bureau: Beetroot Bon Bons £3
All Bar One: Veg Pad Thai £3
Chi Bar and Restaurant: Pav Bhaji served with a mini roll £3
Chung Ying Central: Veg spring roll with noodles. £3

There will also be cocktails, gin, pimms and cofee and toasties plus cold drinks and champaigne no doubt.

Try Ginger’s and the Bureau Bar for Cocktails and Hotel Du Vin for wine.

Coffee shops Urban and Yorks bakery will be there with your caffeine fix.

There will also be an entertainment programme at the festival, cookery demostrations, drink making demo’s, from top chefs including Glynn Purnell and David Calcombe of Opus Restaurant.

This years festival will also include a programme by The Young Rep, The Youth Theatre Company, Colmore Chorus CBD’s Choir of local business people.

There will also be deckchairs to sit on and a magician.

For full details see the CBD website and the free magazine’s that can be picked up at Snow Hill Station and the Tourist Information points.

It promises th be a fun couple of days with great local food and some fine independents demonstrating their culinary and bar skills.

Should be a fab foodie weekend:)

http://www.colmorebusinessdistrict.com
Twitter: @ColmoreBid

Yorks Bakery Cafe image

9Jul2014

THE BUREAU: MUCH MORE THAN A BAR

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Information and plaudits for The Bureau have crept up on me. In fact, it was with the news of the introduction of The Langley’s No’ 8 Rooftop Terrace that my ears pricked up and I got excited. (See my previous article)

You see, I’m a sucker for being outside, either eating or drinking-alfresco-with a view, even better.
How very European-how very Birmingham 🙂

The Bureau is on Colmore Row within the Colmore Business District area of the Birmingham City Centre, near to Victoria Square and the Cathedral. In an area of some of the best independent bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.

The Bureau aims to create a friendly and social environment where guests can indulge in locally produced and thoughtfully sourced deli and bar food. Along with a seductive drinks menu, creative cocktails, cask beers and fine wines and of course gin.

When my wife Ruth and I visited we found the bar to be a great mix of elegant styles, from vintage to modern. A very comfortable bar, well designed and with plenty of space.

The Bureau is housed in an old picturesque building, No’ 110 Colmore Row. It has a main elegant bar, with booths and tables, some circular, some rectangle. It also has bar stools and tables and a basement bar for parties and private functions.

Now The Bureau has a roof top terrace (recently opened) which you can reach either by lift or if you are fit by a long spiral staircase which is very evocative and lovely. The terrace we found to be a superb place to sit on, very relaxed with plants and booths, and outdoor tables, a real mix of styles which was well designed and had a touch of class about it. It is sponsored by local gin company Langley’s and is cleverly called Langley’s No8 gin terrace after the house gin of The Bureau. It is the place to sip a gin and tonic or a sparkling Gin Martini.
Ruth and I did both, well it would be rude not to 🙂 They were both superb. The Gin Martini, crisp, elegant, a touch of class, well mixed and the Langley’s No’8 local gin is delicious. Well recomended.

As your doctor says a gin a day…no that’s not right…but hey when in Rome…or in Birmingham 🙂

We had also heard very good things about the food at The Bureau. Hence another reason for being there midweek.

There are plenty of interesting and dverse options for vegetarians on the menu. From canapes to deli plates to a veggie burger (see menu on website).
I chose deliberately the deliciously sounding and indulgent
Leek and Double Worcester Cheese Tart.

It was delicious, creamy cheese with as superb flavour, offset by a subtle taste of leeks which really made it moreish. As someone nearby in the bar said recomending it to a friend it’s ‘to die for’. Maybe not neccessary to go that far, as then you wouldn’t be able to sample the long and decadent drinks menu 🙂 It was lovely though, and excellent choice especially with an excellent side order of of Sweet Potato wedges, which were crisp, golden and a perfect alternative to chips (made with Beef dripping according to website). A well recomended combo.

As and aside Ruth sampled the meat Hot Dog, which has received rave reviews from reviewers. She said it was superb and to be well recomended. Maybe a veggie hot dog option. That would be lovely…please? 🙂

The Bureau is a superb contemporary bar and deli. It is to be commended for its dedication to locally sourced and innovative veggie food options. It’s much more than a bar that serves superb drinks, much more that a roof top terrace. It’s an intoxicating mix of quirkyness and vintage chic with a modern air of elegance. The service at the bar and at the table (table service for food and drinks options, but can also order at the bar) is charming, relaxed, friendly and dedicated to knowing about their drinks and craft. I requested a Negroni. They made me one so perfect that I thought I was in Italy, it’s not on the cocktail menu, but that was no problem. It was punchy and superb.

The Bureau is stylish without being snooty and alienating.

So for some of the most interesting veggie options in Birmingham try The Bureau (must try those deli slates next!). It’s great with friends, great for couples, great in the sunshine, or rain, come for the bar, come for the roof terrace, but try the food.

So do visit The Bureau.

A small masterpiece in Birmingham City Centre.

The Bureau
110 Colmore Row
Birmingham City Centre
B3 3AG

0121 236 1110

info@thebureaubar.co.uk
@thebureau
http://www.facebook.com/TheBureauBar

http://www.thebureaubar.co.uk

http://www.langleysgin.com
@langleysNo8

wwww.independent-birmingham.co.uk
@independentB’ham

Disclaimer: We paid for our own food and drink. The opinions shared are my own and honest.

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