In Praise of: Blue Ginger, Kings Heath, Birmingham. 


Sad news reached me last week that the excellent Kings Heath based restaurant Blue Ginger is closing down after Christmas.

Blue Ginger has been one of my favourite restaurants ever since Ruth and I first visited when we first met, roughly eight years ago. We’ve enjoyed such great nights and meals together and I can’t remember how many times we’ve visited this small neighbourhood gem in Birmingham.

Dishes such as the outstanding Carrot Cake (savoury not sweet, a majestic dish and one of the best in the whole city, captures the simplicity of the restaurant dishes combining carrots, mooly, rice flour and spices). Possibly my favourite dish in Birmingham. Then there’s the curries Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Yellow Curry, a mild but exotic delight of vegetables. A delicious flavour. The jackfruit and Rabutan Red Curry, sweet and savoury together, with the Jackfruit the star combined with aubergines and mushrooms.

Both dishes are Vegan friendly.

Blue Ginger also became known locally for its Vegan night on a Monday. 7 main course dishes to choose from and numerous starters. Some going and if the truth be told it’s one of the best places for Vegans and Veggies to eat in Birmingham. It’s comfortable easy going service combined with deftly constructed Malaysian and Singaporean dishes packed with flavour made it popular and a relaxing and warm venue to visit. The atmosphere often buzzy and the space just the right side of intimate lent itself to a solid informal date night venue.

Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Yellow Curry

Carrot Cake Jackfruit and Rabutan red curry.

Mixed veg platter: for the undecided. Including the divine carrot cake. Kang Kon leaf side dish.

Roti Prata and rice. Essential to mop up the curry.

Pandan crepe: for afters. Good neighbourhood Restaurants like Blue Ginger are few and far between in Birmingham which seems to favouring the more glitzy venues these days and although the food at Blue Piano is the same as Blue Ginger the ambience and intimate space isn’t. In saying that I’ve enjoyed Blue Piano on the two occasions I’ve visited so will be visiting again in the new year for my Carrot cake fix.

Just to say that Ruth and I feel sad that Blue Ginger’s leaving us, gone but not forgotten, let’s just hope that the space is used by another independent restaurant and hopefully not another curry house or kebab shop. It’s a good space and deserves a new favourite to develop in Kings Heath.

Thanks for all the meals and good times from us both.

All the above dishes are available at the excellent Edgbaston based Blue Piano. Well worth a visit.

For my review of Blue Piano see here:

https://vegiefoodie.com/2014/05/11/the-blue-piano-restaurant-and-bar/

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

Blue Piano,  26 Harborne Road, Birmingham, B15.

The Blue Piano guesthouse, restaurant and bar

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#Digmas: Christmas Fair with Vegan stores and Veggie/Vegan food. Saturday 26th November.


Merry #Digmas:

Brum’s favourite independent Christmas fair and family day out returns to the Custard Factory!

Kick off the festive season in style at #Digmas, Birmingham’s favourite independent Christmas fair and family day out. The fun-filled event will return to the Custard Factory at the heart of Birmingham’s Creative Quarter on Saturday 26 November from 11am to 6pm. 

Entry is free. There’ll be something for everyone in the family; from street food, gin, craft beer and market stalls for the adults to Santa’s grotto, face painting and craft activities for the kids.

Tara Newman, Head of Events at the Custard Factory, said “#Digmas is a Digbeth tradition for foodies, friends and families looking for an alternative to the usual pre-Christmas crush on the high street. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique stocking fillers, enjoy a day out and get into the festive spirit”.

At the heart of the Custard Factory there’ll be a lively indoor market with high quality art and crafts from the Paperdolls Handmade Markets plus locally-made cakes, chocolates and other goodies. 

There’ll be Vegan stalls filled with gifts, and fashionistas can peruse the rails of clothing from a selection of leading brands.

Shoppers will enjoy browsing the Custard Factory’s resident shops who will all be open during the day’s festivities. They can enjoy a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst revelling in live music by the lakeside from Bostin Brass, The Glamophones and a cheerful carol singing quartet.

Foodies will tantalise their taste buds with some of the best street food in the city and dishes include macaroni cheese,  warming soups, spicy curries and irresistible churros and chocolate. Plus cakes by Mrs Mills. The covered food court will have a great atmosphere with a DJ playing festive favourites, perfect for meeting up with friends to enjoy a glass of gin or craft beer from the pop-up bars.

The kids will have a great time too with a visit to Santa’s grotto and a packed programme of festive storytelling performances, craft activities, cupcake decorating and face painting.

 #Digmas is free to enter and all ages are welcome to enjoy the fun, food and festivities. Advanced booking for some activities is recommended. 

http://www.custardfactory.co.uk/digmas2016 for more information.

Alongside all of the fantastic entertainment, food and activities already revealed, they have been working with local organic and Vegan friendly drinks company U-Juice to curate a friendly selection of vegan stalls at #DIGMAS! Food & drink, clothing, jewellery, beauty products and lots, lots more – all produced ethically and organically.


Other Vegan and Veggie friendly traders also thete will be Aah Lovely, (handmade gifts including ceramics, bags and cards), Dr Ice ( Men’s grooming products), Viva la Vegan (organically made clothing and best fashion brand award winners), Hugletts Wood Farm Animal Sanctuary, (handmade gifts) Badger’s Dairy Free, (side dishes), Purely Vegan (Vegan Grocers) The May Bakery (Vegan cakes, cupcakes and cookies) Honest Skincare, and Custard Factory resident Clink craft beer have a Vegan range too. 

The May Bakery.

Street Food from Littlesixtythree ( soups and stews) locally produced served with fresh crusty bread and Quarter Horse Coffee and Hot chocolate. 


Yumlaut: traditional German Sausage with Vegan-friendly and deliciously named ‘Veggie Brat’.

Churros Susanna: Churros and chocolate. Plus dairy free. Sugary happiness. 


Veggie Foodie favourites The Indian Rasoi: Indian Street Food and curry to warm you up. 


Holy Moly Macaroni: Macaroni cheese who are launching on The Birmingham  street food scene at #Digmas, plus offering a Vegan option that replaces cheese with butternut squash. Comfort food with a difference. 


Holy Moli Macaroni.

Plus drinks from Gin Box and Clink Craft Beer who will have vegan/veggie choices. 

Read more about the Vegan stalls on offer on Sat 26th here: 

#DIGMAS 2016 – First Vegan & Ethical Market at the Custard Factory

Looks a lovely way to kick off the Christmas period, and celebrate Birmingham’s independent and creative scene. 

The Custard Factory and sister venue Fazeley Studios are based in Digbeth a short walk from Birmingham New Street and The Bullring shopping centre in the heart of Birmingham. The area has long been established as one of the countries leading creative and digital business destinations, with a thriving business community residing alongside Birmingham’s independent retailers. 

Home

http://www.fazeleystudios.com/

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

The Glamophones who will be singing at #Digmas.

All images and photos courtesy of The Custard Factory. 

The Mockingbird Cinema and kitchen launch. 



One of Digbeth’s most popular bars will be launching as a dedicated cinema following a major reinvestment into the business.


The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen based in the Custard Factory, will become a full-time cinema from Friday, November 18 – officially launching with the Warner Bros’ mega-release Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.  

Following 12 months entertaining audiences with screenings of cult favourites – from Brat-pack classics to rib-tickling horrors – The Mockingbird will become one of the city’s only independent cinemas, screening blockbusters straight from Hollywood.  

The 100-seat cinema will typically offer four screenings a day, seven days a week, with special offers and concessions available to its customers.

For example, anyone booking to see the 11am and 2.15pm screenings of Fantastic Beasts can buy tickets for the price of just £5. 

Traditional cinema refreshments, like nachos, popcorn and sweets, will be available from the box office. 

However, for those who want to make a day or an evening out of visiting The Mockingbird, the cinema’s kitchen and bar will be open, offering a wide variety of southern American inspired food. 

Popular picks from the menu include chilli-cheese fries, sandwiches, and vegan burritos. 

The cinema’s co-owner and chef, Anthony Duffy, has also designed a specials menu and cocktail menu that will change to compliment the films on show. 

 As an example, those booked in to see J.K.Rowling’s latest offering, will have the chance to dine on a ‘fantastic feast’ or search through the cinema’s library for a list of magical cocktails.   

The cinema’s owners spotted that customers loved the quirky additions of movie-related meals and themed cocktails, so they wanted to make that a key part of the cinema experience they have on offer.

Anthony said: “We knew people wanted something a bit extra when we started putting on film nights where themed food and drinks were on offer as a tribute to what we were screening”.  

“One of our biggest successes was hosting a sold-out screening of The Big Lebowski, where every customer got a White Russian and an In-N-Out Burger. We still get people emailing us asking if we’ll be putting on another event like it. Well we’ll be doing it permanently now.”

Head of programming, James Brown, explained that he and his fellow co-owners wanted to make The Mockingbird a destination for film and food lovers – where they could spend all afternoon and evening enjoying the cinema and bar. 

James Brown, head of programming, said: “People love cinema.
“It’s an entire experience for a lot of people – to go out, maybe eat beforehand, buy snacks and enjoy a movie. 

“We wanted to create the ultimate cinema experience with The Mockingbird that few other cinemas can offer.”  

Anthony added: “We’ve aimed to create a destination in the Custard Factory.
“A place where people can join us for food, films, drinks and even dancing at the weekends, when our resident DJs take over the decks to spin some soul, disco and funk.” 

The bar will be open from 11am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, then from 11am till late on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Well worth a visit and supporting this unique independent business and the food is excellent. 

The Mockingbird Cinema

The Custard Factory

Gibb St

Birmingham

B9 4AA

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊


 

Kings Heath food market: Saturday 12th November. 



Kings Heath Street Food Market returns this Saturday 12th November featuring The Vegan Grindhouse by Vegan Vox Esme’s Eats, Stufo, The Spice is Right street food, Street Kitchen Brothers and Charlie Dumpling. 

All of which should have veggie and vegan options. Of course The Vegan Grindhouse is completely Vegan friendly. 

Replacing the wonderful Veggie Foodie favourites Brum Yum Yum it takes place at the same venue in Kings Heath Village Square from 11am-5pm. 

Organised by the Kings Heath Business Improvement District it will take place as its predecessor  on the second Saturday until at least the end of the year. 

Antoinette Hasson, General Manager of All Saints Community Development Company, said:

“All Saints Community Development Company, who host and organise a variety of monthly markets and community events on Kings Heath Village Square, are delighted to work with Kings Heath BID to create a new and exciting Food Market following on from the popular Brum Yum Yum.

The new Kings Heath Food Market will feature established street food vendors and showcase new talent to delight and excite.

The event will be Accompanied by entertaining live music and specialty drinks courtesy of local Kitchen Garden Cafe. 

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/EnjoyKingsHeath and http://www.asckh.co.uk Kings Heath Village Square.

Should be a nice event. See you there.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

6/8 Kafe Craft Beer festival 10/11/12th November, plus discount.


Scaffolding is a necessary pest, a bit like slugs eating my veg or wasps in the summer. 

I once went to Florence and the great cathedral was covered in the stuff. How annoyed was I. The same happened in Rome with The Trevi Fountain. I was not amused. 

But then it comes off, as if by magic the structure below appears, more beautiful, brighter and and all is well. 

This is what 6/8 Kafe hope now their monstrous outdoor cover has been taken down and to celebrate they are having a craft beer festival. Well why not, they deserve it. Let’s toast progress! 

Sitting at the back of House of Fraser on Temple Row 6/8 Kafe is an independent coffee shop of some repute in the city and a innovator of the fine art of the Barista.

Festival organiser and proprietor Dav said:

”Our festival is about enjoying local beer with the amazing people that make them.

”It’s about tasting, learning and enjoying everything about craft beer. 

The line up includes: 

On Thursday ‘meet the brewers’. 

Burning Soul Brewing:

Bringing OCT IPA 6.7%

Mount Olympus Pale Ale 5.2%

Insert [Blanc] Single Hop Ale 5.2%

On Friday there is a ‘meet the brewer’ session with Twisted Barrel Ale who are launching their annual winter special ”Dark Knight Rises” and a Belgian Dubbel at Six Eight.

http://www.twistedbarrelale.co.uk/


On Saturday two Black Country brewers Sacre Brew at 6pm and Fixed Wheel are at the festival. 

Fixed Wheel will bring ‘Carbon Black IPA 6.8%, ‘Coffee Fix ‘6.1% and ‘Single Speed Equinox’ 4.5%.

Sacre Brew will bring  3 beers: Sloe Loris, Wendigo, & Donkey’s Years! 

Throughout the festival they will have live acoustic musicians appearing and playing to their hearts content. 

Tracks like down with the scaffolding should be popular on the playlist. 

Sacre Brew Microbrewery

http://www.fixedwheelbrewery.co.uk/

Tickets are £3.66 or £2.66 using my discount   ANDY_H at the checkout which will get you your first pint and access at the event. Enter the promotional code at the link. Andy_H.

Here: 

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=JuO6H&m=gcE2TaB8ITvENEE&b=VsnXDFvrrJivKpZnMQMmMQ

https://www.facebook.com/events/1618496268450152/

Also present will be Digbeth Dining Club favourites Stufo providing the food. 
http://www.stufo.co.uk/

http://www.sixeightkafe.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/events/1618496268450152/

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊


Vegetarian street food traders The Indian Lunch Box are at 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter this week. 



Make sure you get down to 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter this week as vegetarian Indian street food company The Indian Lunchbox are taking over the kitchen for one week only. 

Street food trader Reena Mistry has a mission to open minds and mouths to tasty, homemade Vegetarian street food. The Indian Lunchbox is all about fresh ingredients and many of the dishes are served traditionally on the streets in India, and have been passed down the family.

Their signature dish is the Double Roti burger- a soft bread bun filled with potato curry, Chevdo (like Bombay mix), chopped onions, peanuts, and a chilli coriander chutney.

Other highlights include Bhel, a dish made with puffed rice, potato, chickpea, and a tangy tamarind sauce, and Pav Bhaji, a mixed vegetable curry. There are also Onion Bhaji’s. 

All these dishes are suitable for Vegans. 

The food will be complimented by the delicious and local Indian Brewery, one of the most recent additions to The Birmingham evolving craft beer scene. 

They will be laying on a selection of their crisp and refreshing craft ales. As well as the highly new Birmingham Lager. If it’s ready in time on draught. 

Established in May 2016 The Indian Lunchbox is a Veggie Foodie rising star and one to watch in 2017. 

The menu’s below: 



1000 Trades can be found at 16 Frederick Street in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.
The Indian Lunchbox will be at 1000 Trades from Monday 31st October to Saturday 5th November, serving from 5-10pm Monday- Friday and 1-10pm on Saturday. 

Should be a fantastic week of vegetarian food. 

Thanks for reading, 
Andy 😊

All photos courtesy of Indian Lunchbox and 1000 Trades. 

Look out for The Indian Lunchbox at Streetfood events around the Midlands. Including the new Hawker Yard in the city centre. 

Hawker Yard Birmingham goes Vegan: Sunday 23rd October. 


This Sunday 23rd October Brum Yum Yum and The Vegan Grindhouse by Vegan Vox are re joining forces to bring you Hawker Yard goes Vegan.

The all Vegan street food event in the heart of Birmingham city centre is at Hawker Yard Pershore Street B5 4RR next to The Arcadian. 

From 12-5pm, you can come and eat tasty vegan street food, buy vegan beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, meet like minded people, buy from vegan stalls and find our more about the fabulous work of their chosen animal rescue centre – Grace’s Rest who will receive a percentage of all takings on the day. 


Following on from our two previous joint events with BRUM YUM YUM in Kings Heath which were vegetarian/vegan, that after campaigning this event is now all Vegan. 

If the event  is successful, hopefully a regular Vegan street food market in Birmingham will be hosted. so please bring all of your friends, vegans, vegetarians and not yet vegans. Families and dogs welcome and undercover seating provided. 

If anyone is able to volunteer on the day to hand out flyers outside the Bull Ring, in the Arcadian, Snow Hill and at Grand Central, that would be great and will be rewarded with a free meal!

So support a fantastic event. 

Also appearing at Hawker Yard are The Vegan Pizza company, Sri-Licious with Sri Lankan Street food, all vegan brewery Twisted Barrel ales for Vegan beer, Vegetropolis, for organic fruit, veg etc. Fresh juices and shots from U-Juice, and a range of gluten free cakes and bakes and desserts and fermented drinks bar from the Gut Hut. 

Looks a fab line up! 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

The Hawker Centre is inspired by the Hawker Centres of Asia and the ruin bars of Budapest and provides a centrally located destination where the stars of Birmingham’s independent street food scene create and collaborate. 



Opening hours: 

Thursday 11-5pm

Friday 5pm-11pm

Saturday 12.00-11pm

Monday-Wednesday and Sunday closed. 

62-70 Pershore Street, Birmingham, next to the Arcadian in the City Centre.

http://www.facebook.com/brumyumyum

http://www.brumyumyum.com/

The Official Press release:

BIRMINGHAM’S ONLY ALL-VEGAN STREET FOOD EVENT COMES TO HAWKER YARD THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, Birmingham’s new purpose-built street food venue serves up an all-vegan special.

Hawker Yard Goes Vegan, the only 100% vegan street food event in the region, will feature dishes freshly cooked by leading street food chefs, showcasing entirely vegan menus from around the world.

The pioneers of Birmingham’s street food renaissance are collaborating with leading Midlands street food company, The Vegan Grindhouse to host the event on Sunday 23rd October, from 12-5pm, Hawker Yard, 62-70 Pershore St, B5 4RU, next to Arcadian.

 The street food lineup includes The Vegan Grindhouse with ‘vegan junkfood’ like handmade burgers and huge hotdogs; The Vegan Pizza Company; Sri-Licious with Sri Lankan street food classics, plus Caribbean, Mexican, Indian and more.

As well as all the street food, local all-vegan brewery Twisted Barrel Ales are taking over the bars, and there will be stall with organic fruit and vegetables from Vegetropolis, animal-friendly clothing and cosmetics, a fermented drinks bar from The Happy Gut Hut, fresh juices and shots from U-Juice, and a range of vegan and gluten-free cakes and desserts.

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

 Lisa Burbidge-Brown, Co-Owner of The Vegan Grindhouse and prominent vegan blogger said,

“We are thrilled to be bringing this hugely popular event to Hawker Yard. It’s a great way to showcase quality meat-free street food and raise money for a good cause at the same time, and now the event is all-vegan it’s even more exciting!”

“There’s some amazing vegan 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.”

 Hawker Yard 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 side stalls and the great vibes, and this is the animal-friendly street party that Birmingham deserves!”

 So get down to Hawker Yard on Sunday 23rd October for a day of plant-based family fun at Hawker Yard Goes Vegan.

For up to date information in the run up to the event and for the full street food lineups follow @brumyumyum and @vegangrindhouse on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 



Photos courtesy of Hawker Yard and The Vegan Grindhouse. 

Birthday season at Veggie 1847 Birmingham.



1847 Birmingham will be three later this month. The time has certainly flown by and Head Chef Tony and his team have certainly moved the restaurant forward and raised the game. 

When Birmingham welcomed 1847 it was certainly a turning point for Vegetarian food in the city. With innovation and seasonality central to the ethos of 1847 it’s certainly cemented itself as a must visit in the city, and some of its deals across the year speak bargain in a major way. 

1847 also offer a full Vegan menu. 

1847 are also planning a refurbishment of the whole site within the next couple of months. Exciting times! 


 1847 Bristol will also be one in October and 1847 Brighton one in November.

To kickstart their birthday season they’re offering two courses plus a small glass of wine for £1847. *

*T&C

You Must book online at  ahttp://www.by1847.com/ and quote “Birthday” in the booking comments.

For maximum tables of two people

Available in Manchester & Birmingham Sun – Fri & Bristol & Brighton everyday throughout September.

Bristol not open Monday & Tuesday

Full contact details, locations and menus can be found on the website.

Happy Birthday to one of Birmngham’s best and most innovative restaurants. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊



All photos courtesy of 1847. 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Sri Lankan Vegan night with Gayanis Kitchen HQ at The Gunmakers Arms.


    
Fancy Sri Lankan Vegan food? 

Then on the 10th September Gayanis Kitchen HQ are offering a sumptuous and mouthwatering menu at The Gunmakers Arms in Birmingham City Centre.

On the evening Traditional home cooked dishes using exotic Sri Lankan vegetables and spices and organic rice will provide a feast for the senses and the palate.

There will be a three course meal for £25 including tasters of Two Towers Brewery vegan friendly Ale. 

Please note their is a limit of 20 places available. 

Pre booking is essential and can be done by emailing office@twotowersbrewery.co.uk

The menu is 

Gayani Sewwandi 

Gayani Sewwandi 25 August 22:43

Stsrter: Chick pea baddum with pineapple salad . 

Main with Rice , mushroom curry, Lentil curry, okra baddum, vegetable curry, spring greens mallum, pol sambol, potato baddum , popadums and exotic fruit salad. 

Sounds a magical evening of delicious Sri Lankan food and quality local ales. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Gunmakers Arms, 93 Bath Street, Birmingham City centre. B4 6HG.

Urban pop up #JQ Vegan night 1st September, Birmingham. 


  

There’s something Vegan friendly happening in September in the Jewellery Quarter. 

The next in the #Urbanpopup at their Jewellery Quarter branch sees them celebrating all things Vegan. 

The menu is Thai themed and will include 5 courses tasting menu plus drinks to match for £39. Everything been vegan friendly. 

Tickets are £39 plus booking fee if booking online. They can also be brought at the JQ emporium or via Eventbright. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/urban-pop-up-vegan-night-tickets-27028607292

Courses as follows; 
1. Tom Yum Soup. 
2. Tempura Smoked Tofu with Ginger and Lime Dipping Sauce.

3. Mango and Kale Thai Green Curry with Jasmine Rice.

4. Coconut and Rasberry Mousse.

5. Chocolate and Orange Salted Caramel Tart.

Looks a good menu. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊