Fairtrade Fortnight: Dancing celebrities and coffee with a conscience in Birmingham

This Fairtrade Fortnight (27 Feb – 11 Mar 2012), playing on the theme of taking an ethical step, Fairtrade has come up with the idea of using dancing celebrities to promote the cause.

The series of wacky videos feature a few rather famous faces shedding their dignity in public places such as the supermarket – all in the name of Fairtrade:

[words by Ahmed Ahmed]

In a nutshell, the ethical trading movement aims to guarantee a fair deal for growers and producers in the developing world, ensuring that our daily snacks, clothes and comforts don’t come at the price of exploitation.

If you don’t feel quite ready to declare your support by breaking into dance, why not buy your next coffee from an ethical supplier? It’s easier than you might think. These four independent cafes in Birmingham recognise that trading fairly ensures a sweet deal all round:

Yumm Cafe | Digbeth, Birmingham | map

Located in lively Gibb Street, Yumm Cafe serves up a range of snacks, hot foods and tempting confectionery, catering to the creative professionals working in and around The Custard Factory. And any coffee you buy at Yumm will be made from Fairtrade beans.

Urban Coffee Company | Colmore, Jewellery Quarter | map

Urban Coffee Company has two branches in Birmingham, one on Church Street in the Colmore Business District, and one in the Jewellery Quarter. The cosy ambience and good quality coffee make it a favourite for both business lunches and social appointments. They source coffee beans directly from the farmers, as they believe this is the best way to guarantee fairness and quality.

Kitchen Garden Cafe | King’s Heath, Birmingham | map

Part garden centre, part coffee shop, part restaurant; the Kitchen Garden Cafe is a charming and quirky spot for a tea or a light lunch. Hidden away behind King’s Heath High Street, this leafy venue offers evening dining and daytime snacks, with all coffee and hot chocolate sourced from Fairtrade.

Six Eight Kafé | Temple Row, Birmingham | map

While Six Eight puts on regular art and photography exhibitions, as well as live music events, the coffee is at the core of this creative cafe. Sourced from a range of renowned coffee-growing nations including Brazil and Guatemala, the blend varies seasonally, relying on the buyer’s expertise and on-the-ground contacts to ensure both an optimum blend and a fair deal for the growers.

To find out more about Fairtrade Fortnight and how you can help to make a difference, visit the Fairtrade Foundation website here

Have you visited the any of these venues before? Tell us what you thought here

Chaophraya (formerly Chao Baby) | Thai

Chaophraya (formerly known as Chao Baby) located in Birmingham’s new Spiceal Street, has overhauled its menu to offer the Bullring customer an a la carte menu which makes for a classier, if slightly pricier, dining experience.

[by Sanjeeta Bains] 

atmosphere

Chaophraya’s Thai identity is apparent as soon as you walk in. Between the Buddhist-inspired statues and the soft blue and orange mood lights, the play for Oriental glamour is hard to miss. Don’t forget to say hello to the luminous inhabitants of the jellyfish tank.

food

After tasting an array of appetisers, I really savoured the sweet and spicy duck salad - crispy duck, cucumber, shallots, spring onions, celery and pomegranate in a fresh chilli and lime sauce. It was the perfect kick to start off our meal in style.

Amongst a quality cast of dishes, I couldn’t get enough of Chaophraya’s twist on the lamb shank – a spectacular serving of braised lamb with peanuts, potato and deep fried shallots in a Massaman curry sauce served with grilled pumpkin and broccoli, tasted as divine as it looked -  the meat was melt in the mouth sublime. There is also a vast vegetarian selection available.

Many fabulous meals can tail off depressingly once the dessert menu arrives but not so at Choaphraya. The clementine and ginger cheesecake was refreshing. Give the green pandan pancakes with green custard a chance; they’re nicer than they look.

drinks

Rioja Blanco, Bodegas Artesa went down very nicely with most of the menu. At the start of the evening I whetted my appetite with the recommended Siam Smile from Chaophraya’s Authentic Thai cocktail menu – vanilla vodka, passion fruit & pineapple juice topped with champagne.   

The revamped menu and my resulting dining experience was anything but bland and uninspiring. I can’t wait to visit again. 

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at over a hundred restaurants in Birmingham and nationwide with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited Chaophraya Birmingham before? Tell us what you thought here

Claire Hutchings: The MasterChef from Moseley returns

Claire Hutchings from Moseley in Birmingham made it all the way to the finals of television’s MasterChef: The Professionals in 2011, gaining a reputation for creativity and culinary flair, and creating a chocolate sorbet recipe that legendary chef Michel Roux Jr himself wasn’t ashamed to swipe. With Claire back in Birmingham to host a number of guest chef evenings at the Kitchen Garden Cafe (pictured, in background), we caught up with her to find out how she plans to build on her national success.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

What did the experience of being on MasterChef mean to you as a professional?

The experience was daunting but incredible. The final eight were all really good so it was a constant challenge. I learnt quite a lot about myself – you’re filmed constantly, so you do.

In terms of my cooking, it helped me to develop my own style. I’m more confident in the kitchen now. I also managed to perfect one or two techniques, especially prepping almonds!

And what was your least favourite part of doing the programme?

The cameras can get tedious at times, and it’s especially unnerving when the presenters [John Torode and Greg Wallace] come over and ask you questions on the spot while you’re rushing to finish a dish.

So as a local chef who graduated from University College Birmingham, what do you make of Birmingham’s food scene at this moment in time?

It’s definitely changed for the better. When I started out working at Simpsons it was the only Michelin-starred restaurant in town; now we have three. What’s happening now is that people are finally noticing what Birmingham’s restaurants have to offer.

And is there room for improvement?

Yes, I think Birmingham’s up-and-coming but the best is yet to come. For example it can still be difficult to source the rarer ingredients you can get in London, but it’s not impossible.

What are your plans for the future, career-wise?

Initially I was going to move straight to London, but I’ve decided to stay in Birmingham for now. I’m holding food events and hopefully helping to raise the profile of the city food-wise. With this pop-up menu [at Kitchen Garden Cafe], I’ve gone for a seasonal theme. I’ve included mackerel, which I think is underused, hearty ox-cheek, and my favourite chocolate sorbet

The one Michel Roux Jr liked so much he stole the recipe?

Yes, that one!

Although Claire’s pop-up evenings at the Kitchen Garden Cafe are now sold out, you can enjoy exclusive discounts at this Birmingham restaurant and many more nationwide with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited the Kitchen Garden Cafe before? Tell us what you thought here

Five Rivers à la Carte | North Indian

The new Five Rivers à la Carte in Walsall (just outside Birmingham) is named for the five rivers that flow through the northern Indian state of The Punjab. The restaurant’s cobbled front aspect sets it back from the street, preparing guests for an experience that is anything but middle-of-the-road.

[by Sanjeeta Bains] 

atmosphere

Once inside, expect to feel like you’ve been transported to another world. The restaurant area approaches the size of a ballroom, giving it an elegant old-world feel. A three-storey alcohol ‘library’ in reclaimed wood towers behind the bar, underlining how Five Rivers contrasts with the average Balti and BYOB experience.

food

Award-winning chefRashpal Sunner may have cooked for world leaders including Tony Blair and Bill Clinton, but a home crowd is far harder to please. It was heartening to see several Punjabi diners during our visit. For starters we ordered the refreshing tandoori jingha (jumbo prawns marinated in spices and cooked on a skewer over the tandoor). I could individually taste each spice yet they didn’t overpower the succulent flavour of the prawns.

For mains, I was curious about the lasani chilli duck. The claims of our well-meaning maître d’ that it “can be a little heavy for feminine tastes” made me even more determined to order it, although duck is not a staple of Punjabi cuisine. The sauce itself (garlic, chilli, coriander, herbs and spices) was delicious but it it didn’t go well with the duck. After one mouthful, I mourned the huge potential of the Lasani Chilli Chicken. Our standout dish was the flavoursome lamb rogan josh. A simple side order of spinach cooked with cumin seeds, spring onions and garlic complemented the dish wonderfully.

The dessert menu befits a daring chef. Five Rivers serves chukander ka halwa, switching the traditional carrot for beetroot cooked in milk with cashews, raisins, almonds and cardamom. Sadly I found the beetroot quite bland and would have much preferred the Punjabi original. The assiette de chocolat (chocolate and orange mousse with a pistachio dome and mini chocolate brownie), however, was beautifully presented and very satisfying.

drinks

A special mention must go to the soft and mocktail menu. We could happily sip sweet passions (fresh passion fruit, caramel, and pineapple topped with lemonade) all evening. There is a healthy wine selection including the restaurant’s specially-selected white wine: the award-winning tamarind garden (chardonnay/gewürztraminer).

Five Rivers is a venue well-suited to marking a special occasion, thanks to both its grand decor and its inspired menu, which puts a creative gourmet twist on classic Punjabi fare.

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at restaurants in Birmingham and nationwide with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited Five Rivers à la Carte before? Tell us what you thought here

Young chef scoops regional culinary prize in Birmingham

A 16-year-old local student was yesterday awarded the prize of Springboard FutureChef West Midlands at University College Birmingham. Kieran Mole (pictured, with plate) from South Bromsgrove High School will now go on to compete at a national level with eleven other aspiring young chefs from around the UK.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

The Springboard FutureChef competition calls on culinary enthusiasts between the ages of 12 and 16 to try their hand at serving up gourmet cuisine to the high standards seen on popular television cooking programmes such as MasterChef and Britain’s Best Dish.

Saturday’s five regional finalists were challenged with creating a main course and dessert from a priced list of diverse ingredients including lamb chops, cardamom pods, bay leaf, and double cream. And in an extra, recession-appropriate twist, the young chefs had to ensure that the total cost of their meal came in at £8.00 or under.

This year’s West Midlands regional final came at a time when Birmingham’s culinary scene is enjoying international attention. The competition took place at University College Birmingham (formerly The College of Food), which has produced many other talented chefs including MasterChef 2011 finalist, Claire Hutchings.

The finalists were judged by notable local food pundits: (pictured above left to right) Glynn Purnell, Head Chef at Birmingham’s Michelin-starred restaurant Purnell’s, Marco Manner of Thistle Hotel Birmingham, and Richard McComb, food critic at the Birmingham Post.

Birmingham winner Sidrah Zahid of Small Heath School was awarded runner-up, but the judges gave the top regional spot to Kieran Mole after tasting his sea bream with potato scales, served with spinach and parsnip crisps and followed by a plum pastry with crème anglaise (pictured above).

Reacting to his win, Kieran said: “Cooking is a passion for me and the reason I entered was to try and prove to myself that I could do it. Winning has made me think that I might even have what it takes to be a professional chef one day. I might just do it.”

To find out more about Springboard’s work with young people and how you or someone you know might get involved, visit their website here.

MY DINE BIRMINGHAM | Steve Denyer from Heart FM

Steve Denyer’s Heart FM Drivetime show keeps thousands of commuters company across the West Midlands during the week, while at the weekends he broadcasts to a national audience. The famous Birmingham-dweller shares his favourite places to eat and drink around the city:

Breakfast

Having lived in central Birmingham for nearly seven years, I have been thoroughly spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking out. 

With my new training regime I have to walk about quite a bit! On a recent walk I discovered a little gem hidden behind Birmingham’s Broad Street in Canal Square. Ju Ju’s is the perfect place to wake up over a cooked breakfast and watch the world pass by. I love taking my iPad down and catching up on social media over some delicious food.

Lunch

By mid-morning I’m usually at The Cube. The Club and Spa is the perfect place for a coffee, a massage or just a dip in the pool followed by a steam and a sauna. And of course, the new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Birmingham upstairs is worth a visit for its great views of the city.

I’m a firm believer in a bit of retail therapy before my show. I find it impossible to shop in Selfridges without succumbing to the wonderful food on offer. Ekachai, the Thai restaurant in the food court, always gets me first.  I can recommend their delicious tom yum chicken soup or their legendary duck salad - it always works a treat before I head to the Heart FM studios to get ready for my show.

Dinner

I get to finish work every night at 7pm which is perfect timing to meet friends in town for some dinner (my favourite part of the day!) I’ve long been a fan of The Loft Lounge on Bromsgrove Street. I love it here; it’s chilled, the lighting is low and the new menu offers everything from unhealthy burgers to very healthy Asian style stir fries and tasty salads. It’s the kind of place where time whiles quickly away. Quite often, before I know it, it’s 11pm and I’m being asked to leave!

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at The Loft Lounge and many more restaurants nationwide with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited any of the venues mentioned before? Tell us what you thought here

Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant | Chinese

Billing itself as the ‘original Cantonese restaurant’ in Birmingham, Chung Ying (map) has been a staple feature of the city’s Chinatown district for over two decades, this year welcoming the third Year of the Dragon since its launch in 1981. Dine Birmingham visited Chung Ying on the eve of Chinese New Year, to investigate the secret of its longevity.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

atmosphere

On entering, the immediate impression was one of bustling activity. Alive with chattering guests and waiters darting about with sizzling platters, Chung Ying captures the business-like energy of a traditional Chinatown. The decor is insistently Chinese: red and gold decorations are reflected in the many mirrors which, according to feng shui, holds the power to enhance positive energy and prosperity.

food

The menu certainly holds a promise of plenty. Faced with a dizzying array of options, we opted for one of the set starter bundles, including vegetarian spring rolls, crispy wontons, and deep fried shredded squid. While the wontons were average, the spring rolls and squid were excellent, perfectly complemented by the selection of accompanying sauces.

Although primarily a Cantonese restaurant, Chung Ying offers dishes from another of China’s three culinary traditions. Fried king prawns szechuen style and sizzling fillet of beef in black pepper sauce both offer more of a spicy kick to the palate than the average Chinese dish. We recommend the noodles cooked with mixed seafood and chicken if you’re in the mood for a really filling meal. For a slightly lighter accompanying option, go for egg-fried rice.

drink

Only the most demanding wine-lover would have trouble finding something satisfactory on the wine list, as the selection carries a good range of Old and New World bottles, including several sparklings and champagnes should you choose to spend a special occasion here. Disappointingly, however, only two wines from the Orient appear, and neither of these is Chinese. The easy-drinking Tsing Tao beer represents China’s main contribution to the drinks menu.

Overall, Chung Ying’s casual atmosphere, combined with its wide variety of culinary options, keeps its clientele well-satisfied. Fans of unfussy Cantonese cuisine can join the Birmingham venue as it celebrates the Chinese New Year on the weekend of 28^th-29^th January with a special festive menu.

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at this Birmingham restaurant and many more nationwide with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant before? Tell us what you thought here

The Horseshoe Bar and Restaurant | indian & more

The Horseshoe Bar and Restaurant in Hall Green, Birmingham (map) is something of a culinary chimaera, made up of contrasting components just like the mythical creature. As manager Tanveer Handa explained to us, the goal is to provide high quality Indian cuisine alongside traditional gastropub fare.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

atmosphere

The venue’s interior reflects this dual ethos. Previously a traditional local pub, the Horseshoe has been transformed into a warm and inviting space, where wood and brown leather create the atmospher of a cosy yet upmarket gastropub. Sadly the Eastern decor is more sparse, but a few graceful statuettes indicate that Chilli & Spice, the restaurant’s Indian avatar, is also present.

food

Naturally, the menu offers a variety of options for the palate. However, don’t expect fusion dishes. The philosophy is very much to keep the Indian food separate from the other cuisine, as reflected by the two separate menus.

Despite its name, the ‘English menu’ in fact carries options as diverse as tiger prawns, crispy duck and various pasta dishes, alongside the normal pub grub choices like fish and chips and lamb shank. The amount of choice is perhaps a bit overwhelming, despite the valiant attempt to cover all bases.

The Chilli & Spice menu however, is intensely focused on fine Indian fare. Starters kasondhi ka jingha (jumbo prawns marinated and flavoured with honey and mustard) together with barrah kebab (lamb chops marinated in yoghurt, garlic and ginger) set the bar incredibly high for the rest of the meal.

Thankfully, murg methi (chicken cooked with fenugreek leaves in creamy gravy) lived up to expectations, providing a deliciously flavoursome experience without resorting to the overuse of pepper and spice many curries are guilty of.

For dessert (if you can manage to find room) we recommend gajar ka halwa. This is a classic Indian dessert combining grated carrots and milk reduction in a sweet partnership that tops off your meal perfectly.

drink

While the Horsehoe Bar and Restaurant wine menu is good, the cocktails made more of an impression. In particular, moreish house specials lychee martini and spiced mojito represent the restaurant’s most successful attempts at uniting East and West.

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at this Birmingham restaurant and many more nationwide with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited the Horseshoe Bar & Restaurant before? Tell us what you thought here

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Birmingham

Located on the 25th floor of new landmark The Cube, the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill is the first restaurant in Birmingham to offer 360 degree views of the city. Dine Birmingham invited famous local lady Alison Hammond along to sample fine dining served in an Empire State Of Mind…

by Sanjeeta Bains  

As I waited at the bar for my lunch date, ITV1’s This Morning reporter and local doyenne Alison Hammond, I regretted not making it an evening booking. Admiring a twinkling city below which could be anywhere in the world, would send the glamour quota of this already glitzy venue through the roof.

When Alison arrived we were shown to our table in the chic and spacious restaurant area. The hearty all-day menu includes a pleasing number of other dishes as well as steak. For starters, I opted for the six-month cured coppa ham moscardo di cremona, a colourful dish so beautifully presented that I spent a few moments gazing at it! Mostardo Di Cremona is an Italian preserve of candied fruit and a mustard flavoured syrup. The sweet/spicy tang perfectly complemented the ham and the portion was so generous I had no desire to touch the bread basket.

Alison ordered the calamari, which were very flavoursome. Starters aside, Marco Pierre White seriously caters for the comfort eater. I could have kissed the waiter for recommending the roast rump of lamb a la dijonnaise with pommes dauphinoise.  The meat was succulent, juicy and very pink, and the potatoes were crispy on top and super-creamy inside. Alison opted for the pork belly marco polo and butter beans but because of the “mmm” noises I was making, couldn’t hide her food envy!

My starter and mains were nicely matched with merlot cabernet sauvignon. Teetotal Alison kept refreshed with coke. Both of us were mindful of being in detox January, so it was disappointing to discover that the kitchen had run out of spinach. We were somewhat appeased, however, with very tasty roasted vegetables as a side dish. 

Marco Pierre White is known for classic, rich English puddings. Egging each other on, we decided to order three to share! Crème brulee, bread and butter pudding and sticky toffee pudding helped us to end our indulgent lunch magnificently!  Afterwards we were given a tour of the suitably A-list style Laurent Perrier Champagne Lounge, also on the 25th floor of The Cube.

Alison’s verdict

“It’s a fabulous location with great views and food. The company wasn’t too shabby either!  I love really sweet puddings so the bread and butter pudding, sticky toffee pudding and the accompanying sauces went down a treat. The crème brulee was sadly one pudding too many – even for both of us!”

Have you been to The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill? Let us know your verdict here

Dine for less in 2012 at Birmingham’s top restaurants

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

The Gastro Card is a dining discount card that allows restaurant visitors access to special discounts at  over 100 top-flight venues across Birmingham and the whole of the UK.

Dine Birmingham can now make the discount card available to our readers at a half-price rate. We caught up with Geoff Abbott, the founder of the Gastro Card, to bring you the details.

How does the Gastro Card work?

Gastro Card members save money when they visit a range of over 100 Birmingham restaurants including Edmunds, Opus and Lasan (see the full list here), and also many more across the country.

These are all hand-picked venues that we’ve invited to be part of the Gastro Card family because of their top quality food, drinks and service. The discounts offered are exclusive to Gastro Card holders, and typically range from 15-25% off. You can use the card as many times as you like.

What was the inspiration behind the Gastro Card?

As a food-lover in the West Midlands, I was fed up with the myth that all the great food places are supposedly in London. I wanted to shout about Birmingham restaurants and the amazing culinary variety and expertise we have here, and so I set up the Gastro Card in 2009 to help Midlands restaurants get bums on seats.

We hear a lot now about Birmingham’s rising gourmet reputation. What are your thoughts?

Well, Birmingham has a vibrant food scene with a wide range of cuisines, but another thing that makes it special is that it’s surrounded by a large number of local suppliers. The restaurants offering deals to Gastro Card members all pride themselves on using fresh local produce in their kitchens, which, in my opinion, makes all the difference.

Dine Birmingham is proud to now offer the Gastro Card at the half-price rate of £15. This gets you an annual membership and access to exclusive deals at over 100 Birmingham restaurants, as well as many more nationwide.

To learn more and to take advantage of the reduced rate, simply visit the official Gastro Card site and enter the coupon code DB1.