Dine Birmingham

Jubilee Gin Fest at The Jekyll & Hyde*

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:19:02 -0400

The Jekyll & Hyde, Birmingham’s famous gin specialist, have chosen to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a Jubilee Gin Fest. The four-day festival will be devoted to the ever-so-slightly aristocratic tipple, gin. A special Gin Flight menu and a range of gin-themed prizes are planned for the Royal occasion.

When?

Wednesday 30^th May – Saturday 2^nd June 2012

Gin Flights

Bar staff at the Jekyll & Hyde pub (map) will be serving a brand-new selection of gin-based cocktails. Order a Gin Flight, and you’ll receive not one, but three glasses of the juniper-based elixir to enjoy.

The Langley Collection is one such Flight, featuring three distinct gins from England’s second biggest gin producer. ‘Gin Gurus’ will be standing by to answer any questions you might have about the gin itself.

Gin Prizes

Each Gin Flight comes with a ‘Flight Ticket,’ an entry into a raffle for an array of gin-related prizes, from a set of goblets to a master class at The Jekyll & Hyde itself.

*Just try saying that after a glass or three!

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at over a hundred restaurants and bars across Birmingham and the UK, with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

MY DINE BIRMINGHAM | Tara Tomes from NEC Group

Sun, 13 May 2012 12:37:00 -0400

We persuaded local gastrophile Tara Tomes, Consumer Media Relations Manager at the NEC Group, to share her top tips on the best restaurants in Birmingham.

Birmingham is an absolutely fantastic city to host people, be they friends, family or colleagues. The city has everything you need to satisfy your tastebuds, and that’s one of the things that makes it unique. You only have to read some of the recent headlines we’ve been getting (we all know about the New York Times one by now) to see that Birmingham is really making a name for itself when it comes to food. Everyone knows about our high profile and Michelin-starred restaurants but here are a few alternatives that I like to frequent.

PR is all about ‘who you know’ so getting out there and meeting people is important. Naturally, most of my working days involve meetings, which are a great excuse to get out of the office…

Breakfast

Nothing quite beats a breakfast meeting and there are so many places to choose from. If it’s a sunny morning, The Mailbox can be a beautiful location to take someone and Cote Brasserie does amazing eggs benedict. If I’m in a less formal breakfast I’ll head to either Cafe Blend or Urban Coffee Company – they’re both independently run and they definitely outshine some of their competitors when it comes to social media so it’s nice to feel part of their Twitter family. If, and it’s very unlikely, I’m allowed a lie-in and opt for a brunch meeting instead, then without a doubt I’m all about Harvey Nichols – fab food and gorgeous surroundings.

Lunch

After a busy morning of ‘PRing’ the NEC Group, I love finding an excuse to get out and about for a lunch meeting and this is where Brindleyplace comes in. Depending on who I’m meeting and what kind of mood I’m in, I might opt for Bank and have a cheeky cocktail to accompany my salad (cobb or goats cheese every time). Another favourite hangout is the Ikon Gallery – maybe not somewhere people would think of but they do brilliant tapas. I recently discovered a great restaurant called Blue Orchid in Edgbaston too, and their lunchtime menu is really reasonable.

Dinner

By the time the working day is done, I’m usually heading out to an event of some description but on the rare occasions that I have a free evening, and I don’t fancy cooking, there are loads of places that I’d make the effort to visit. Marco Pierre White’s new restaurant in The Cube is fantastic – not only is the steak delicious but the views from up there are truly stunning.

In complete contrast, one of my favourite restaurants in the city centre is Bodega, a very cool South American cantina kind of place. The burritos are absolutely amazing and anyone who’s anyone has tried their sweet potato fries. Even better, their cocktails are delish! The owners of Bodega also run a couple of cool bars in the city – Island Bar, The Victoria and The Jekyll & Hyde – so it’s worth checking those out too.

The weekend

My working week pretty much resides in the city centre so at the weekends I like to venture out and enjoy a bit of fresh air. Some of my favourite weekend hangouts are The Plough in Harborne, Barnt Green Inn and Lyttelton Arms.

There’s just so much to choose from in the city – you’re spoilt for choice!

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at over a hundred restaurants across Birmingham and the UK, with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Do you agree with Tara’s choices? Tell us about your favourite spots here

Aalto Restaurant | Hotel La Tour | Central Birmingham

Sun, 06 May 2012 14:34:52 -0400

The talk of Birmingham should be all about Hotel La Tour. This new £24 million development comprises a four star hotel and a first class restaurant thanks to a menu inspired by Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing, and a superstar service.

[by Sanjeeta Bains]

atmosphere

Located in a part of town waiting patiently for its own moment of regeneration glory, the hotel reception is unremarkable. But prepare to be disarmed as soon as you climb the sweeping staircase that leads to the bar and restaurant. Once seated, the incongruity of the concrete jungle views serves to hype up the feeling that you are worlds away from the hoi polloi.

food

The meaty and flavoursome Harrogate loaf, terrine of veal, bacon, parsley & caper salad proved the perfect starter, whetting my appetite for what was in store for the mains. Cornish sea bass, creamed leek and mussels did not disappoint and the accompanying little jug of grain mustard allowed me to decide if I wanted my fish to be swimming in sauce.

The cock-a-leekie pie, chicken, leek, parsley could have done with a sauce accompaniment, as although it was as hearty as any good pie should be, I found it to be a little dry for my taste. Those with a sweet tooth will be thrilled by the Proof is in The Pudding menu, fully showcasing the Wareing inspiration. Old-school Jaffa Cake has never been so hip! I was in heaven with every mouthful of Jaffa Cake pudding, hot chocolate, and contreau cream. Savoury fans will be knocked out by the British Cheese Collection, walnut crisps, pickle. All five cheeses were excellent, a nod to Wareing’s commitment to quality sourced foods.

drinks

The old-fashioned yet creative ethos extends to the cocktail menu. The super-drinkable 1889, named after the year Birmingham was granted city status, is made with lime, apple, elderflower, fresh ginger, charged with CO2 and a touch of egg yolk to make a frothy and intoxicating mix. For a hard gin based cocktail this tasted surprisingly light and the fresh ginger made me believe it was really healthy too!

Perusing the wine menu required scrolling through a fancy iPad but I preferred the simplicity of chatting to our highly knowledgeable waiter. As a red wine lover with an eye on the fish mains, I was recommended the chilled Chilcas Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Maule 2009 whichproved a very nice match. The Frappato/Nerrello Mascalese 2010 from Sicily was delicious with the cheese board.

overall

Our waiter didn’t know we were here to review Aalto so it was thoroughly heartening to see the attention to detail in the attention given to us. But as much as amazing service can elevate any dining experience, Aalto acknowledges the proof is indeed in the pudding.

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at over a hundred restaurants across Birmingham and the UK, with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited Aalto Restaurant in Birmingham before? Tell us what you thought here

New Start for the New Inn: Harborne pub transformed

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:51:57 -0400

Birmingham’s leafy suburb of Harborne is the spot chosen for the latest dining and drinks venue from Bitters ‘n Twisted group. The people behind the popular Island Bar, Bodega and Jekyll and Hyde have teamed up with Marston’s to turn a longstanding traditional pub into a new bar and grill outside the city centre.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

The New Inn, located just off Harborne’s high street, has undergone a month of refurbishment, gaining a fresh new interior while retaining its original structure and architecture. Visitors to the Inn, due to open on Friday 27^th April, can look forward to a steakhouse experience, enhanced by the presence of a unique charcoal grill on the premises.

While the real ales and wines you would expect from a local pub will still be available, the addition of an extensive cocktail list marks the desire to craft a more sophisticated and contemporary meeting-place.

Matt Scrivens, director of Bitters ‘n Twisted, said the new development “presented the ideal opportunity to create a real urban oasis, but also to bring something new to the residents of Harborne.”

This is not the first time that Bitters ‘n Twisted have undertaken to click refresh on an old local venue. Last year, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter welcomed the new-look Rose Villa Tavern, also housed within a traditional pub building.

The New Inn brings this ethos of modern dining in an antique setting to another corner of Birmingham.

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at over a hundred restaurants and bar across Birmingham and the UK, with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Blue Ginger | Malaysian & Singaporean | King’s Heath

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:20:00 -0400

Having gained some notoriety when it was featured as a hidden gem in Olive Magazine a few years ago, Blue Ginger in King’s Heath, Birmingham specialises in providing authentic Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine.

[by Laura Creaven | image courtesy of The Single Gourmet and Traveller]

atmosphere

Although it was mid-week when restaurants are traditionally quiet, Blue Ginger was nicely busy, with most of the tables filling up over the course of the evening. Located just off the high street, this small restaurant is run by Singaporean owner Siew Kuan, with low-key but effective decoration that lets the food speak for itself.

food

Starters range around £5 in price, perhaps the most intriguing of which is the carrot cake, which is a savoury mix of rice flour, carrot and spices that could easily be eaten for breakfast. Those that can’t bear to choose might opt for the platter for two (£9.95), which includes samples of three starters: chicken satay, fish otaks and a five-spice roll.

The chicken satay has a lovely spiced flavour wonderfully accompanied by a peanut sauce. The fish otaks are described as a fish mousse and have an almost eggy consistency to them, while the five-spice roll of minced pork and prawns has almost a fruity flavour.

Mains are reasonably priced, ranging from £7 - 10, although most benefit from an additional side dish. There are several mains on the specials board and the main menu has a good choice for vegetarians. The roast duck, rambutan and jackfruit curry was a delicious and unusual dish. Its red Thai-style curry was deliciously medium-spiced and although there could have been more of the roast duck, the sweet fruitiness of the rambutan and jackfruit complemented the sauce superbly and was finished off with sticky Jasmine rice. Another special, the prawn sambal, is a popular Malay dish with fresh, spicy notes, although more prawns would have been welcomed.

Desserts change regularly, with at least one included on the specials board. A pancake-style dessert and brownie seem to be regulars, the latter being delightfully chewy but the raspberry sauce being a little too overpowering at times.

drinks

Unlike some venues in the area, Blue Ginger is licensed, meaning there’s no need to bring your own. There’s a decent selection of wines as well as a good range of soft drinks. The spirits selection is limited and simply listed by the type of alcohol rather than the brand. It seems the drinks aren’t meant to be the star of the show, although Blue Ginger does offer a legendary singapore sling.

For a shared starter, two mains with one side dish of rice, one dessert, a glass of wine and two soft drinks the price of the meal came to around £40.

It’s easy to see why Blue Ginger has received rave reviews. The food is delicious and a little more unusual that the regular fare on offer in most restaurants. The venue’s atmosphere lends itself well to most occasions, from a date through to a celebration with friends or simply an excuse to eat out. The food, whilst not over-indulgent, is good value for money. Definitely worth checking out.

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at over a hundredrestaurants across Birmingham and the UK, with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited Blue Ginger in Birmingham before? Tell us what you thought here

Metro Bar & Grill | Colmore Business District

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:36:00 -0400

Metro Bar & Grill is an independent restaurant and drinks venue situated in the heart of Birmingham’s commercial and business quarter, Colmore Business District. Established in 1997, it is an excellent venue for business as well as leisure meals, with a branch open in Solihull as well.

[by Tahreen Kutub]

atmosphere

Metro Bar & Grill has a really classy, modern and stylish interior. The venue has a lively and relaxed atmosphere within comfortable surroundings, made all the better with the delightful service we received.

food

The menu consists of a mouth-watering mix of grills, steaks and seafood dishes with vegetarian options. There are light lunch choices on the cards, as well as richer and more indulgent dishes. I opted for two starters as a main: the salt and pepper squid with citrus mayonnaise and the baked goats cheese parcel served with sweet red pepper marmalade. The squid was deliciously crispy and the goats cheese parcel simply melted in my mouth, complemented perfectly by the marmalade.

For the sweet tooth, the pudding range on the menu includes classic culinary delights such as poached pear with vanilla pannacotta and sticky toffee pudding with crème anglais.

drink

Metro Bar & Grill boasts a superb wine and champagne list in addition to a great selection of ales, lagers, spirits and soft drinks. The wines are from around the world and include the English wine Welcombe Hills Hollow Meadow, from Warwickshire.

All in all, I have to say that we had a very enjoyable evening indeed; Metro Bar & Grill is a fantastic venue to eat and drink in the city. To summarise in three words: stylish, relaxed, delicious.

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at over a hundredrestaurants across Birmingham and the UK, with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited Metro Bar & Grill in Birmingham before? Tell us what you thought here

STEP BEHIND THE BAR AT ONE OF BIRMINGHAM’S INDEPENDENT...

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:58:00 -0400

STEP BEHIND THE BAR AT ONE OF BIRMINGHAM’S INDEPENDENT CAFES

Six Eight Kafe, Birmingham recently celebrated its 1st birthday; champagne, canapes and - naturally - coffee, marked twelve months since the establishment of one of the city’s original independent cafes.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

A few months after its opening, we went to meet Devinder Dhallu, the proprietor of Six Eight Kafe, to learn what makes the cafe special. He wanted to create a creative atmosphere where music and the arts could flourish, alongside the enjoyment of superior quality coffee.

Fast forward to the present, and Six Eight seems to be fulfilling its original vision. Despite its unobtrusive location in Temple Row, it regularly attracts local photographers and musicians to share their art, to say nothing of the patrons who come to get their fix of the sacred bean.

This video, created by Craig Bush of BigBadWolfMedia.com (also a barista at Six Eight Kafe) invites you to step behind the bar and create one of the coffee shop’s most popular orders.

Have you been to Six Eight Kafé? Let us know your thoughts here

Local chef to compete in prestigious gourmet cook-off

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:45:00 -0400

Ed Atwell (pictured), Sous Chef at Birmingham’s gourmet Loves Restaurant, is set to compete in a prestigious national cooking competition, going up against chefs from around the country for the chance to win a career-changing Michelin-starred experience, along with other coveted prizes.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

The Roux Scholarship was founded almost two decades ago by famed chefs Albert and Michel Roux as a rigorous test of culinary skill and excellence. Six chefs from around the country will compete for the opportunity to cook and train for a 3 month stage in any 3 Michelin-starred restaurant in the world.

Ed Atwell enjoyed success in the regional finals, which whittled eighteen contestants down to six finalists. He is no stranger to competitive cooking, having previously competed for the titles of Junior Chef of the Year and the British Culinary Federation Chef of the Year.

But if nerves get the better of him in the run-up to the 2^ndof April, Ed can turn to Steve Love, his Head Chef at Loves Restaurant. Steve was the winner of the Roux Scholarship in 1997. Speaking about the competition, he said: ‘For me, this was the biggest competition in the country and the most prestigious. To win opened so many doors and I have never looked back.’

The Roux Scholarship finals will take place at the sumptuous Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London’s Hyde Park on 2nd April 2012. Dine Birmingham wishes Ed the very best of luck.

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at Loves Restaurant, as well as over a hundredrestaurants across Birmingham and the UK, with a Gastro Card. Find out more here.

The Chameleon Restaurant & Bar | Central Birmingham

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:59:00 -0400

The Chameleon is renowned in Birmingham for its quality cocktails and is the ideal evening location for a spot of sophisticated fun on the dance floor. But discerning diners run the risk of overlooking the restaurant, which would be a great shame.

[by Sanjeeta Bains]

atmosphere

With its glamorous lighting and upbeat music, the sophisticated décor at The Chameleon creates a seductive ambience at dinner that insists you luxuriate and indulge.

food

Former Hotel Du Vin chef Dave Gill has designed a menu for all tastes. You can order everything from pizza to kobe fillet steak – a rarity for Birmingham restaurants. I opted for the kobe fillet steak tartare with quail egg yolk and white truffle oil as my starter. This dish is not for everyone but kobe beef is a delicacy and I’m glad I took my opportunity. The richly flavoursome red raw beef was tangy and zesty. In comparison, however, the polenta crusted scallops with seaweed and squid ink risotto felt lacking in flavour.

When it came to the main course, the pan seared fillet of salmon on saffron mash with a lobster and crayfish bisque sauce was pleasant, but the stunning goats cheese and caramelised red onion gnocchi with wilted baby spinach and white wine cream sauce was divine. This was simply the most delicious pasta dish I’ve enjoyed in a quite a while. I thought I had no room left for dessert, but polished off every crumb of the hot treacle tart with crème anglaise, ending dinner in decadent style.

drinks

A classic cosmopolitan was the perfect pre-dinner drink and made to the Chameleon standard being neither too sour or sweet. A generous range of mocktails is also available. A bottle of South African drostdy hof chenin blanc nicely offset our rich meal. The wine list boasts a good selection of both Old World classics and the finest of the New World to give the impressive cocktails a run for their money.

As befits a place as proudly glamorous as The Chameleon Restaurant & Bar, there are some fabulous star turns on the restaurant menu. Overall, expect an A-list dining experience.

You can enjoy exclusive discounts at The Chameleon, as well as over a hundredrestaurants across Birmingham and the UK, with a Gastro Card. Click here to find out more.

Have you visited The Chameleon Bar & Restaurant in Birmingham before? Tell us what you thought here

Chamberlains Quality Fish & Chips Restaurant | Oldbury

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 10:31:51 -0400

Chamberlains Quality Fish and Chips is located on the outskirts of Birmingham, doing justice to its ambitious name by scooping a top prize at this year’s National Fish & Chip Awards. We think the cosy family atmosphere, and the wealth of choice beyond classic haddock and chips, makes Chamberlains the perfect choice for a Mother’s Day meal.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

atmosphere

The interior of the restaurant manages to be warm, casual and classy in equal measures. Large mirrors and deep red walls boost the chic factor, while the comfy seats and well-spaced tables make the venue ideal for family groups and friendly dinners. Imagine something between a country pub and a smart city centre restaurant, and you’ll have an idea.

food

Chamberlains’ efforts to branch out from the core offering of fish and chips is apparent right from the starters menu. Mackerel and cod scotch egg and garlic mushrooms and stilton both come highly recommended. The richness of the flavours was as much of a pleasant surprise as finding these interesting options on the menu. Other diverse starters include sweet chilli chicken and prawn salad.

The mains menu prevents a challenging array of choices. Allow plenty of time to decide whether to opt for a traditional fish and chips choice, or to experiment with one of the more exotic dishes. Cod and king prawn curry gives a nod to Birmingham’s strong tradition of Asian cuisine, while nut squash risotto and Chamberlains winter chicken dispense with fish altogether.

In the end, we compromised with a generous portion of haddock and chips, and the smoked hake and breaded poached egg, which is accompanied with a delicious chive mash and honey and mustard glaze. If you have any room left for dessert, expect to select from old faithfuls like bread and butter pudding, chocolate fudge cake and banoffee pie. And for the extra-fussy kids, there’s vanilla ice cream with a range of sweet sauces.

deals

The restaurant’s family-friendly claims are bolstered by a whole range of deals and offers. On ‘Tenner Tuesdays’ two main courses go for £10, while throughout the week, the classic Chamberlains haddock and cod meals come in at £9.95 each. There’s even a special deal for senior citizens on Thursdays, with a full meal adding up to just shy of £7.00.

All in all, Chamberlains Quality Fish and Chips carries out a balancing act, offering the good value and hearty family atmosphere of a traditional fish and chips establishment, while serving up a more adventurous menu in a slightly smarter environment. Mother will be pleased.

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

Have you visited Chamberlains before? Tell us what you thought here

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

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 08:56:00 -0500

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

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:33:23 -0500

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

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:52:24 -0500

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

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:56:00 -0500

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

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:47:00 -0500

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

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:23:00 -0500

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

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:03:11 -0500

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

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:09:00 -0500

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

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:53:00 -0500

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

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:08:00 -0500

[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.