Dine Birmingham | Restaurant & Bar Reviews | Guide

Restaurant VMF | Fine Dining | Aston (Villa Park)

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:03:00 +0100

Restaurant VMF (Villa Midlands Food) is a fine dining restaurant offering locally-sourced food, and based in the Directors’ Suite at Villa Park Football Stadium.

[by Charlene Price]

My husband and I travelled by car to the restaurant and at first had trouble working out where we ought to park. Fortunately, the staff were very helpful and soon pointed us in the right direction. I thought this could have been made clearer on the website or signed better on approaching the stadium.

atmosphere

Despite the location being slightly out-of-the way, the Directors’ Suite at Villa Park is rather fancy, with exceptional service to match – perhaps not what you’d expect from a football ground! Although the service is very formal, the atmosphere manages to remain friendly and unpretentious. It would be nice to see a few more people dining there on a Sunday lunchtime, as it was pretty quiet during our visit.

food

The menu is not extensive, but there is a good selection of dishes, all beautifully presented.

My starter was a little underwhelming compared with my other courses: I had the poached pear, goat’s cheese and gingerbread, with port and honey dressing. I felt that perhaps the poached pear could have been a little sweeter and sharper to contrast more with the goats cheese. The The three cheeses themselves were mild and pleasant, and the different textures were interesting. My dining companions had the confit duck leg which they both found delicious.

I very much enjoyed my main course which was a whole chicken breast with confit chicken legs, potato rosti and broccoli (picture above). The chicken was beautifully cooked and seasoned, and the sauce it was served with brought the whole thing together very nicely. The mains also came with a side of roast potatoes and vegetables.

Things continued to get even better with the dessert. My lemon and elderflower tart with strawberry sorbet was one of the best desserts I have ever had. The tart was the right balance of sweet and sharp and the hints of elderflower added an extra dimension to the taste, and the base was baked to crumbly perfection. The strawberry sorbet had a wonderfully intense flavour and the meringue added small bursts of crunchy texture.

drinks

The wine selection isn’t huge with about four whites and four reds on the menu, but I can vouch for the house white being very pleasant. There are also a selection of ports and a couple of cocktails on the menu, although, as you’d expect, these aren’t particularly cheap, starting around £7.

pricing

This restaurant is very reasonably priced; three courses at lunchtime go for £22.95, with three courses in the evening costing £24.95. These are great prices considering the high quality of food and service at Restaurant VMF.

***Price update: for the month of May, three courses are priced at£19.95***

overall

This restaurant seems to be a bit of a hidden gem. It is well worth the trek to the outskirts of Birmingham to experience such fine dining at such reasonable prices. You don’t even have to have an interest in football!

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What’s this all about?

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:20:00 +0100

What’s this all about?

Shanghai Blues | Chinese | Chinatown, Southside

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:00:00 +0100

When I went to dine at Shanghai Blues I realised that this was the same restaurant that had put a flyer through my door two weeks earlier. I had initially been impressed by the menu so was excited to find out whether this Chinese restaurant in Birmingham would live up to my expectations.

[by Daniella Genas, CEO of Birmingham hospitality and social enterprise, Aspire4U]

When I arrived at the Arcadian complex in Chinatown I was a little confused as to where the restaurant was. I took my chances and went up the stairs to the only part of the Arcadian that was out of sight and happened across Shanghai Blues in an obscure corner over a little bridge.

atmosphere

I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the restaurant. Due to its odd location I was anticipating a poorly lit, canteen-style eatery. I was very wrong. The first thing I noticed was how light it was. The ceiling was quite striking, reminiscent of a blue far away galaxy with hundreds of little stars. I also noticed the television screens and modern bar located in the space. I could immediately envision the restaurant being used as a space for private functions as well as corporate hospitality.

food

After a quick flick through the menu I was really impressed by the variety. There are plenty of meat, fish and vegetable dishes to choose from, including many featuring my favourite meat: lamb. As I am not too keen on beef, pork or seafood, eating at Chinese restaurants can sometimes be a challenge. However, with such an extensive menu, I was literally spoilt for choice.

For our starters, my friend and I fancied trying something different. Neither of us had heard of crispy Malaysian lamb with pancakes (typically duck is used) or lamb spring rolls (normally chicken or vegetable).

The starters came out in record time which was perfect considering we were both pretty hungry.

The crispy lamb was delicious. It was served with the standard sliced spring onions, cucumber and plum sauce. While the lamb was crispy it wasn’t too chewy and I actually preferred it to the duck version of the dish. It wasn’t amazingly flavoured but it didn’t need to be as the plum sauce was so moreish. Even as I felt myself getting full I couldn’t stop myself from swirling bits of lamb in the sauce.

The spring rolls were equally good (although piping hot) and the minced lamb was well seasoned. I dislike it when spring rolls are too crispy and the flakes go everywhere. These spring rolls were a little softer and made a lot less mess.

Once we had finished, the manager kindly asked us if we wanted a break between our starter and main course. Being the greedy people we are, we declined and our mains were brought out a few moments later. I ordered Thai style lamb (yes I am a lamb addict – I’m working on it), with chicken noodles and a side of broccoli and mushrooms.

My friend ordered Thai style chicken with fried rice. The Thai style sauce was mouth-wateringly good without being overpowering. It was similar to sweet and sour but spicier than sour and not so sweet. The lamb was a little chewy which is just how I like it while the chicken was also perfectly cooked. There were lots of chillies but it it could have been a little hotter for me. However, as Sacha is scared of pepper it was perfect for her.

Both the dishes included quite a bit of coriander (my favourite herb) which complemented the spiciness. The dishes also included a mixture of bamboo shoots, green beans and colourful sweet peppers all deliciously crunchy.

My noodles had much larger pieces of chicken than I had expected and could have been a dish on their own. It tasted quite smoky which I really liked and the noodles were soft (I am not a fan of crunchy noodles). The egg fried rice was fairly standard but still enjoyable.

The broccoli and mushrooms in garlic sauce was simply the best version of this dish I have ever tasted. The broccoli was cooked to perfection, a little crunchy and bursting with flavour. The mushrooms were not too slimey which I often don’t like about shitake mushrooms. There was just enough salt and not too much garlic which is always good.

We had to take six containers home with us. The following day, my friend, my fiancé and I ate some leftovers for lunch. My fiancé then had the remaining leftovers for his dinner!

As delicious as the food was we simply could not eat much of it as the portions were so big. This is not something I would normally complain about but we literally didn’t eat over half of what was presented before us because we were so full.

drink

After a great first impression however I was a little let down to be told that the only wine which was sold was by the glass was the house white. For such a modern and vibrant restaurant I would have also expected cocktails, especially given its name. I think they should create a signature “Shanghai Blue” cocktail that includes vodka and blue Curacao. Just a thought!

pricing

In addition to the general a la carte menu they also had a number of set menus averaging around £20 per person. The pricing on the dishes was all very reasonable and two people could get a good selection for £35 - £45. Ours cost around £56 but that’s because we are greedy!

overall

I was very impressed with Shanghai Blues. The ambience, the staff and the food were all top notch. I think they need to sell more wines by the glass and consider adding cocktails to the drink menu. There should be more signage in the Arcadian to make it more accessible but in general I would most definitely recommend it.

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Adam Stokes: The new Michelin Star Chef in Birmingham [interview]

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:11:00 +0100

Birmingham’s holy trinity of Michelin-starred chefs – Richard Turner, Glynn Purnell and Andreas Antona – are joined by a fourth on Friday 12^th April. That’s when Adam Stokes, a Lincolnshire chef who earned his Michelin Star at Glenapp Castle in Scotland, finally opens doors at the much-anticipated adam’s restaurant.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

When I joined Adam at the site on Bennett’s Hill a fortnight before opening, it was still very much a work-in-progress. The first thing I noticed about the man himself was his extraordinary height. The second was the obvious passion this new venture excites in him.

As he guided me through the compact premises, dodging workmen and stepping carefully over metal poles, he explained in detail where everything was to go – here the wine cabinet, there the pass, overhead the soft mood lights – and I could almost see it too.

After the tour, we sat down for a coffee, and I took the opportunity to ask a few questions.

We first heard about the new restaurant coming to the city last year – has it been a long and difficult process to get to opening, or a painless one?

I have been wanting to set up my own restaurant for years, and with my wife Natasha we are lucky enough to be able to realise that dream. Coming to Birmingham we wanted to create a small pop-up with a view to moving to a larger premises within a couple of years. Our search for the perfect location has taken us down the route of converting a sandwich shop into a dining venue. There have been plenty of obstacles and it has taken a lot of work to change the internal workings but we just loved the location.

What was the thinking behind setting up shop in Birmingham?

I am from the Midlands and I was ready to come back. I grew up in Lincolnshire and Natasha is from Leicester, we’ve worked in Leicestershire, Derby, Nottingham and now we feel it’s a natural progression to come here.

I think Birmingham is a terrific city, the people are very savvy, it’s very vibrant, and all the quality restaurants here prove that fine dining works. Aside from the three Michelin star restaurants in Birmingham, there are many fantastic places on the cusp of Michelin stars. I see a very keen push towards being the best.

Awards like the Michelin Star and the AA Rosettes – how important are they to you, as a chef?

It’s great to get recognition, but to be honest, we just do what we do. I have my own cooking identity, while getting inspiration from other chefs, from eating out and from travelling. Recently I was in Vietnam and I found it phenomenal – Asian meets French style. All these fresh South East Asian ingredients in French cooking make a beautiful combination.

And I’m into healthy cuisine – gone are the days of heavy red wine sauces and creamy dishes, in my opinion.

How would you describe the menu at the new adam’s Restaurant in Birmingham?

Modern British food. What I like to do is to take familiar marriages – not wacky pairings of ingredients – but put them together in an unfamiliar, interesting way. So one example would be the pig’s trotter, smoked eel and bacon jam. We cook the trotters for ages until they’re gelatinous just like the eel, then we cut it up in such a way that you can’t tell which part is the pig and which is the eel.

So there’s definitely a bit of a wow factor – you like to surprise your diners?

Absolutely. We use scientific techniques too, to change the texture and presentation of things but ultimately to improve the dish. For example, the white onion puree. White onions have a high water content which means they don’t puree well. So we take lots of onions, mix them with a milky stock and thicken them with a special agent called Gellan gum, then after a cooking process you get a silky smooth gel – which gives a better mouth feel with more onion flavour.

And where do you get your ingredients from? Local sources?

The first issue is quality. But then yes, as far as possible, local. Our pork comes from a small farm down the road, but the scallops have to be from a specific supplier I trust in Scotland. I’m looking forward to getting to know more local suppliers.

Small independent producers, or larger ones – do you have any preference?

We try to stay away from the larger companies – smaller suppliers are generally more passionate and more bespoke. But quality always dictates – if something’s not right we always send it back.

I just found a game supplier in Studley – he’s just a small-scale butcher but really keen and enthusiastic. I was driving back from a meeting and stopped when I saw two pheasants hanging by a shop. I went in to ask if he had any woodcocks, which he did. For me – these are the king of game. And they were stunning.

So, imagine you have the night off, where would you take Natasha [his wife and partner at adam’s] for a meal in Birmingham?

Well, I like different things at different times. Last night we went to Lasan Eatery. Last Friday, we ate at a pop-up in Leverton and Halls deli. Over the past year, we’ve eaten at Simpsons and Purnells, and loved both. And we’re looking forward to trying more.

We’re very keen on creating a casual dining experience at adam’s. For example we’ve painted the high ceiling to create the illusion of a more intimate space. We want people to feel special but relaxed.

And what do you like to do when you’re not cooking or dining?

This one’s easy – sleep! And spend time with the wife and family.

adam’s Restaurant opens to the public on Friday 12 April and will serve two tasting menus of varying length. A shorter three course menu will also be available at lunchtime. The ‘Tasting 5’ and ‘Tasting 9’ menus are priced at £45 and £75 respectively, and are complemented by a focused wine list.

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Blue Piano | Singaporean | Edgbaston

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:12:00 +0000

It’s always intriguing to try a restaurant whose name doesn’t give you any indication as to what will be on offer. The Blue Piano, in Edgbaston, is a South East Asian restaurant situated on the busy Harborne Road. The owners are from Singapore, and wanted to bring the diverse Oriental cuisine of this island – taking in Thai, Cambodian and Malaysian influences – to Birmingham. When I got the invite to dine at the restaurant I quickly had a look at their website to see what would be on offer. Having never eaten this type of cuisine before, I wanted to be prepared.

[by Lisa]

atmosphere

Situated in an old Victorian house, there are several rooms that make up this colonial-inspired restaurant. There is a bar that you can relax in either before you dine, or just for drinks. Opposite this there is a more relaxed lounge area with leather sofas and a large fire. These lead you through to the restaurant which has wicker chairs and chandeliers. We visited mid-week and there were only a few other diners, so it was difficult to get the full feel of what the atmosphere would be like when busy. But I suspect it would be something near the luxurious hustle and bustle of a Singaporean hotel such as Raffles. I loved the relaxed music that was playing, which certainly added to the colonial atmosphere they are trying to emulate.

food

I was really looking forward to the food, although still not sure what to quite expect. For starters, I was instantly drawn to the Singapore carrot cake, so along with this we also chose the clementi sharing platter. The carrot cake, which is one of the signature dishes, is made of savoury rice cakes combining carrots, mooli and spices. I must say I really enjoyed it. The texture of the savoury rice cakes and carrots was more like rubbery fish to me and my companion commented that they looked like potato wedges. All of the flavours combined well together. I could have easily had a larger portion as a main course. The Clementi sharing platter overall got the thumbs up, consisting of two chicken satay skewers, two cheeky prawns, and a five spice roll (pork wrapped in tofu skin). We both enjoyed the prawns and the roll, but my companion found the chicken skewers a little bit dry.

For the main course, I chose roast duck, rambutan and jackfruit red curry with stir-fried noodles. I do tend to prefer sweeter dishes rather than spicy, so this was a perfect choice for me. I thought the grouping of flavours worked well, especially the exotic fruits, and I feel the accompaniment of egg noodles rather than rice added to the intensity of flavour.

My companion chose prawn tamarind curry with nasi lemak rice. It was served on a large leaf and there was a lot on the plate. He remarked on the interesting contrast of textures: soft rice cooked in coconut milk and aromatic herbs, alongside crunchy roasted peanuts. The tamarind-flavoured prawns and anchovies. We thought that this was all the dish needed, and the prawn crackers, hardboiled egg and cucumber slices were unnecessary extras. However, this could be my English palate speaking.

We were convinced to have dessert. For me it had to be, fresh out of the oven, orange drizzle cake with orange curd. This was a really light flavoursome cake and the orange curd was a really lovely complement. My companion had the Japanese Moochi ice-cream choosing two flavours of green tea and sesame. We both looked at these inquisitively when they came out; they didn’t look like ‘normal’ ice cream and nor did they taste like it! The texture could only be described as slightly rubbery. They are made of rice skin, which gives them this unique gelatinous feel. We had mixed feelings on this; if you are expecting a refreshing dairy ice cream then it’s not the dessert for you.

drinks

There is a good selection of wines, draught beers, spirits and cocktails available. My companion enjoyed a couple of glasses of the house white wine, which he found fruity and exotic, in keeping with the menu.

pricing

Singapore Carrot Cake = £4.95

Clementi sharing platter = £10.95

Prawn Tamarind Curry with Nasi Lemak = £16.95

Roast Duck, Rambutan and Jackfruit Red Curry = £10.95

Stir-fried Noodles and Beansprouts = £3.95

overall

For my first foray into South East Asian food, I was impressed with Blue Piano. I loved the unusual flavour combinations and am keen to try more. It certainly has more pizzazz than other Oriental food in Birmingham, such as Chinese. It is a shame that the night we visited was quiet as I think this style of restaurant needs a vibrant atmosphere to show off. I liked the individual spaces for relaxing and private parties, as well as the outside garden.

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The Manic Organic Cafe | Vegetarian | Kings Heath

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:33:00 +0000

The Manic Organic Cafe is nestled in the suburban side streets of Kings Heath, Birmingham, echoing a feel of London’s Notting Hill or Clapham, and only a minute from the main High Street. If you’re looking for vegetarian restaurants in Birmingham, Manic Organic Cafe is a calm retreat with a 100% vegetarian, organic offering.

[by Anna Rose]

atmosphere

Although it’s quite a small venue, my first impression was how busy it was – its popularity is such that people were being turned away or asked to wait for a table. Praise indeed and a fabulous endorsement! The atmosphere itself was lively; buzzing yet relaxed and in addition, it seemed child-friendly with books available to keep little ones amused.

The décor is bohemian-inspired with a lot of arts and crafts on display, and some pieces available to buy. There is a small garden at the rear of the café which people use as a waiting area (weather permitting).

food

The menu is a veggie’s dream as everything on offer is suitable for vegetarians, which certainly isn’t the case at all restaurants. Plus, the menu states that the food is fresh, organic and sourced locally where possible (typically from farms within a 25 mile radius). The table condiments were mostly organic as well.

Menu choices include: nibbles (such as olive pots), soups, grilled sandwiches (including avocado, brie & cranberry, feta & olive) burgers, omelettes (using local eggs), large salads and internationally-inspired dishes like samosas, falafel and halloumi.

I opted for the homemade veggie burger, which was made up of grains, herbs, garlic and seasoning. It was served on a ciabatta bun with a portion of Kettle crisps, a pot of homemade tomato chutney and could come with either salad or coleslaw. When ordering, I was offered the choice to have half-salad, half-coleslaw which was a welcome suggestion as it meant I could sample everything. The burger also came with some add-on toppings such as somerset brie or farmhouse cheese. I chose the cheese and mushroom option. The burger and its accompaniments arrived beautifully presented and tasted extremely fresh and delicious. The portion size was generous and very filling.

My husband, who was my dining partner, opted for the omelette which came with fried potatoes and salad. Omelette topping choices included herb de provence, cheese and tomato and olive oil and mushrooms, but he chose the cheese and mushroom option. Even though he is usually of a carnivorous nature, he was extremely impressed and didn’t miss the meat element in his meal. He commented on how the omelette tasted fresh and very light.

drink

There was a large choice of organic beverages ranging from coffees, speciality teas to bottled soft drinks and milkshakes. Cold drinks come in the form of a can, bottle or carton and this was emphasised by the waitress who went through the options with me. We both chose an organic sparkling drink, elderflower and ginger respectively, which were both very refreshing.

pricing

Homemade Veggie Burger (with chips) = £7.45

Cheese and Mushroom Omelette = £6.95

Elderflower/Ginger sparkling = £1.60 each

things to note

Opening times vary daily, so it is worth checking their opening hours ahead of arriving to avoid disappointment. On-street parking is available by the café, but during busy times, it is worth parking on one of the neighbouring side-streets to avoid traffic congestion.

overall

This is an excellent venue with a wide choice of food and drinks whether for a quick coffee or for a hearty lunch. Pricing for food is excellent value considering it is organic and made on site. Manic Organic is a definite new haunt for me and a recommendation to all those seeking somewhere new to try. It’s a place where vegetarians and meat-eaters alike can enjoy a delicious dining experience in a relaxed environment.

Images courtesy of Manic Organic

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Bodega | Mexican & South American | Centre

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:05:00 +0000

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

Bodega Bar and Cantina, on Bennett’s Hill, was the first restaurant ever reviewed on this site, nearly two years ago. Back then it had only recently opened. By now, it has become pretty well-known for its Latino-inspired street food and range of cocktails, not to mention the sweet potato fries, which some people (myself included) swear by.

But after shaking things up with a new menu, how does Bodega’s food and drink stack up now?

atmosphere

Bodega is casual, cosy and funky. When you step off the street and into the restaurant, you’re struck by the bright colours of the interior, and the infectious latin beats that play on the sound system. You can sit in the relaxed seating area by the glass front and watch the world go by, or dine at one of the tables further back. Downstairs is the Sugar Loaf Bar, which comes alive with fiestas on Friday and Saturday nights.

food

The bodega selection, a selection of six mini-dishes designed for sharing, gave us the chance to try out a few of the new options on the menu alongside old favourites like the plain nachos, crispy and covered with melting cheese and jalapeno peppers. The sweetcorn quesadillas (toasted tortilla wraps filled with sweetcorn, peppers, tomatoes and cheese), and the beef empanadas (pastry parcels stuffed with spicy beef) are two classic examples of Bodega’s hearty, Hispanic snacks. Not only are they very satisfying to the taste, they fill you up incredibly quickly.

The platter also included albondigas cubanas, or Cuban meatballs, made from beef and served in a rich sauce of red wine and tomato sauce. We found these fairly average, and didn’t finish them. The papas chorreadas, a dish of cubed potatoes mixed with cheese sauce, chillies and spring onions, divided us. I found them delicious, and so did my guest at the time, but she later told me that she had a surprise on returning a few days later and ordering the same thing: the texture and flavour were both disappointing the second time round.

Both of us agreed, however, that the cordero seco (Peruvian lamb stew) was superb. The menu describes it as ‘tender beer-braised lamb and dumplings seasoned with fresh coriander, cumin and chillies.’ I would describe it as ‘yum’. The lamb was wonderfully succulent and beautifully accompanied by the flavourful sauce.

drink

The cocktail and drinks menu boasts a whole bunch of authentic spirits and liqueurs hailing from South America, from pisco (a Peruvian grape brandy) and cachaça (a Brazilian spirit distilled from sugar cane), to various brands of tequila and rum, and a list of Mexican and Argentinian bottled beers.

Many of the cocktails were created by members of the bar staff, as the menu indicates. On this occasion, a cheeky original margarita before the meal did the trick: simultaneously refreshing, salty, sour and sweet.

pricing

Bodega selection = £20.95

Cordero seco = £10.45

Original margarita = £5.80

overall

Bodega deserves to be talked about far and wide. It brings more than just a touch of South American flavour to the city. You can see the effort that has been made to keep the ingredients authentic, and that passion that shines through in the menu and the flavours on offer. Best of all, the staff are always friendly and professional. All of this is what makes Bodega one of my favourite restaurants in Birmingham.

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Fleet Street Kitchen | Barbecue & Grill | Birmingham

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 21:03:00 +0000

This Sunday was never going to be a day of rest for our stomachs, after being invited to the brand new Fleet Street Kitchen in Birmingham. Replacing the old Bluu Bar on Summer Row, the new venue has been widely trumpeted as the latest word in casual yet upmarket dining, with a definite carnivorous bias thanks to its Spanish-style barbacoa, a large showpiece barbecue filled with lumpwood charcoal.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

atmosphere

New Birmingham steakhouse Fleet Street Kitchen is spread over two levels, each with its own distinct character. Downstairs (below) is a dark, moody lounge bar planned as a late night venue for sophisticated grown-ups. Upstairs, in the restaurant area, the vibe is a bright and bustling one. The ample lighting and white brick walls give it a chirpy daytime feel, while the mixture of tabletops here and more simple wooden furniture there tries to strike a balance between elegant and cosy.

Something about the decor and the bar reminded me of San Carlo Fumo. Gentle mood music helped to calm the busy atmosphere a little – this was the first service and so there was a bit of frenetic to-ing and fro-ing service-wise.

food

We went for the 2 meats and 2 cheeses deal for starters, picking wild boar salami and venison carpaccio for the meaty options, with cropwell bishop stilton and edgar mature to accompany them. The chorizo, which had a good kick, and the stilton, nice and strong on the palate, won the day. The venison carpaccio was pleasant but not very memorable, while the edgar mature needed help from the chutney and red onion marmalade that accompany the platter to help bring it alive.

A special mention for Fleet Street Kitchen’s seared scallops, pan-fried and served with crispy chorizo. We polished them off almost immediately, loving the way the gentle taste of the scallops complemented the peppery meat.

Then it was an 8oz rib-eye steak with rocket and parmesan salad, and lamb cutlets with hand-cut chips for the main courses. An excellent range of sauces included traditional béarnaise and peppercorn, as well as more exotic options like coffee chipotle BBQ and tonkatsu, a Japanese condiment influenced by Worcestershire sauce.

The steak was succulent and cooked well, our only gripe being that a choice of how it’s done isn’t offered as standard – expect to have a medium rare unless you specifically ask for something different. The lamb cutlets really stole the show. Despite being ever-so-slightly burnt on the outside, the rich flavour and tenderness of the insides made them a real treat.

I admit with shame that the naughty endings dessert menu was beyond our capabilities. Although the list boasted several tempting if somewhat safe options — including sticky toffee pudding and spotted dick — we finished up with tea and espresso.

drinks

The wine list is conveniently divided into sections according to flavours and not just ‘Red’, ‘White’ etc, offering hints and tips to help you choose the right tipple to complement your choice of dishes. A bottle of the full-bodied yet gentle montepulciano d’abruzzo was the Italian red that accompanied our meal.

overall

In Fleet Street Kitchen, Birmingham has gained a respectable new restaurant and bar venue. It’s not particularly cheap, but not overly pricey. The combination of easy luxury and friendliness is quite seductive. It felt like a place you could be at ease, while still feeling you were somewhere a cut above your run-of-the-mill steakhouse.

prices

2 meats and 2 cheeses = £7.95

Seared scallops with chorizo = £8.95

8oz ribeye steak = £18.95

Rocket and parmesan salad = £3.50

Lamb cutlets = £16.95

Hand-cut chips = £3.00

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo = £14.95

Mug of tea = £2.25

Espresso = £2.50

Executive Head Chef at Fleet Street Kitchen, Steve Wakeman

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The Godfather of Birmingham Dining

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:49:00 +0000

Birmingham is spoilt for fabulous dining options, but it was a certain Sicilian back in the nineties who instigated the city’s restaurant evolution. Exclusively for Dine Birmingham, Sanjeeta Bains (pictured, centre) was invited to un buonissimo pranzo with the Godfather of Birmingham’s culinary scene…

[by Sanjeeta Bains]

Chairman of the San Carlo Group, Carlo Distefano (pictured, left) recently opened Venetian tapas restaurant, cocktail bar and late lounge San Carlo Fumo – his second restaurant in Birmingham. Carlo and his sons Alessandro and Marcello – who are part of the family business – had the idea of opening a restaurant serving cicchetti (small dishes from Venice). After plaudits for the first San Carlo Cicchetti in Manchester, Carlo is doing it again at Fumo.

The former hairdresser came to Birmingham and set up his first ever restaurant, San Carlo, in 1992. Carlo tells me,

“People thought I was mad for opening here! But I was very confident that it would work out.”

That’s something of an understatement – San Carlo’s Birmingham success led to twelve more restaurants in the UK. The San Carlo Group is now a multimillion pound international empire with presence in London, Beirut and Bangkok.

Carlo, 69, still calls Birmingham home, living in Barnt Green in the south of the city he praises:

“I cannot say a bad word about this city. How can I?”

When I was a teenager, everyone had their birthday meal at San Carlo. There may be a lot more competition these days, but the Temple Street restaurant is still celebration central. And with the opening of sophisticated Fumo round the corner, Carlo has established his respectable place at the top of the Birmingham food chain. He recently welcomed old friend and famous chef Aldo Zilli (pictured, right) into the business, after he closed his own successful restaurants in London.

Over a glass of prosecco, Aldo, who is now San Carlo Group Consultant and Executive Chef, explains why he is full of respect for Carlo’s achievements:

“Chefs in general don’t really make good restaurateurs. You really care about what’s on the plate, but you can forget about everything else, so your restaurant can fail.”

“Carlo is a true restaurateur; he wants to please. He has a lot of choice for customers and understands the whole experience of feeling special when you’re eating out. People are there for good food, the enjoyment, the fun!”

Dining at San Carlo Fumo certainly feels like an exclusive experience. The ambience is distinctly ‘international jetset’ thanks to the opulent yet elegant interior. When I mention to Carlo how much I love the striking saucer shaped lightshades hanging from the ceiling, he smiles broadly.

“Thank you. I bought them from Israel and they cost me a fortune! But I wanted the restaurant to look different. I don’t like places looking the same. ”

It’s this attention to detail that has made Fumo – and Carlo – so successful. For a truly epicurean dining experience, nobody does it better than Mr. Distefano.

Our Fumo review is coming soon…

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Fiesta del Asado | Argentinian | Edgbaston

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 16:25:00 +0000

On a bitterly cold snowy night I ventured to the recently opened Fiesta del Asado. Claiming to be Birmingham’s first Argentinian restaurant, it has a fine pedigree, backed by the owner of famous Indian restaurant Lasan. As a steakhouse, Fiesta del Asado offers barbecued food cooked over wood in an open plan kitchen.

[by Gary Weir]

atmosphere

Situated next-door to the Strathallan Hotel on the Hagley Road, it is very easy to find and appears to have ample parking. On entering you are warmly greeted and shown to a bar to the right with seating. As we were the first people in that night, it was quiet to begin with but soon filled up and had a good atmosphere. Tables are nicely situated that you don’t overhear others.

The decoration is pleasant but not entirely to my liking: an exposed brick wall with metal bread oven doors dominates the room, and a couple of wooden Welsh dressers either side at to the rustic cottage feel. At the back is an open plan kitchen showing the chefs busy at work on the large Asado (barbecue).

food

As the weather was so poor, a meat feast was what we’d come for and a meat feast is what we ordered. To begin with, we ordered embutidos y quesos (below, £13.99 for 2), which included a very good selection of sliced cured meats, pickles, cheese and bread with sobrasada (a rich pork-based spread), plus olives, tomatoes and artichokes on the side. The quality of the meats was stunning, with good presentation, and the quantity was perfect for a starter.

For the main course, we chose the parrillada mixta (mixed grill - £32.89 for 2). This was meat heaven. Several barbecued meats all served on a large platter. The succulent, very rare steak was one of the best I have ever tasted, perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender. There was also plenty of pork, chuletas de cordero (lamb chops), alas de pollo (chicken wings), salsicha criolla (tasty mini sausages with a citrus flavour), chorizo and morcilla curada or black sausage with garlic and paprika (for me too overpowering). The selection was served with a small dishes of good sauces (chimichurri and malbec), and a couple of bowls of hot fries to round it off.

My guest decided that he needed dessert, whereas I decided another beer was in order for me. The almond and orange tart served with honeyed ice cream looked good and seemed to disappear very quickly (so it must have been good).

drinks

We indulged in some Spanish black beers and Argentinian lager beers, followed by a couple of glasses of very good red wine, which went down very well with the meat feast.

pricing

Starters average £5-£7

Mains average £15-18

Steak and grill options average £15-20

overall

This is a welcome addition to the Birmingham dining scene and without doubt I will be back. It had some of the best meats I have eaten out for a long time. Prices are in the mid to upper level, but when you consider the quality, I think it’s good value.

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Chung Ying Garden | Cantonese | Southside

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 18:15:00 +0000

(Chung Ying Garden owner James Wong indulges his musical side)

Happy Chinese New Year! As the Year of the Snake came onto the horizon, we visited one of Birmingham’s oldest Chinese restaurants to tuck into some traditional food from the modern superpower.

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

atmosphere

Don’t expect anything fancy. Chung Ying Garden’s regulars presumably head there because of the menu, rather than the decor, which is a bit plain and harsh. The music is more interesting – Chinese pop songs play in the background, while on our visit the restaurant was full of Chinese people as well, always a good sign pointing to authenticity.

food

Claiming to serve ‘the largest selection of dim sum in the country’, Chung Ying Garden certainly has a generous menu, with a dizzyingly long list of a la carte options. The dim sum (small starters intended for sampling and sharing) are even the topic of manager James Wong’s hilarious Psy-inspired viral music video, Oppan Dim Sum Style (watch above).

We ended up having deep-fried prawn balls thai style which went brilliantly with sweet and sour sauce, crispy and satisfying Vietnamese spring rolls and steamed king prawn and chive dumplings. The dumplings I have to admit were a strange experience – the gooey white packages made from rice flour weren’t my thing at all, but you may disagree.

The set menus will save you from spending half the night trying to choose. Our Deluxe A choice included sizzling fillet of beef in black pepper sauce, which I found somewhat lacking in flavour while my guest loved it, and fried sliced chicken in bird’s nest, which both of us agreed was disappointing although the steamed green beans were a great touch. The fried sea bass steak thai style added some much needed zing and interesting flavours, while the yeung chow fried rice was a lovely and satisfying accompaniment.

drinks

Chinese food can make you quite thirsty, so we were advised to wash it all down with bottles of Tsing Tao, a Chinese beer that appears on the drinks list along with Tiger. Wines, spirits and soft drinks are of course also served.

pricing

Cost of individual dishes varies, but set menus include:

Deluxe A menu for 2 (two dim sum starters, four mains) = £36 in total, or £18 per head.

Deluxe B menu for 3 (three assorted starters, five mains) = £60, or £20 per head.

overall

A pleasant experience and definitely a satisfying one – both the list of options and the portions are generous. As someone who doesn’t eat Oriental food very often, the sweet flavours and unusual textures always make an interesting change from European cuisine. The service is far from polished, but the waiters are friendly and prompt, which makes all the difference.

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Franzls Restaurant | Austrian | Bearwood

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:43:00 +0000

After Birmingham’s Polish bolthole The Karzcma was ‘discovered’ recently by The Guardian’s Jay Rayner, Alvaro Docio of British Local Food shares his experiences of another little-known local gem with oodles of character.

Situated in the quiet residential area of Bearwood, this is the only Austrian restaurant in Birmingham. Away from the busy city centre, Franzls offers a friendly and cosy place for a delightful experience.

[by Alvaro Docio]

atmosphere

This family-run restaurant is in the most unlikely setting: a converted corner house surrounded by terraced houses in a random street. The small size of the place makes you feel at home, while very traditional Austrian decorations and welcoming staff are two other great features.

food

The menu is nice and varied, beautifully presented and very traditional. Ziegen käse (goats cheese baked in pastry, served with cranberry & horseradish sauce) and blunzen strudel (black pudding, bacon, potato, onion & apples) were our unusual starters.

Our mains were surprisingly fruity, including a lamm stelze (lamb shank cooked with red wine, cinnamon and cranberries) and medallions dürnstein (medallions of beef fillet cooked with apricots, brandy and cream). Both of them were scrumptious and cooked at its best, accompanied for a variety of side dishes, including steamed potatoes (delicious), carrots (quite chunky), rice and spinach puree.

Custard and cherry cake were the desserts to round off the dinner with. Although pleasant and homemade, these didn’t live up to the novelty factor of the rest of the meal, not being particularly different to the desserts we have tasted before.

drinks

Before dining, you can go to the cellar bar and choose from a wide range of Austrian beers, wine and schnapps while sharing a chat, if you choose, with a friendly stranger sat next to you in the cosy space.

But for us, it couldn’t be anything but Austrian beer in this dinner. We took a nice weissbier (wheat beer) recommended by the barman which matched perfectly with the meal.

pricing

Clarification: The prices vary from £19.95 - £27.85 depending on choice of main course. Price includes a Starter, Main and Dessert.

~~One downside could be that the price is somewhat higher than you might expect for a place like this. Main courses are almost all between £20 and £28.~~

overall

This place is unique: great food, attentive service and genuine homely Austrian atmosphere. I recommend reserving in advance as the place is small and fills up quickly. Best to go now and get a table, before The Guardian discovers it and bookings become impossible!

Alvaro Docio is a freelance food writer and graphic designer based in Birmingham. He really enjoys cooking healthy food and buying local produce along the numerous trips he does around Great Britain. You can find Alvaro blogging at www.britishlocalfood.com and www.dociodesign.com

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Delicious New Menus at Harvey Nichols Birmingham

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:59:00 +0000

This is a sponsored post about the dining options at Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols Espresso Cafe is the perfect place to take a relaxing break from your retail therapy and enjoy breakfast, brunch, delicious lunches and luxurious afternoon tea.

With its focus strongly on great tasting local food and drink, the menu features produce sourced wherever possible from the nearby counties of Shropshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

For the new season, chef Michael Roberts has created a mouth-watering Supper Club menu at a purse-friendly price. Enjoy two courses for just £10 or opt for three courses and a complimentary glass of Harvey Nichols wine for £20.

Dishes include rump steak marinated in garlic, rosemary and thyme; succulent prawns with coriander, lemon and olive oil; or a pear and almond frangipane with mixed berry coulis. The menu is available throughout February, Monday-Friday from 3pm-7pm – last orders at 6pm.

Also for February, why not treat your loved one to a romantic four-course meal designed to be shared. Choose from rack of lamb, grilled lemon sole or roasted red pepper risotto, complimented with a trio of starters and desserts. Diners will also enjoy a complimentary Prosecco and canapés on arrival, as well as a free gift.

And why not make your evening even more special and spoil your loved one with a bespoke present from one of the store’s luxury beauty counters or fashion brands delivered straight to your table. Simply discuss your requirements with the Espresso Café team beforehand.

The Valentine’s Day menu will be served from 7pm-10pm (last booking at 9pm) on Thursday February 14, priced at £40 per head.

For more information and booking, contact the Espresso Cafe on 0121 616 6028.

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Exclusive Birmingham Restaurant Offers for 2013

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 11:56:00 +0000

To beat the January blues, we’ve teamed up with The GastroCard and arranged 20 exclusive Birmingham restaurant deals – each one coming to just £13. How’s that for a Happy New Year?

A host of top Birmingham restaurants, bars and hotels have laid on special offers that will run from 20^th January to 13^th February 2013.

Examples include dining offers such as Two courses and a glass of wine for £13, Two starters and two mains for £13, and Four Dim Sum dishes for £13.

The venues offering discounts are:

Blue Piano (Oriental)

Branded Bull (Steakhouse)

Chamberlain’s (Fish & Chips)

Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant

Chung Ying Garden

Deolali (Indian)

Desi by Imlees (Indian)

Five Rivers a la Carte (Indian)

Hotel la Tour (Classic)

Hyatt Regency (Classic)

Juju’s Cafe

Le Truc (French)

Loves Restaurant (Classic)

Mirage Fusion (at Broadway Casino)

Thai Edge

The Horseshoe Bar & Restaurant (Indian and Fusion)

The Oriental

Veggielicious

Wrapchic (‘The Indian Burrito Company’)

Use these vouchers again and again…

The best part? Once we email you the vouchers, you can use them as many times as you like within the stated period. If that’s not an excuse to brave the cold weather, we don’t know what is!

Simply present the print-out or show the vouchers on your mobile device to redeem the offers.

THIS DEAL IS NOW CLOSED, BUT PLEASE JOIN THE EMAIL CLUB TO RECEIVE FUTURE NEWS AND DISCOUNTS

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The Harvey Nichols Supper Club | The Mailbox, Birmingham

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:01:00 +0000

New Year, new places to eat. We went along to the first night of the Harvey Nichols Birmingham Supper Club (Jan 7 – Feb 8). Avoiding the January sales temptations in the Mailbox was the first mission. That accomplished, Sanjeeta and I made it into the ‘Champagne bridge’ where an early evening view of the city lights helps to whet your appetite. But would the luxury department store deliver in the food stakes?

[by Ahmed Ahmed]

Atmosphere

You’ll be served your meal in the Espresso Cafe or the adjoining champagne bar, both of which are located quite logically next to the Foodmarket. The store wasn’t busy at this time (6pm) and so you shouldn’t worry too much about shoppers milling about. Perhaps the dark evenings at this time of year mean they can almost get away with calling it a ‘supper club’, although the menu runs from 3pm until the store until closes at 7pm.

Starters

There are three fairly classic options per course on the menu. For starters, we ignored the tomato and basil soup in favour of the other two offerings. Sanjeeta had Succulent Prawns With Coriander, Lemon and Olive Oil Served In Baby Gem Leaves with Basil, Balsamic Dressing. I plumped for the Roasted Red Pepper & Mushroom Tartlet with Rocket Salad & Dressing. I found the pastry more dry and biscuity than I would have liked, but enjoyed the flavoursome filling. I also enjoyed the delicately seasoned prawns (share and share alike!) although my guest would have preferred them to have slightly more zing.

Mains

While the mains list features a Chicken and Apricot Risotto, and Grilled Goats Cheese on an Herb Croute, the succulent steak was the star for us. Cooked according to ‘Chef’s choice,’ the delicate pink interior won’t be to everyone’s taste – in which case I would suggest asking them to cook it to yours. The dish’s full title is just as much of a mouthful: Rump Steak Marinated In Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Griddled Then Served With Hand Cut Chips, Beef Tomato, Salad & Salsa. The oniony salsa and beef tomato were good accompaniments, while the chips were salty and satisfying if not quite up to gastro pub standard.

Dessert

Lemon & Raspberry Tart lost out in favour of Pear and Almond Frangipane with Mixed Berry Coulis & Pouring Cream and Mango & Lime Sorbet. Sanjeeta wasn’t too keen on her sorbet, wishing for a stronger flavours. If I’m not mistaken, the frangipane, a pleasant almond-flavoured filling in a pastry tart base, came with clotted cream rather than pouring cream, which would have helped to balance the dryness of the pastry better. That said, the coulis and soft pear were just to my taste. Next time, the Lemon and Raspberry Tart is going down!

Drink

There are three basic wine options with this Supper Club deal: HN Rose, Blanc and Rouge. We didn’t need to be told the latter was the one to go for. Described as ‘smoky’, for a house red it goes down a treat, with soft spicy and peppery notes that don’t simply complement the steak; they complete it.

Pricing

2 courses for £10

3 courses with a glass of wine for £20

Overall

For a late lunch treat or early evening dinner option, the Harvey Nichols Supper Club is a nice addition to Birmingham’s dining scene. The menu is uncomplicated but satisfying, so I’d go for a pleasant January meal, and sit in the Champagne Bridge if you can wangle it.

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Turkey Stew | Christmas Leftovers Recipe

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Food blogger and experienced cook Jo Brigdale of Jo’s Kitchen shares her favourite way of making the scraps from the festive feast go further.

Although I ordered the smallest turkey I could this year, there are still plenty of leftovers. My favourite things to do with the extra bits are hot turkey sandwiches with stuffing and cranberry sauce, turkey curry and turkey stew. Here’s my simple recipe for turkey stew.

Turkey Stew

Ingredients (serves 4 - 6)

• 500g diced turkey thigh meat or whatever is left over from your Christmas roast

• 1 large white onion, peeled and chopped into chunks

• 2 large carrots or 3/4 smaller ones, peeled and sliced into thin rounds

• 2 tablespoons of flour

• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

• 600ml of chicken/turkey stock

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4-6 potatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks

Method

In a large casserole pot or slow cooker, add in all the ingredients except for the potatoes. Give everything a good stir and cook for 3-4 hours in a 180 C oven or cook for 6 - 8 hours in a slow cooker.
Towards the end of cooking, cook the potatoes in a large saucepan full of water until tender. Drain and add into the stew once it is cooked.
Serve and enjoy!

Tips

You could add the potatoes into the stew 3/4 way through the cooking time but whenever I do this the potatoes always go mushy. You can also add in any leftover vegetables.

If the gravy isn’t very thick at end of cooking, add 1 teaspoon of cornflour to a tiny spot of cold water and mix. Add it into the stew, give it a good stir and allow it to cook for another 20 minutes or so.

I hope you’re having a lovely festive season and I especially hope you enjoyed cooking up a storm in the kitchen!

Jo is a freelance food writer based in Birmingham. She enjoys cooking simple meals that fit into a busy lifestyle. Jo enjoys eating out and doing lots of baking when time allows. She lives with her husband Stuart and son Thomas, who is 1 year old. You can find Jo blogging at www.joskitchen.co.uk and www.josnursery.co.uk

[image courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com]

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"Birmingham has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any English city outside London, so haute..."

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 17:13:00 +0000

“Birmingham has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any English city outside London, so haute cuisine — blessedly free of the hauteur — is often on the menu. (The New York Times)”

To sum up, the theme of things to do in Birmingham before the End of the World (whenever that may...

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:20:00 +0000

To sum up, the theme of things to do in Birmingham before the End of the World (whenever that may be) boiled down to three: Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Before we run out of time, here are the recommendations you gave:

Brummie chef Glynn Purnell’s venues got quite a few mentions, as did some other Birmingham bar favourites…

And once you’re fed and watered, it’s time to release all inhibitions, particularly financial ones…

So there you have it - Birmingham’s End of the World tips. Many thanks to all the contributors - we’ll save a space for you in the bunker when the time comes!

Tweets from Birmingham locals: @spannermagnet, @richardpope, @_garyweir_ @matthewjwalters @gailee99, @therandaliser, @onlytruemanhere, @dbturley, @thebolg, @goodfooddrink, @itsahmedahmed and @_xeniakara_

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Digbeth Dining Club | Street food | Digbeth

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 20:09:00 +0000

Having commented on a previous review or two I was asked if I would like to provide a review for a restaurant in Birmingham. I had a few ideas, but for my first piece, I chose one of the latest foodie projects in the city - Digbeth Dining Club (DDC), in Spotlight Bar.

[by Gary Weir]

The Digbeth Dining Club aims to bring the street food concept to the Birmingham area. Each Friday, two or three stalls showcase the best of local and invited street food vendors. The week I went, The Meat Shack (Burgers) and Hungry Toad (curry) were on show.

atmosphere

“Held in an industrial unit underneath a railway arch in Digbeth, the look from outside is not the most inviting…”

Don’t expect an illuminated sign to let you know you are there. You open a door, enter to the right and suddenly you’re in a very welcoming space. Spotlight is large and open, with comfortable seating and a bar to the left.

Straight in front is an outside area where the food stalls are operating. The vibe is very laid back with mellow music early on (children are allowed until 9pm), followed by guest DJ’s showcasing a different style of music each week.

food

The food is street food - no quenelles or jus smears, it is all about the
taste. This week I had the chance to try The Meat Shack’s burgers. Anyone who likes burgers and is on Twitter or Facebook will have heard about these burgers. They are made with 28-day-aged Hereford Beef, locally sourced buns cooked that afternoon, homemade coleslaw and dressings.

These are premium burgers. Described as ‘filthy’, they definitely ooze and drip down your hands and even arm as you eat them. If you are lucky, you can get them cooked medium-rare and truly appreciate the flavours involved.

The first burger I tried was a candied bacon one (£6). Bun, coleslaw, chilli, burger, pickles and candied streaky bacon. The flavours combined to make it one hell of a taste explosion.

“This is not fine dining, this is sucking your fingers, wiping your mouth and serviettes are a necessity.”

One was not enough, so after a break we tried a Mo Shack Burger (£5.50). This was similar, but without the chilli and bacon. My best mate who joined me thought this was the highlight, as it showed the burger off better - fewer flavours buzzing around your mouth.

drinks

Drinks were a couple of pints of Tiger beer (£3.95). It is lager… what more can I say? They also do a range of interesting bottled beers/ciders (£5), which includes Innis and Gunn cask rum beer.

overall

Street food does seem to be the buzz thing at the moment, and the DDC are doing it very, very well. They are both showcasing local players, and bringing in guests from further afield. I love the concept and will be going back several times.

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Mount Fuji | Japanese | Spiceal Street

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:42:00 +0000

[by Charlene Price]

atmosphere

Mount Fuji is a small, informal and contemporary restaurant located in Birmingham city centre, on Spiceal Street. I like the bar stools and long counters, as it gives a diner or coffee-shop feel, although there are a few tables for larger groups. I like to sit at one of the tables along the window so I can watch the world go by while I eat my sushi.

food

To start I ordered some miso soup, followed by some vegetable tempura to share with my husband. The miso soup was very tasty, and the vegetable tempura is a favourite of ours, having a beautifully light, paper-thin batter with a delicious dipping sauce.

My husband ordered the Cod Fillet & Pork Tonkatsu Bento with Chef’s Sushi Plate. I shared some of the sushi, which was among the best sushi I’ve ever had – the balance of flavours just seem absolutely spot on and the sushi rice is wonderfully soft and sticky.

My husband always enjoys the bento boxes because they cater nicely to his ‘OCD’, as each different part of the bento is served in a separate compartment!

I find the bento exceptionally well balanced, as they include meat, rice, salad, vegetables and pickles.

I opted for the Pork Tonkatsu Curry, Rice and Salad. Although not as neat and tidy as the bento boxes, this was a very flavoursome dish – on this occasion, however, I found the pork quite dry and a little tough. I did like the crispy texture of the breadcrumb, and the tonkatsu sauce on the side, which offered a salty contrast to the slightly sweet and spicy curry sauce.

For dessert I usually have the Giant Japanese Profiterole, a sumptuous blend of green tea cake, cream and vanilla ice-cream, but decided to try something different this time and went for the Matcha Tiramisu. This was a lovely little dessert – the cream was exceptionally light and the green tea cake at the bottom was mild and not too sweet: simple, but effective.

drinks

I started with a small glass of sake, which washed down the sushi and other starters very well, and ended with a glass of Japanese Plum Wine – a sweet liqueur which is a great accompaniment to dessert.

My husband had the Sapporo Export, which he described as a very good, but very unusual beer. He also had some Syochikubai (hot sake), which is wonderful in cold weather.

overall

I have dined at Mount Fuji many times and it rarely fails to impress.

Service has been a little hit and miss in the past, but on this occasion it was prompt and friendly.

If you like Japanese food, I would definitely recommend giving Mount Fuji a try.

price

A curry will set you back about £8, and a bento box costs between £8 and £14 depending on what type you have. Overall, I think it is reasonably priced, although drinks can be on the expensive side.

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