Posted on Aug 28, 2010
Was passing through Moseley this morning when we noticed the Farmers Market in full swing. The weather was good for a change and there were plenty of people about. The area by the bus stop, opposite the Barclays bank had all the food stalls and the Alcester Road side, opposite HSBC had the arts and crafts stalls. We bought some organic apples grown in … Argentina … hmm!
Tags: birmingham, britain, farmersmarket, food, iPhone, market, moseley, photo
Posted on Jan 24, 2010
Christmas, New Years and a Birthday came and went and much food was consumed by all. Two of those occasions occurred at two of Brindleyplace’s, indeed Birmingham’s, finer eateries — Bank and Edmunds. Sitting in opposite corners of Brunswick Square the two establishments seem to be eyeing each other like a couple of gastronomic champs, ready to rumble.
By EG Focus (via Flickr)
Actually there was a rumble but mostly in my belly when I went to the first of these restaurants, Bank. From the moment we walked into the modern, elegant and spacious surroundings the service was impeccable. The staff were attentive, friendly and most importantly relaxed. We got there a bit early and sat in the bar area for a while and weren’t rushed to our table at the time it had been booked for, although it should be added that it was early and the place wasn’t too crowded.
I had a starter of mussels and although it was described as a small portion I got a fair few which was a good thing as they were delicious. I honestly haven’t tasted mussels that good since having some on a trip to Brussels many years ago. Other’s at the table had Thai Fish Cakes and the Chili Squid and these were equally impressive. For the main I went for the catch of the day – which was a Lemon Sole, cooked with capers and butter. Absolute genius food! Others in the Party had Malayan Chicken – delicious!, Confit of Duck – delicious! and the Fish and Chips – delicious!. The food was presented beautifully. I finished off the meal with a selection of excellent cheeses.
By ell brown (via Flickr)
A couple of weeks after that thoroughly delicious trip to Bank I was lucky enough to be treated to a meal at Edmunds by Mrs Bongo Vongo. It’s a much smaller place and in keeping with it’s description of itself as a place for fine dining the setting is more formal than Bank with full silver service. The tables glisten with cutlery of many descriptions accompanied by a host of sparkling glasses. The plates, tables and artwork on the walls are coordinated in colour and pattern and all very tastefully put together. All this ever so slightfully intimidating taste is mitigated by friendly front of house staff who, as in any place with genuine class, put you at ease with their polite and attentive service.
It was one of those really cold days earlier this month and I saw and went for a warming Risotto of wild mushrooms with truffle oil & parmesan starter. Before that got to us though there was served some complimentary freshly made light crispy cheesy twists with guacamole — yum! My risotto didn’t waste any time getting to me and it was just right, al dente and delicious. After this there was another surprise complimentary morsel, a small pumkin soup with crunchy toasted sunflower seeds. For my main I had Halibut with mussels, winter vegetables & a tarragon shallot butter. All perfectly cooked but the tarrogon shallot butter was the genious touch. The missus had the Buttered puff pastry,with breast of cornfed chicken, confit of chicken leg, braised celery & chicken jus which in keeping with the culinary trend of the moment featured chicken cooked in three ways. As at Bank, I finished things off with Chef’s selection of English cheeses with wafer biscuits and a fine selection it was too.
It was a good fight — a thrilla near the villa (yeah I know it’s nowhere near the Villa ground but hey) — and I think we’re really lucky in Brum to have a number of great places to eat all around Brindleyplace. In the final count though, owing to a combination of thrilling food and excellent service, in a closely fought culinary contest I have to give the decision to Bank.
Tags: birmingham, brindleyplace, food, review
Posted on Sep 26, 2009
It’s being described as a find as significant as the Sutton Hoo one. There was an interview with Terry Herbert, the local metal detectorist, who was having to take deep breaths in between talking about how he happened to find five kilograms of exquisitely crafted Anglo-Saxon gold.
The changes in the rules governing what occurs to treasure finds such as this means that instead of going straight to the British Museum it will first be offered to local museums if they can raise the money. Before that though, it will be on display at a local museum for three weeks and happily that museum happens to be our very own BM&AG. Judging by the long queues formed outside and around the corner of the museum there are many locals who are glad of it.
No doubt the breathlessness experienced by the treasure finder was due to it’s great historical significance but I can’t help but think that it might just be partially due to the seven figure reward that both he and the owner of the land it was found upon are now due.
I’m not sure if Birmingham Museum will be able to afford the cost of keeping it within the boundaries of Old Mercia; I sincerely hope they can.
Tags: anglosaxon, birmingham, bm&ag, gold, mercia, museum
Posted on Jul 9, 2009
Tucked away to the side of the library theatre in central Brum is a Yo Sushi wannabe called Woktastic.
I’ve been meaning to go there for some time but a combination of the other half’s suspicions of all things Japanese and the alarming orange colour that seems to dominate has meant I’ve not managed to get there.
Fortunately, during last week’s International Food Festival, we got a taste of the tempura squid and that prompted us to try the Orangey-Japanesey-foody place.
I’m happy to report that the all you can eat nigiri and sushi buffet did not dissappoint although the everlasting Japanese green tea only seemed to stretch to two cups each.
Tags: birmingham, food, review, sushi
Posted on Jul 4, 2009
We went to Piccolinos in Brindley Place a couple of days ago and on the whole it was a very pleasant experience.
It was a balmy evening and Oozell Square with it’s quartet of restaurants — Ikon, Thai Edge, Cielo and Piccolinos –was buzzing with diners enjoying their meals.
We ordered some bread and calamari for starters. The bread was fine enough, nothing special, however the calamari was excellent. The staff were at this stage courteous, knowledgable, attentive and unobtrusive and we had no complaints with the service when our mains were brought out. I ordered a mushroom and cheese pasta dish which was supurb and my better half enjoyed a beautifully cooked crispy duck and apple dish.
Unfortunately the service just fell away towards the end of our meal with no one paying us much attention when we were in the mood for a desert. Which is a shame as it meant that they missed out as I expect did we.
Would we go again? … Yes but we’ll get a seat inside where they might be less inclined to forget about us.
Tags: birmingham, food, review
