tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77575141894547213582024-02-25T21:13:11.030+00:00Bella and RobotA fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog with some real life thrown in for good measure.Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.comBlogger343125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-27487560222425552352020-02-21T08:15:00.000+00:002020-02-21T08:15:07.116+00:00Food Review: The Barnt Green Inn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
AD / Gifted meal<br />
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Anyone familiar with Barnt Green will have heard of the Barnt Green Inn. With a reputation as one of the finest watering holes in the area, there's now a new and improved food offering to match.<br />
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Rebranded as "the all new Barnt Green Inn - Country Pub and Dining", there has been significant investment in the interior including a new seating section at the bar, a private dining area and an upgraded garden.<br />
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It's true, I have been to the Barnt Green Inn before, but sadly only for a drink in the garden on a gorgeous summer's day.<br />
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Luckily, I was able to finally enjoy a meal when I visited on a Wednesday evening alongside a select few bloggers and press.<br />
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Pulling up a pew at the Hendricks Gin Bar, we were able to pick a gin base (standard or Blood Orange Hendricks) and pimp it up with a selection of fruit and flavourings to make a bespoke G&T. I for one am a big gin fan and couldn't resist trying both a berry infusion and a blood orange and citrus blend of my own creation.<br />
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We headed to the back of the restaurant to our table and were greeted by one of the friendliest waitresses I've met. She was knowledgeable about the gluten free menu and guided us on our choices based both on allergen information and also on preference when we dithered.<br />
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As we looked a the menu, we were asked whether we'd like some oysters to start. Well, who can say no to oysters? I for one adore them but my dining companion is averse to the slimy sea creatures. No mind, all the more for me.<br />
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The oysters were salty and came with Tabasco. I prefer mine as they come or with a shallot mignonette so I swallowed these down whole and plain.<br />
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To start, my dining partner had the tempura squid whilst I had the massaman chicken skewers. Portion wise, the squid was exceptionally generous and was crisp on the outside but soft and easy to eat on the inside. My chicken skewers, although unusual to find on a menu, were delicious. The portion size in comparison was not as large but the three skewers were filling and the flavours were light and perfect for spring.<br />
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For mains we shared the eight bone free range lamb rack which comes served with crispy thyme baby potatoes, french style peas, sauteed cavolo nero and minted jus. Public service announcement - if you ever come here and eat meat/like lamb, this is the dish for you. The excitement started when the stands came to the table first ready to receive the serving plate, and continued when the huge plate was laid down in front of us. A veritable feast it was, filled with a huge portion of crispy potatoes, followed by rich buttered greens and the lamb itself, alongside two mini saucepans full of the minted jus. This dish has everything you could possibly want, from crispy herby potatoes to chunky green veg and soft lamb served a little pink to meet our preferences in the middle. The best part? The sauce the lamb sits on is a creamy, salty, oniony stew of flavours that went with everything from the veg to the lamb. I do love a meal that comes loaded with sauce and this certainly ticked that box.<br />
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For dessert we had an apple, plum and damson crumble and a sticky toffee pudding, both desserts that memories are made of and both gluten free! My sticky toffee pudding was a real childhood favourite, I remember eating these in primary school and I can't remember having one too many times since then. Gooey, warm and served with a caramelised banana and honeycomb ice cream, the presentation was spot on. The crumble was also good but I have a thing for a really overcooked crumble, where the sides are burnt on and the top is slightly crisp. Personal preference but I would still order this again.<br />
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From start to finish we had a wonderful night at The Barnt Green Inn. Right from the warm welcome to the great service at the table to saying goodbye, we were treated like welcome guests. The food is well worth coming in for and I'm so pleased that there's more on offer than cool drinks but a really hearty food offering for lunches and dinners too.<br />
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I can't wait to come back again and would highly recommend a visit for anyone who's in the area or wants to take a trip out to the countryside for some stylish British gastropub food.</div>
Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-80869782025110990032019-10-02T00:19:00.002+01:002019-10-02T00:24:34.523+01:00Food Review: Marmalade at The Rep <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
COMPLIMENTARY MEAL AND TICKETS<br />
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When was the last time you went for dinner and a trip to the theatre? If you're anything like me, perhaps it's been a while since you enjoyed the relaxed pleasures of an evening spent at dinner followed by a a long sit down at the theatre taking in the action on stage.<br />
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I was lucky enough to be invited to sample the pre-theatre menu at Marmalade before watching The Lovely Bones at The Rep.<br />
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The pre-theatre menu is available from 6pm on show days and includes two courses for £19.50 or three courses for £24.50.<br />
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The starters include soup, pate and calamari, the mains include sea bass, burgers and jambonette and the dessert selection includes lemon tart, apple and rhubarb crumble, ice cream and cheese.<br />
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I arrived with my dining companion at 5.30pm which gave us plenty of time to eat before the show started at 7.30pm.<br />
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Handily located just off Broad Street, we parked at one of the nearby multi-storey car parks before walking down and taking in the sights of the newly revamped Centenary Plaza.<br />
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Inside, the restaurant is spacious and was busy with people buzzing with excitement in anticipation of the evening's entertainment. Located besides the ICC, it was great fun to watch as people walked past in tuxedo's and ball gowns.<br />
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We took a seat and were offered water first before taking in the menu. The team were really knowledgable about what I could and couldn't eat as a gluten free diner, and I picked the Mackerel Pate whilst my dining companion picked the Calamari. Both were gluten free and I was especially excited to try the Calamari as it's so rare to find a gluten free version of this.<br />
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They arrived quickly and well presented. The Calamari was hot, light, crispy and well paired with the zesty mayo dip. The pater felt like a healthier option but was also delicious, and needed no bread thanks to the handy vegetable boats it came presented in.<br />
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Onto the mains, I went for the Catch of the Day which happened to be Seabass (I like to pretend it's not as naughty as the other menu options) whilst my dining companion went for the Blade of Beef.<br />
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Again, they arrived hot and quickly and were both full of flavour. My fish was a lighter option, served with a little veg but much improved by the addition of some side dishes. The beef was a much heartier option however, served with a delectable sauce that was full of much more flavour than I'm used to.<br />
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We couldn't resist dessert and I picked the Lemon Tart which is miraculously, gluten free. I love it when there's a seemingly gluten-full dessert on the menu that actually turns out to be gluten-free. We also ordered the Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with coconut ice-cream. This was also happily gluten free, meaning I could eat/share them both.<br />
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A few gin goblets and a jazzily named Brum Punch were also served over dinner.<br />
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By the time we'd polished off our three course meal, it was time to take our seats and enjoy the show.<br />
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The Lovely Bones is a pretty sad story, and one that I'd read before watching the play. This interpretation was very different to how I had imagined and probably not for the faint hearted.<br />
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Overall, we had a great evening. Relaxed and a little bit naughty, there's something so civilised about taking in dinner and a show and yet I don't do it enough. The menu itself offered superb value for money and I would come back for this again. Three courses for less than £25 is great value, and I'd urge anyone who hasn't been to Marmalade to try it as you won't be disappointed.<br />
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Thank you to Marmalade and The Rep for the complimentary meal and theatre tickets.<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-15598093309724798072019-06-26T12:00:00.000+01:002019-06-26T12:00:05.811+01:00Food Review: The Lyttelton Arms, Hagley <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
COMPLIMENTARY MEAL<br />
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The Lyttlelton Arms in Hagley has something of a reputation. Despite being located in a quaint village in Worcestershire, just outside of Stourbridge, it's always been known as one of the classier, more established drinking establishments. The food offering has always been around, but has never been as talked about as the drinks, atmosphere and outdoor terrace. Could this be about to change though?<br />
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With a new menu and total makeover, the pub has been transformed into a glamorous and premium spot for food and drinks, with the addition of regular live music, events and brand partnered parties. </div>
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The interior "styling is based on the concept of Champagne bubbles and the decadent colour palette inspired by the deep greens and poppy blues of peacock feathers." </div>
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<!--StartFragment-->Parking up in the on site car park and walking through the outdoor seating area on a warm day, you can see why The Lyttelton Arms has always been popular, especially on a warm summer evening. Up until this point, not much had changed, but walking into the restaurant and turning right to the bar seating area it was clear that there was a lot more glam on offer. With beautiful turquoise plush velvet chairs and brass fittings, it was a feast for the eyes.<br />
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We headed to the bar for our drinks and I took full advantage of the Tanqueray Gin Bar set up especially for the occasion. Here, we could add our own flavours from citrus to fruits.</div>
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Back at the table, we nibbled on a serving selection of starters, and I was given my own little plate of gluten free starters to try.<br />
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Then, we were royally spoilt with a selection of oysters. Although they're not for everyone, I adore these salty delicacies and they added to the glamour and indulgence of the evening.<br />
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We moved over to the main restaurant seating area and sat down to take a look at the new menu. With the usual starters, mains and desserts and plenty of classics such as steaks, burgers and cod and chips, the starters were organised handily into meat free, sea and land as well as sections for healthy mains and rotisserie and grill to help you decide. </div>
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For starters, we ordered the Duck Liver Parfait, Panko-crusted Fried Brie and Tempura Squid. I ordered the Parfait and they had gluten free bread on hand to ensure I had something to spread this smooth and buttery parfait onto. The squid was delightfully light and crispy, whilst the brie was just as you'd expect, hot and gooey. All three dishes came with generous portions of sauces and condiments (a pet hate of mine is to receive too little or none at all!)<br />
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Onto main courses, we chose some rather meaty dishes of Steak, Four Bone Lamb Rack and Panko Crumbed Chicken Milanese.<br />
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The steak was especially impressive, coming with chips, confit tomato, parsley butter and caramelised onion, stilton and panko crumbed tart as standard. This is before adding the optional extras of sauces, prawns or scallops.<br />
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The Chicken was again, crispy and light, whilst my lamb dish was perfect; a little pink, very tender and very filling. My lamb dish was also gluten free, which was impressive as the dauphinoise potatoes so often are not.<br />
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All of our mains were again, generously sized, with plenty of sides and sauces coming as standard meaning theres no need to shell out on extras to bulk out small portions here.<br />
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Finally, we ordered some very classic desserts of Apple and Rhubarb Crumble, Creme Brulee and Frozen Berries and Hot White Chocolate Sauce.<br />
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All were delicious, and the creme brulee even came with a few Amaretti biscuits (not gluten free) on the side (see what I said about those all important extras?)<br />
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It doesn't end here, there was tea and coffee to round up the meal which also come with a few treats, but alas we were far too full to enjoy them. A note, the biscuits were not gluten free.<br />
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My thoughts on The Lyttelton Arms? It's been a while since I had a meal as enjoyable as this. The whole evening was so well thought out and everything had been considered. There were tours, an interactive gin station and then just impeccable service from start to finish.<br />
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The food itself was fantastic, generous portions, a great selection of everything from meat and chicken to veggie options and plenty of gluten free options too.<br />
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There were plenty of delicious gin cocktails on the menu to enjoy that were inventive but drinkable, with no duds to be seen.<br />
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Would I come back? Absolutely. From the interiors, to the service, to the drinks menu to the food itself, everything here is worth enjoying alone. From summer drinks outside that are a step above your usual pub standard G&T to starters and sharers to nibble on that beat peanuts hands down, there's so many occasions where The Lyttleton Arms would be the perfect pick. Whatever you thought you knew about The Lyttelton Arms, I promise you it's worth a trip to see just how far it's come.<br />
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*GIFTED MEAL. All food and drink was complimentary. With thanks to The Lyttelton Arms.<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-85325327737737920462019-05-03T08:15:00.000+01:002019-05-03T08:15:14.611+01:00Food Review: Hyatt Regency Spring Menu Launch at Aria<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There's nothing like stepping foot in a hotel to make you leave behind your day, slow down and unwind.<div>
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That's exactly how it feels walking into the lobby of the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham city centre. Central it may be, but that doesn't stop you from taking a big deep breath out and releasing the tension that city life so easily creates.</div>
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Enough about the city. The <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/england-united-kingdom/hyatt-regency-birmingham/birmi" target="_blank">Hyatt Regency</a> Hotel is, as well as being well located, stunning to look at. The main entrance brings you into the central lobby which is overlooked by balconies from above where conferences and events are usually held.</div>
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<a href="https://ariarestaurantbirmingham.com/" target="_blank">Aria</a> Restaurant has recently launched a new spring menu. Full of green, lighter dishes such as fish and desserts with an airy texture, I was invited in to try it.</div>
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For starters, I chose the Spiced Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup. A light but flavoursome dish, I was also served an individually wrapped Gluten Free roll to accompany it. Together, this was filling and just right for a spring menu.</div>
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One of my dining companions went for the Duck Egg, Asparagus and Mushrooms which also happened to be Gluten Free. As you can see, the presentation here was exceptional and light of hand. </div>
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The Scallop and Black Pudding starter was sadly not Gluten Free, but I could see the scallops were slightly charred, just how I like them, whilst the Black Pudding is presented on the plate as a hint of flavour in crumb form. </div>
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Onto the mains, I ordered the Goosnargh Chicken, whilst my companion opted for Spring Lamb. Both were a sophisticated play on the traditional meat and vegetables offered up on many a British table. </div>
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When it came to dessert, I was delighted to see that the Chocolate Orange Sphere was Gluten Free. This was by far the best dish on the menu; inventive, surprising and delicious. My dining companion had the Rum Baba, and although delicious, did not have quite the same impact as this shiny chocolate coated ball.</div>
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The experience at Aria was perfect from start to finish. From the welcome to the relaxed informal drinks reception, the way in which we were seated, the drinks and food service and the knowledge shared with us from the Head Chef himself, time almost stood still whilst we were in such great company. The food, ambiance and service all came together to make this an extremely enjoyable experience, created by a team that clearly cares about the guest experience and has considered the details.</div>
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I'd wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Aria for a relaxed evening; just make sure you're not in rush because I promise you won't want to leave.</div>
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UNPAID AD - This meal was kindly gifted to me by the <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/england-united-kingdom/hyatt-regency-birmingham/birmi" target="_blank">Hyatt Regency</a> Hotel. </div>
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-30248470860400561592019-03-18T12:00:00.000+00:002019-03-18T12:00:00.591+00:00Food Review: Wing Wah, Birmingham <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wing Wah is a well known name in Birmingham. Recently relocated to the city centre having previously been found in Nechells, it's now much easier to find and reach thanks to its central location.<br />
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I was invited to dine here with a group of bloggers and press folk and upon arrival, was greeted with a welcome drink. My sparkling was swiftly swapped for a G&T (thanks guys!) and we gathered round to see the stunning display table that had been arranged for us.<br />
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After much oohing and ahhing at the intricate and delicate nature of many of the dishes and decorations, including the fanciful dim sum, we headed downstairs to the private dining room.<br />
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Arranged as a large circular table, the room is downstairs along with more karaoke rooms than you could ever imagine. With themed rooms including the K Pop room, the Buddha Bar and the Apres Room, there's a karaoke room for everyone!<br />
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Onto the meal itself. Meals were brought out to the table regularly and placed in the middle for us all to share. There were more dishes than I can even count, but according to the menu an incredible 35 plates came out even before the fruit and coffee.<br />
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The first dish to appear was the Steamed Fresh Scallop with garlic and glass noodles in shell followed by the King Prawn Summer Roll and Chicken and King Prawn Summer Roll, all of which were gluten free.<br />
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The menu was fantastic in that it was clearly labelled for Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian and Gluten Free diets.<br />
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There were plenty of dumplings (none of the others were gluten free as they were in wheat pastry) as well as Mixed Seafood Aubergine Towers, Fillet Steak with Black Truffle in Birds Nest, Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce, Stir Fried Crab with Garlic and Chilli and Chinese Green Gai Lan with Garlic and Shaoshing Wine.<br />
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The highlights for me were the dumplings, which were softly steamed and the Yuzu rice. Something which I'd never before experienced, the Yuzu rice was so delicious that by the end of the evening we all ended up eating it plain from the bowl; it was that good.<br />
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For the non gluten free diners, there was plenty of choice including Beef Ribs, Fresh Cream Egg Tarts, Roast Pork Buns and more.<br />
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Afterwards, there was karaoke and shots of something called Joybo, a Chinese liquor aimed at a younger market.<br />
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Dim Sum and fun? That'll be Wing Wah.<br />
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*Gifted meal courtesy of Paul Fulford and Wing Wah.<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-27978938933888432972019-02-28T15:31:00.001+00:002019-02-28T15:33:45.387+00:00Food Review: The Summer House Bar and Grill, Hall Green<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For the first time in a long time, I took a trip outside the city centre (where the food scene is still flourishing I'm happy to report) to try out the <a href="http://www.summerhousebarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">Summer House Bar and Grill</a>. Not on my usual patch, it's located in Hall Green. My sat nav got me there quickly enough and once I was on the right road, it was easy to find as it's helpfully lit up.<br />
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A large former pub that's been lovingly converted back in October 2018, there's also a rather good sized car park which makes life easier for all the drivers out there. </div>
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Stepping in from the car park, we first entered the pub area before moving further in towards the restaurant seating area. There's also another room at the back for live sports. The restaurant itself is comfortable, with quite a few tables, a bar and a view to the kitchen.</div>
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The menu is really diverse, with options from curry to Chinese and even classic pub, making sure you can avoid that awkward "where shall we eat" conversation.</div>
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For starters we ate the Tandoori King Prawns and Lamb Seekh Kebab. The lamb arrived sizzling and was juicy and tender, whilst the prawns were huge in size and expertly cut.</div>
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For mains, we ordered traditional curry since we'd had a sizzling lamb seekh for starters. I ordered a Chicken Biryani, which was such a big portion that I even got to enjoy it for lunch the next day. My dining partner had the Chicken Tikka Masala (sorry to be such a cliche!) and we shared a veggie dish of aloo as well as some plain rice.</div>
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Our mains were delicious, smooth, creamy sauces lapped up with plenty of rice for me and a naan bread for my companion (not gluten free). </div>
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The portion sizes were so plentiful, the restaurant offers real value for money in a very laid back, homely environment.</div>
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For anyone heading towards the area looking for a tasty pit-stop, The Summer House ticks all the boxes. In summer, the restaurant is even better thanks to the outdoor space and cleverly designed kitchen allowing service from indoors and outdoors. The owner was also there to greet us and was a wonderful warm host too. Overall? This is fast, friendly and great value dining that's relaxed with a family feel.</div>
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*Gifted meal. With thanks to <a href="http://www.summerhousebarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">The Summer House</a> and <a href="http://www.deliciouspr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Delicious PR</a> for the complimentary meal. </div>
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-63903021020516135912019-01-25T12:38:00.002+00:002019-01-25T12:38:59.869+00:00Food review: Fiesta Del Asado, Solihull<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Most foodies in Birmingham will have heard of Fiesta Del Asado, the Argentinian steak restaurant on the Hagley Road. What many people don't know however is that Fiesta Del Asado has a new little sister; <a href="https://fiestadelasado.co.uk/solihull/" target="_blank">Fiesta Del Asado</a> in Solihull.<br />
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On the main High Street in Shirley, this Fiesta Del Asado has a markedly different look and feel. Whilst both restaurants retain a masculine, dark wood interior, this site also has large windows and plenty of indoor foliage. </div>
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The Solihull restaurant also has a slightly different menu, with an after school family platter available for two adults and two children to share between 3pm and 5.30pm.<br />
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The space itself is also more varied and more accommodating to different group sizes and different types of diners. For example, the cosy window nooks are great for smaller or more intimate groups.</div>
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Onto the meal itself; we arrived and propped up the bar for a little while whilst we rounded up everyone's Christmas and New Year. I opted for a gin and tonic since I'm not doing Dry January. Just in case you were wondering why, it's because I don't go out much over Christmas anyway, so there seems little sense in it for me personally.<br />
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It will become apparent that I'm also not partaking in Veganuary. I'm gluten free already and lactose intolerant, although I try to pretend I'm not (cheese anyone?) and the thought of giving it all up for leaves and berries is not an appealing one. However, stranger things have happened so perhaps one day I'll give it a shot. Until then, I'm still on the meat bandwagon.</div>
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I digress. We made our way to a table with velvet covered bench seating on the balcony area. The interior is very spacious and wide open, unlike the nooks and crannies that can be found at the sister site.</div>
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We started off by ordering Padron peppers and olives, both of which had a kick. I tried not to eat too many as I knew what was coming next; steak.<br />
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I ordered the Marucha Flat Iron, a 20oz flat iron steak taken from the feather muscle, chuck and blade. I seem to remember hearing that this was a flavourful cut. We also ordered fries, pepper and squash asados and potato criolla to share.</div>
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My dining companion <a href="https://www.paulfulford.co.uk/" target="_blank">Paul Fulford</a> also ordered steak and Helen from <a href="http://www.positivefridays.com/" target="_blank">Positive Fridays</a> ordered the Chicken Parilla. </div>
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My steak was very big and very tasty, seasoned with a rub that I am dying to get the recipe for. I ordered this medium rare, as recommended, which worked well with this particular cut. It was by far and away the best steak I have eaten in a very long time, probably since having dined at the original Fiesta. As much as I love to eat steak, too often I find that I'm disappointed or that the piece I've been served is too tough even when served medium.</div>
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The chicken also went down well, and looked very well seasoned. </div>
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All of the accompaniments were delicious and I tried to steer myself away from the chips, as delicious as they were.<br />
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We ordered a main course each and skipped the starters and desserts. I would recommend this tactic if you're thinking of dining here and want to make the most of the delicious steaks on offer. As a gluten free diner, this makes a lot of sense as many of the starters and desserts are not suitable for a gluten free diet, with the exception of the chicken wings, padron peppers, olives and sausage.</div>
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The quality of the food is always exceptional at Fiesta Del Asado. As tempting as it is to go elsewhere and compromise on price, it always results in a compromise on taste.</div>
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A meal at Fiesta Del Asado is always special and never disappoints. For committed carnivores, the steak is always high quality and flavoursome, cooked just right to respect the cut and flavour of each steak. There are of course, other options on the menu, but when they do steak so well, it seems a shame to skip the star of the show.</div>
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*With thanks to Fiesta Del Asado for the complimentary meal. </div>
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-50761431450576909832018-12-10T08:30:00.000+00:002018-12-10T08:30:02.430+00:00Food Review: Aluna Birmingham New Menu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whilst there's plenty of choices when it comes to eating and drinking in <a href="https://www.mailboxlife.com/" target="_blank">The Mailbox</a>, Aluna is one of my favourites for the inventive cocktails, great service and smart but chilled vibe.<br />
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Many of you will know <a href="https://www.aluna.uk.com/" target="_blank">Aluna</a> as a cocktail bar, and whilst they've always offered food, they've upped their game big time with the arrival of the new food menu.</div>
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Designed by London consultancy Kinkou, the new menu features Asian fusion dishes inspired by the teams travels and training in London, New York and Shanghai. </div>
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Tempted to try more? I was treated to a first look at the new menu.</div>
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Arriving at the Canalside bar and restaurant, I headed straight to the bar and ordered a Flaming Ginberries (Beefeater, Hayman's Sloe, Blueberry, Cranberry and Lime) cocktail to get things started. Aluna is well known for it's expansive cocktail menu, so picking a drink is harder than you think.<br />
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I was then seated in a booth style table with a host of Birmingham's finest media stars. The staff came straight over to explain the menu, the difference between the small plates and large plates and how many to order of each. In the end, we decided to share many of the plates within smaller groups so we could all see and taste the new menu.<br />
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The new menu is split into appetisers; plates to share, small dishes, salads and sides meaning you have the option to either share or order individually.<br />
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Some of the plates to share we ordered were the Red Scallop Curry, Mitsuba Fillet Steak and Wasabi Lamb Chops.<br />
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We also ordered some small dishes including the Chilli Salt Squid, Pan Roasted Scallops, Spicy Chicken Wings and Tiger Prawn Cookies (not GF).<br />
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Sides included Skinny Fries, Sweet Potato Fries and Steamed Seasonal Vegetables (I ordered these in the interests of being healthy!)<br />
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The staff were really helpful when it came to checking what was gluten free, and although the menu is not marked, our server checked with the chef what I could and couldn't eat. Please bear in mind that I can eat soy sauce though!<br />
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My favourite dish from the above has got to be the Red Scallop Curry. Rich, creamy and full of balanced flavours including sweet and sour, this was an absolute showstopper. Everyone who tried it agreed it was delicious, so definitely try this if you do come in.<br />
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Next, the Mitsuba Fillet Steak and Wasabi Lamb Chops. Great quality meat, a little spicy seasoning and great cooking just the way I like it (pink please).<br />
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I also tried the Pan Roasted Scallops, which were perfectly translucent, plump and chargrilled to bring out the flavour, and Chilli Salt Squid, which had quite a kick.<br />
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Onto the desserts, the rest of the table ordered the Praline Mi-Cut and Lemon Ginger Cheesecake. The Praline looked incredible, with an oozing rich chocolatey nutty centre.<br />
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I ordered a French Martini for dessert, as you do.<br />
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Overall, I was really impressed with the new menu. I haven't eaten at Aluna before so although I can't compare, the new menu is exactly right for the venue. As stylish as their signature cocktails, these dishes are picture perfect, light enough or filling enough to be eaten with or without a drink and more importantly full of flavour.<br />
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I would happily come back to eat here and order a few meat and fish dishes, although I'd probably admit defeat on the vegetables next time!<br />
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Aluna has seriously upped its game on the food front, offering not just tempting cocktails, but food that wouldn't be out of place in the trendiest of London bars.<br />
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*With thanks to Aluna for the complimentary meal</div>
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-51428488931564858182018-10-09T11:30:00.000+01:002018-10-09T11:30:02.493+01:00Food Review: Three Church Road, Edgbaston<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What is Three Church Road, you may ask? Well, it's a bar and restaurant that's hiding a secret. Can you guess what it is?<br />
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Three Church Road is located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, a leafy and affluent area just outside of the city centre. This quiet, mainly residential area is home to Three Church Road within Audley St. George's Place Luxury Retirement Village. </div>
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That's right, you don't have to be grey to enjoy the luxurious surroundings at Three Church Road. An impressive Victorian building, the restaurant is housed in the hub of the village where there's also a swimming pool and gym that's available for non member use, a bar, private dining room and even a library.</div>
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Library</div>
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Each room has been beautifully decorated and has a character of it's own, from the pink bar bistro to the turquoise lounge. A popular spot for birthday's, anniversaries and baby showers, I popped in for an after work dinner. </div>
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Bar Seating</div>
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Private Dining Room</div>
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Making my way into the main restaurant, I was seated at a wooden table complete with fine cutlery and starched napkins; Nando's this is not.</div>
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Restaurant</div>
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As well as a fixed price menu with two courses for £17.95 and three courses for £21.95, there is an a la carte menu featuring classic British and European dishes such as Sausage and Mash, Duck Parfait and Ribeye Steak.</div>
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I love the fat that everything is clearly marked for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free, which made ordering easy.</div>
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To start, I ordered the Pied de Mouton Mushroom Risotto, fried quails egg, shallot ash (£7) whilst my companion ordered the Parma Ham wrapped Scallop, parsnip puree, vanilla butter (£11).</div>
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Arriving on a heavy round slate dish, the presentation was flawless, with onion dust to garnish. The presentation was world's away from what you'd expect from a risotto, but the taste was rich and flavoursome and the egg was an added bonus (what dish doesn't taste better with an egg on it?)</div>
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My main was Half Lobster, garlic butter, fries and salad. Again, the presentation was fabulous although the lobster was a little on the small side, but for £18 that's probably about right.</div>
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My dining companion went for the Roasted Hake, heritage tomatoes, broad beans, samphire, crab and caviar tortellini (£14.50).</div>
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By now, it was time for dessert, and whilst I opted for the artisan cheese selection, my companion ordered the Dark Chocolate Mousse, mango marshmallow, honeycomb (£6).</div>
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The cheese selection was pretty hefty, with a choice of five costing £2.95 for one, £6.75 for three and £9.95 for all five. Served with chutney and crackers, mine came with just the chutney and quince jam to make it gluten free.</div>
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Both desserts were fantastic, with the presentation of the chocolate mousse resembling a small garden, especially since it was served in a terracotta bowl. The cheeses were delicious, and with the tomato chutney and quince jam were fine without crackers, although I would have liked gluten free bread had it been available.</div>
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Not ready to stop, we also ordered cocktails. Mine was the Bakewell Tart, a very sweet treat to end my meal, followed by a black coffee to restore some balance.</div>
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I'd absolutely come back to Three Church Road, to try both the fixed price menu and the afternoon tea. A relaxed, refined environment, this is the place to bring the parents or grandparents for some serious brownie points. It's also a great spot for a special occasion, as there's plenty of rooms to choose from meaning you could enjoy a meal or some drinks in a semi-private environment.</div>
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The service was very attentive when we visited in the evening, and it was quiet enough to be able to unwind after a busy day at work. </div>
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Three Church Road is a great addition to Edgbaston. Full of quirky yet sophisticated design features, there's plenty of reasons to visit. </div>
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*With thanks to <a href="https://www.threechurchroad.co.uk/" target="_blank">Three Church Road</a> and <a href="http://www.deliciouspr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Delicious PR</a> for the complimentary meal. </div>
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-30685069719045198032018-09-01T11:10:00.003+01:002018-09-01T11:10:54.975+01:00Food review: Wok to Walk <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We Brummies are spoiled for choice when it comes to Chinese and Pan Asian food. There's a whole host of authentic restaurants and eateries to choose from, including <a href="https://www.woktowalk.com/uk/" target="_blank">Wok to Walk</a>.<br />
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Located on New Street, Wok to Walk is new to the city but big worldwide. With stores in London, Bristol and beyond, they're an international brand that's all the more distinctive for their bright orange boxes.<br />
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I rocked up after work to try out this new noodle bar. With a great central location, there's no denying the lunchtime and after work appeal of this place. With room inside to sit and eat at a bar and a full view of the flaming hot woks used to cook up every dish, it's welcoming and entertaining in here. With plenty of wood features there also the ability to charge your phone wirelessly or the old fashioned way.<br />
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Behind the counter, there are large menu boards explaining the Wok to Walk concept. Every single dish is made up fresh to order. At the bar, the deli style fridge shows you everything that's on offer, from meat to mushrooms, so that you can decide what to put in your bespoke box.<br />
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Diners first choose a base of noodle, grain or vegetable mix. There's plenty of options here from rice noodles to whole grain rice to make it as healthy as you like. Next, you can pick from part two of the menu, which covers meat, tofu and vegetables, each of which is individually priced and advised at no more than four. Finally, pick your sauce, all of which are free, and add toppings if you like for an additional fee.<br />
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The simplest option is a base and sauce, which comes in at a bargain price of £3.95 for a box stuffed full of healthy but filling options. Once you start to add meat and veg, the price goes up, but everything is clearly priced up.<br />
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The best part is that they're great for anyone with dietary requirements. Vegetarian? No Problem hold the meat. Vegan? Try to vegetables and rice. For me, this was great as I could create a dish that was perfect for me and there was plenty of dietary information around to help me make the right choice.<br />
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I picked a whole grain rice box with Koh Tao sauce (green curry) along with prawns, shitake mushrooms, pak choi, broccoli and bamboo shoots, topped off with coriander for colour. I added a bottle of Coke Zero (not so healthy I know) too.<br />
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Watching my dish being made up was great fun, as everything is portioned out using scoops that only touch one ingredient making it great for cross contamination control.<br />
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Your items are then put into a bowl and handed to the chef who cooks everything up super quickly on hot woks.<br />
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Finally, its put back into the box and ready to eat.<br />
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My portion was absolutely huge, and I was impressed from not just the cross contamination and dietary requirements side, but also from the portions which are more than generous. My meal was hot, filling and pretty spicy, making it perfect for a hearty meal on the go.<br />
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Overall, I'd highly recommend Wok to Walk. Fast, filling and fresh, don't forget to drop by the next time you're around.<br />
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*With thanks to Wok to Walk and <a href="https://eastvillageagency.com/" target="_blank">East Village</a> for the complimentary meal.<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-17178090568331298182018-08-19T17:26:00.000+01:002018-08-19T17:37:02.677+01:00Event: Birmingham Cocktail Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Cocktails in Birmingham are a big thing. We love a good tipple, and if it's not a gin (also big), then we Brummies tend to love a good cocktail or two.<br />
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<a href="http://birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk/" target="_blank">Birmingham Cocktail Weekend</a> happens every year, and is one for every cocktail lover's diary. For the price of a ticket, grab a wristband and flash it at the bar in any one of the establishments taking part in order to get yourself a bargain cocktail.<br />
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This year, the hub was located in the Mailbox, where ticket holders exchanged tickets for wristbands and got to try some cheeky gin samples from Edinburgh Gin, the main sponsors of the event.<br />
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From then on in, you're free to wander to any of the 40 venues and try out their especially created cocktails for #BCW2018. In true sleuth style, although pictures of the cocktails are released, you'll have to rock up at the bar to find out what's on offer at each venue keeping it fun and full of surprises.<br />
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Cocktails this year were just £4 at each venue, making it an accessible event for all.<br />
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Here are some of the cocktails I enjoyed this year:<br />
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Chuny Ying Central - Hachiko</div>
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Harvey Nichols - The Somerville Spritz</div>
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Malmaison - Fleur De Mal</div>
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My favourite cocktail was at Harvey Nichols, where it came served with a marshmallow to keep those hunger pains at bay. Sadly I didn't try all 40 cocktails but there's always next year and I only need to beat this year's record of three!<br />
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There are also a host of events every year which sell out fast so sadly I couldn't attend. These included masterclasses on everything from Whisky to Tanqueray and even a Chambord Afternoon Tea. Be sure to book tickets for these quickly.<br />
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You can find out more about Cocktail Weekend here, and it's not too early to book this in the diary as the dates have already been released for Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2019. See you there!<br />
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*With thanks to Birmingham Cocktail Weekend and <a href="https://eastvillageagency.com/" target="_blank">East Village PR</a> for the complimentary tickets.<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-90136569353880556492018-07-05T10:51:00.001+01:002018-07-05T10:51:26.825+01:00Food Review: Jailbird New York Seafood and Steak<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nosh and Quaff is no more! But have no fear, <a href="http://thejailbird.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jailbird</a> is here. Still part of the Lasan family, Jailbird has taken over what was once Nosh and Quaff on the corner of Colmore Row, staring at the back of the Floozy in the Jacuzzi.<br />
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Reimagined as a New York Seafood and Steak restaurant, I was invited to try it out for myself in some delightful company.<br />
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The ground floor has been completely reimagined, with the focus now on creating a bar lounge complete with a large bar and booth seating. The bar itself has moved away from the right hand side by the entrance and onto the left hand wall. The upstairs is now more of a dining space, flipping things around from before.<br />
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We were welcomed at the bar and offered a cocktail. The bar team whipped up something brand new for me, based on preferences for citrus and a little sweetness. I personally love it when a bar team is allowed to exercise their creative muscles, so this was good to see.<br />
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Upstairs, we took in the new look space, complete with quirky features and a decidedly green theme complete with plenty of plants.<br />
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Our table was wooden and roomy, whilst the seats were plush and comfortable; a good thing considering it may take you a little while to get through the gigantic steaks on offer.<br />
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As my fellow diners were browsing the menu, they were offered Bread and Cheese (£5.50), although this was sadly not gluten free. I had a feeling I wouldn't mind once I'd clocked that the smallest steak on the menu is a mere 16oz! Interestingly, between visiting and writing this review, the menu online now includes smaller 6oz, 8oz and 14oz steak options.<br />
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Spoilt for choice since I adore both seafood and steak, I opted for a seafood starter and steak main, although I had seriously considered the whole lobster.<br />
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I chose the Black Risotto with Prawns (£8.95), although the Black Risotto with Confit Black Garlic was also available for vegetarians.<br />
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My starter was absolutely divine; creamy black rice risotto infused with rich butter, topped off with juicy, succulent prawns. I tried the non prawn version too, and this was also delicious and well worth ordering as either a starter or main. Another diner had ordered the Scallops'n'Bacon, one of the most popular dishes on the menu, which also looked succulent.<br />
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Onto the mains, I decided to try the 16oz Flat Iron Steak (£26), which comes served with Thick Seasoned Hand Cut Chips.<br />
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Believe it or not, I've never ordered a 16oz steak, but when it came to the table I was seriously impressed by the size of it! Although I did eat almost all of it, most people would probably struggle which is why I'm glad to see there are now smaller sizes available. The taste was good, with a lovely glaze on top to add flavour. The chips were absolutely huge, and could perhaps be cut down. I would also recommend ordering something green such as the Creamed Kale with it to add some variety to the dish.<br />
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If you're not one for steak, I would recommend the Black Risotto as a main or perhaps the Flat Iron Chicken or Whole Lobster if you've come with an appetite. <br />
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By now, dessert was definitely off the menu, but there were plenty of options including Coconut Panna Cotta and Ice Cream for gluten free diners, or Cherry Sponge, Chocolate Tart and Banana Mess if not.<br />
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There are also some dessert wines and port if you prefer to round off your meal with a little bit of something sweet in liquid form.<br />
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The new Jailbird is a sophisticated dining spot that commands attention. Conveniently placed for the business district and Snow Hill station, it's a spot for both drinking and dining with an air of old world sophistication. Meals here don't come cheap, but neither would you expect them to considering the steak is sourced from the same supplier as <a href="http://fiestadelasado.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fiesta Del Asado</a>. The portions are exceptionally large in true American style and the service throughout was good. If you're looking for a slap up meal, somewhere special to celebrate or to impress on a date, Jailbird is a great choice.<br />
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*With thanks to Jailbird and <a href="https://www.paulfulford.co.uk/" target="_blank">Paul Fulford</a> for the (huge!) complimentary meal. </div>
Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-69737783626511159522018-06-26T08:30:00.000+01:002018-06-26T08:30:15.615+01:00Food Review: Don Diego Edgbaston <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tucked away opposite the White Swan is Chad Square in Edgbaston, near the border with Harborne. Home to a few small shops, this is where you'll find Don Diego restaurant.<div>
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A family run restaurant serving up Spanish food, run by two Spanish brothers, the restaurant bills itself as serving "well balanced, sunny flavours with a focus on basic quality ingredients and beautifully presented colourful food."</div>
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I headed to the restaurant with a Spanish friend to put them to the test.</div>
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Ready to welcome me before I'd even headed to the door, I was busy snapping pictures of the exterior when I was greeted by one of the owners.</div>
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The restaurant itself is quite small, with mostly small tables for two and four and velvet sofa seating around the outside. The decor features quirky picture printed wallpaper, red velvet seating and ornate mirrors.</div>
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We took our seats and ordered drinks. My dining partner opted for a traditional Alhambra Beer, whilst I had a Gin and Tonic. These arrived super quick, and we ordered some Manzilla Olives (£2.50) to nibble on as my dining partner assured me they are known for their quality. </div>
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For starters, I picked the Smoked Salmon, Red Onions, Lemon Olive Oil (£6.50) and my companion ordered a rustic dish of Rice Black Pudding, Piquillo Peppers and Brava Sauce (£5.95). </div>
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My salmon was a very simple dish of smoked salmon presented well on the plate, with very little else. The flesh however was fresh and sang once covered in lemon juice. </div>
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The peppers came in a spicy tomato sauce, with the sweet exterior housing a well cooked soft filling. </div>
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Our main courses were both fishy, with my dining companion picking the special Octopus Leg Roasted in Paprika Olive Oil (£17.95) and I had the King Prawns, Chillies, Garlic Lobster Bisque (£17.95).</div>
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The octopus is a beautiful dish to behold, presented so strikingly that it's become quite iconic in these parts. It was smoky, soft, tender and not at all rubbery.</div>
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My prawns were spicy but extremely juicy, and the sauce was delicious with the sides of Patatas Bravas and Vegetables. The potatoes were clearly boiled and then fried, which gave them both a good flavour and crispy texture. </div>
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Wanting to try some authentic Spanish desserts, we also shared the Whiskey Chocolate Semifredo, Berries Dressing (£5.95) and Santiago Almond Tart, Apricot Puree (£5.95). I was suprrised that there was so much choice for a gluten free diner, as so often we're overlooked when it comes to dessert. I was shocked to hear that the Almond Tart doesn't include any flour, and is made from ground almonds, egg white and sugar. This made a delicious sweet treat and I'm so glad we ordered this dessert from the North of Spain. The semifredo was also delicious, sweet, creamy with a little fruit coulis to add to it. </div>
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Don Diego is a traditional family run Spanish restaurant, something that can be difficult to find. As a cuisine, it can be hard to find amongst the hoards of Italian's serving pizza and pasta. With rustic charm and a real sense of authenticity, the food quality meant it was a thumbs up from me and my Spanish friend.</div>
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*With thanks to <a href="http://www.dondiego.co.uk/" target="_blank">Don Diego</a> and <a href="https://eastvillageagency.com/" target="_blank">East Village PR</a> for the complimentary meal.</div>
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-7685773376624454192018-06-22T08:30:00.000+01:002018-06-22T23:22:27.146+01:00Food Review: Smokey Barrels Birmingham <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The American Smoke House is a restaurant trend that you may well have heard of, offering meaty dishes of ribs, burgers and brisket alongside slaw and more.<br />
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<a href="https://smokeybarrels.com/" target="_blank">Smokey Barrels</a> has opened near Birmingham on the Coventry Road and I was lucky enough to be able to make a visit.<br />
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Located outside of the city centre in Yardley, the restaurant itself is impossible to miss and clearly signposted from the main road.</div>
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With plenty of parking, I parked up by the door (always a bonus) and headed in. The inside of the restaurant heavily features wood, staying true to the American Smoke House theme. With a large bar and a mix of seating from high tables, to booths and banqueting tables, there's plenty of options.<br />
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We headed to a high table and had a look at the menu. There's plenty of platters, starters and mains to choose from, including everything from fajitas to salmon skewers if Smoke House isn't your thing.<br />
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I opted for the Cajun Prawn Skewers (£5.95) and Smoked Beef Brisket (£13.50). My dining companion opted for the Halloumi and Red Pepper Skewers (£5.95) and Half Slab of Texan Glazed Ribs (£13.95).<br />
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Everything arrives smoking hot and by smoking, I really do mean smoking! The food arrived at the table fairly quickly, and love them or hate them, there was plentiful use of wooden boards.<br />
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The starters were tasty and a good sized portion. I enjoyed my prawns and they were cooked and seasoned well. I really felt that this starter in particular offered good value for money.<br />
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Onto the mains, just check out the size of our plates! Both the ribs and brisket arrived in plentiful portions. Both dishes came wish sides as standard, so for the ribs this looked like skin on fries, grilled corn and BBQ pit beans. For my brisket, this included skin on fries, slaw and pickles.<br />
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My beef came with a little sauce, and I asked for some extra as it was a) tasty and b) added some moisture to the meat. The slaw and pickles were delicious too and it was good to see so many sides included as standard, especially as it was a change from the usual mash or salad option.<br />
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My dining companion enjoyed her ribs, although was a little defeated by the size of them! She also enjoyed her sides.<br />
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Although we were too full for dessert, there are some tasty looking options available including Chocolate and Peanut Butter Slice, Caramel Cookie Crunch and Doughnut Dippers. Sadly, none of these are gluten free but I definitely didn't leave hungry.<br />
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We were also treated to a peek at the in house smoker, where everything is smoked on site.<br />
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Smokey Barrels is a themed restaurant. Great for families with plenty of space inside and out, it's a convenient spot for a slap up meal. The starters and mains are a good sides portion, and to be honest, you could happily enjoy just a main course and not feel like you'd missed out because of the sides that are included with the dish. This makes the main courses in particular great value.<br />
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The service was friendly throughout, and our waiter was really helpful when it came to catering for my gluten free diet. He was more than happy to check with the kitchen and confirm what was and wasn't suitable and importantly, why, proving the staff know what goes into each dish.<br />
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Overall, Smokey Barrels is a fun family friendly restaurant with sizeable portions and a friendly team.<br />
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*With thanks to Smokey Barrels and <a href="http://www.deliciouspr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Delicious PR</a> for the complimentary meal.<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-22945974290802935942018-06-12T08:30:00.000+01:002018-06-12T10:15:19.864+01:00Food Review: Primitivo Birmingham's new breakfast menu <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Primitivo has a long history in the city of Birmingham. A favourite of city boys and bankers, the establishment will celebrate it's 21st birthday in August.<br />
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Known as a spot for after work drinks and boozy lunches, what it's not known for is breakfast; until now. Just launched, <a href="http://primitivo-birmingham.co.uk/" target="_blank">Primitivo</a> is now serving breakfasts on weekdays from 8am by booking. Will this bar's breakfasts hold up?<br />
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Right in the heart of the business district, Primitivo or 'Prim's' as it is affectionately known, is handily close to Snow Hill station on Barwick Street.<br />
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Serving up champers and beer on weekday evening's (they're closed on weekends), they're opening early to fill bellies and glasses.<br />
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I arrived early on Saturday morning and joined a table full of fellow bloggers. I declined the offer of champagne and sipped tea instead. I was pleasantly surprised to see there are a number of gluten free options on the menu, including gluten free toast in place of an English muffin in the Eggs Benedict and a Rosti, Egg and Mushroom dish that is naturally gluten free. I opted for the Rosti (£7.95) as I thought perhaps you've seen enough Eggs Benedict on here for a while.<br />
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The others indulged in a few croissants too (£2.95), and I was generously furnished with gluten free toast and preserves to start (£1.95).<br />
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Onto the main event, the potato rosti arrived topped with a huge portobello mushroom, poached egg and a glorious hollandaise sauce. The portion was very generous and the hollandaise was unlike any other I've ever tried (I think there was some additional cheese in here).<br />
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The others went for the Full English, a steal at £8.95. The price of the dishes is well worth mentioning. Compared to so many other brunch spots, the menu is very keenly priced, and my rosti was worth at least £7.95 if not more for such a well crafted, freshly prepared dish.<br />
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Although the menu is small, it is indeed perfectly formed. My rosti dish was something that I have not tried elsewhere, and I would gladly have this again on any day of the week.<br />
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Whilst we were there, we were introduced to not just the chefs, but also the owners and team. The feeling was very much of family, and we were warmly welcomed and treated as friends.<br />
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Primitivo has almost legendary status in Birmingham. Guests are welcomed and treated like family, and there lies the secret to it's success. The bar and eatery is there to look after its patrons and this is something that shows in the food, drink and hospitality.<br />
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If you're looking for a regular drinking spot in Birmingham, Primitivo could just hit the spot.<br />
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*With thanks to Primitivo and <a href="https://www.paulfulford.co.uk/" target="_blank">Paul Fulford</a> for the invitation.<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-11173291308127060872018-05-31T08:30:00.000+01:002018-05-31T08:30:08.759+01:00My laser hair removal experience at LA Skin Harborne <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Unless you're one of the lucky few, you may well have considered hair removal before. For many, the dream of having hair free legs, arms or underarms and slipping into a summer sundress without worrying about shaving or waxing is a very real one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrinBiR21zZW0HscvrBb0fdyNfS8C5ir1ZXoeFAKwfw_gJYfGXh7itLqXCK31N2baWHsr9f87uy4i_-mkwiLUfzgqMKMNOZIL5Uee9-wP27sZmwVmdmJVbWQudq8dRDkUllhy35F9b9I/s1600/LASkinHarborneLogoBellaRobotUKBeautyBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrinBiR21zZW0HscvrBb0fdyNfS8C5ir1ZXoeFAKwfw_gJYfGXh7itLqXCK31N2baWHsr9f87uy4i_-mkwiLUfzgqMKMNOZIL5Uee9-wP27sZmwVmdmJVbWQudq8dRDkUllhy35F9b9I/s400/LASkinHarborneLogoBellaRobotUKBeautyBlog.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I was lucky enough to be invited to try out a course of three laser hair removal sessions at LA Skin, Harborne. At <a href="http://www.la-skin.co.uk/" target="_blank">LA Skin</a>, they use Soprano Ice Platinum, the most advanced laser hair removal machine available on the market. The machine uses three different wavelengths to target the hair at three depths, making it more effective than other machines which use just one. It also makes is suitable for use on more skin types including darker skins. Described as virtually pain free, a special cooling gel is applied to keep the skin cool and comfortable during treatment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVK0uxvhjX_nOZlfy8SFPcDBc-eN7m6go1J6tD5ZthEBSAbmt6Uiqvc1ge_uRKC5bmA0SC9WXkTs37ss2bJ5M6R52BOxce5-sJUIt2anHM04myeKFnrCFWZ1HmL3L3tPaszjTBq7yoc0/s1600/LASkinHarborneSopranoIcePlatinumMachineLogoBellaRobotUKBeautyBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVK0uxvhjX_nOZlfy8SFPcDBc-eN7m6go1J6tD5ZthEBSAbmt6Uiqvc1ge_uRKC5bmA0SC9WXkTs37ss2bJ5M6R52BOxce5-sJUIt2anHM04myeKFnrCFWZ1HmL3L3tPaszjTBq7yoc0/s400/LASkinHarborneSopranoIcePlatinumMachineLogoBellaRobotUKBeautyBlog.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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A course of six treatments is usually recommended, because hair grows in cycles and only 10-15% of hair is in the growing cycle at any one time.<br />
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I'll be posting throughout the experience and keeping you updated on my progress, but for now, here's my first thoughts.<br />
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Located in Harborne, I parked up and headed to Knightlow Fitness Studio where the clinic is based and was welcomed by Poonam.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbD3V7f6KRiHJksm350_76lTR6YjCFvJmw0Yvu8o8wgi3DU7vjQdT8OkN-StX5qr4tcR-ExKCjA6Cpu2w6t4RFQQ1wLwBJPdkqhCg95o_-NCIuPk2q1GR6h5YDkCRaHTw161vjGnXi9bg/s1600/IMG_0791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbD3V7f6KRiHJksm350_76lTR6YjCFvJmw0Yvu8o8wgi3DU7vjQdT8OkN-StX5qr4tcR-ExKCjA6Cpu2w6t4RFQQ1wLwBJPdkqhCg95o_-NCIuPk2q1GR6h5YDkCRaHTw161vjGnXi9bg/s320/IMG_0791.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30-FAqlwDtl3QV0G9fcRXPcdRy1AkSVR33aDiMBcbfE8WWwG2VBc_NIEXaXIghFUGAFQGbu6J3eDhMhaxFQBCywVQDHh54lMhyphenhyphenhP8uNXADCD8WQb1Wl86HXVGXrSpRLhZjCrSlAt3Zvk/s1600/IMG_0793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30-FAqlwDtl3QV0G9fcRXPcdRy1AkSVR33aDiMBcbfE8WWwG2VBc_NIEXaXIghFUGAFQGbu6J3eDhMhaxFQBCywVQDHh54lMhyphenhyphenhP8uNXADCD8WQb1Wl86HXVGXrSpRLhZjCrSlAt3Zvk/s320/IMG_0793.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Heading upstairs, the treatment took place in a calming space that looked like any other beauty therapy room; clean, serene and dotted with candles and calming trinkets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYYcwB0PPt33n76FasnVspB71N1H_SletyRpgQOVYQHCyrLLKcNTeG0lEK4mjYA9HSKTDnP6JqI-CsXusuYM__Lb3atO52c7wI5blbiQu1XrceTTgqCVVcoxsR2wwtkhv7o1tKTbZ5vo/s1600/LASkinHarborneTreatmentBellaRobotUKBeautyBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYYcwB0PPt33n76FasnVspB71N1H_SletyRpgQOVYQHCyrLLKcNTeG0lEK4mjYA9HSKTDnP6JqI-CsXusuYM__Lb3atO52c7wI5blbiQu1XrceTTgqCVVcoxsR2wwtkhv7o1tKTbZ5vo/s320/LASkinHarborneTreatmentBellaRobotUKBeautyBlog.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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After chatting to Poonam, I filled in the consultation form which asked for some details around my health to check my suitability for treatment and headed to the couch. I decided to treat my underarms and after turning on the machine, Poonam applied gel to the area and decked me out in a visor. The machine head was then run over my underarms in a series of quick movements and the whole process took minutes. Although it did feel warm, I can honestly say I didn't feel any pain at all. The process was repeated on the other side and after the gel was removed, that was the end of the treatment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmDO6lZlgRzQfIssYJ-4wlYR_Dxd7j9IC4cyccyjdMwvFDvmWF_cIDl4GrRopWeBrjXxhQ5NgM4oaiDBc5UBTgK6NXOdSSHPSLunnrKSvAgxbuTvx_IUKk4eTj9fO7rrtmoNAZrwu9r8/s1600/LASkinHarborneUnderarmBeforeLogoBellaRobotUKBeautyBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmDO6lZlgRzQfIssYJ-4wlYR_Dxd7j9IC4cyccyjdMwvFDvmWF_cIDl4GrRopWeBrjXxhQ5NgM4oaiDBc5UBTgK6NXOdSSHPSLunnrKSvAgxbuTvx_IUKk4eTj9fO7rrtmoNAZrwu9r8/s320/LASkinHarborneUnderarmBeforeLogoBellaRobotUKBeautyBlog.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The whole process was quick, easy and pain free. I booked in for my next treatment four weeks later, and really look forward to seeing a difference between the first and third session.<br />
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Have any of you tried laser hair removal? How did you get on?<br />
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*With thanks to LA Skin for the complimentary treatment </div>
Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-34802555274805422072018-05-21T08:30:00.000+01:002018-05-23T09:37:10.962+01:00Food Review: Brunch at The Ivy, Temple Row, Birmingham<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The opening of <a href="https://theivybirmingham.com/" target="_blank">The Ivy</a>, Birmingham, is one of the most
exciting to happen in the city this year.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Located on the former Louis Vuitton site overlooking the
Cathedral and park, we’ve been longing for the opening of those iconic green
doors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdruDmBW4yKxfkMEPZvSZ0TeytO0xFnVdrUhkosrUuPmbXu1DhmYIb4L_YFW4HLQr-gpBMBLqGSC2n9JxAxrD6QYePJF7biIk0JMDmSsHMY-HYa8cEGvN-TyEVfCJch4ctcHSRSd-o72c/s1600/TheIvyBirminghamExteriorBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1309" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdruDmBW4yKxfkMEPZvSZ0TeytO0xFnVdrUhkosrUuPmbXu1DhmYIb4L_YFW4HLQr-gpBMBLqGSC2n9JxAxrD6QYePJF7biIk0JMDmSsHMY-HYa8cEGvN-TyEVfCJch4ctcHSRSd-o72c/s640/TheIvyBirminghamExteriorBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" width="521" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was invited to an exclusive blogger brunch in the private
dining room, the Spencer Room on the opening weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Walking into the reception area, guests are greeted in the
hallway before being able to pass through to the main restaurant. Here, you’ll
be given a wait time or told if you can head straight through.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The bar is the first thing you’ll notice, a chic little
hotspot for cheeky drinks and rendezvous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x5PZeO7_u2etrgnfzhxmBgbwNRRytOO_QDWVpRq4cps7qP5ppHLXgin8U4C6HuhvcizU6VQOC_pR-2EYz0JhREsC6ti8PQ5nuHFDspDZrxb9Xrlqfb3RwjN_o1Kbi8xrE5mRxF6O2ZU/s1600/TheIvyBirminghamBarBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x5PZeO7_u2etrgnfzhxmBgbwNRRytOO_QDWVpRq4cps7qP5ppHLXgin8U4C6HuhvcizU6VQOC_pR-2EYz0JhREsC6ti8PQ5nuHFDspDZrxb9Xrlqfb3RwjN_o1Kbi8xrE5mRxF6O2ZU/s640/TheIvyBirminghamBarBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSXFyBwnl21W8-XbZdoQJBDDShtYqn-1ukEBZV_DtOsiMGu4Tj94Zhqt-32UbX0z4zxvLDEF8gzVsBBVOAUFTbIYvUGDjDR_tEQS_ZkTcSvFwr3DqOcwOgpaAuGuxhS6FD0bFds6ujXc/s1600/TheIvyBirminghamBarCornerBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSXFyBwnl21W8-XbZdoQJBDDShtYqn-1ukEBZV_DtOsiMGu4Tj94Zhqt-32UbX0z4zxvLDEF8gzVsBBVOAUFTbIYvUGDjDR_tEQS_ZkTcSvFwr3DqOcwOgpaAuGuxhS6FD0bFds6ujXc/s640/TheIvyBirminghamBarCornerBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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From here, there is a ground floor seating area, leading up
to a mezzanine space, which overlooks Fumo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAGCTHQRT-1Wa__szkS2oLiRBhNM_xSCIy-orouc2hRSBBm9OJ6D6hf4Qt_8xoI3UpPYc6lYC-5r189y270QULWAKdyXd0cTcK4OaYNMBmjit-MB3RKWsITqn1zZLVCS23XYVaBOk1bQ/s1600/TheIvyBirminghamBoothBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAGCTHQRT-1Wa__szkS2oLiRBhNM_xSCIy-orouc2hRSBBm9OJ6D6hf4Qt_8xoI3UpPYc6lYC-5r189y270QULWAKdyXd0cTcK4OaYNMBmjit-MB3RKWsITqn1zZLVCS23XYVaBOk1bQ/s640/TheIvyBirminghamBoothBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you continue up the stairs, you’ll find the private
dining room. Beautifully laid out and ready to host any number of formal
occasions and celebrations, the room is large enough to seat around 20 guests.
The corner houses a very photo ready backdrop of a large palm, two stunning
blue velvet chairs and a side table. The walls are adorned with botanical art,
mirroring the lush green of the park it overlooks. The lighting is spectacular,
overflowing with natural light from the windows.</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq1X1BtAotle9vtiNuDHXme1d7nTxGNdbqArI9xEu_7pY8UDrrQIjcs8pPWSQojJ8B4YLO2p9dTmB8e2KUpCmALtQXvl1OC1HuOeVTtycAT8Cq0fCHMLb3HRoEn3jhLugJq7v67knTto/s1600/TheIvyBirminghamChairBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq1X1BtAotle9vtiNuDHXme1d7nTxGNdbqArI9xEu_7pY8UDrrQIjcs8pPWSQojJ8B4YLO2p9dTmB8e2KUpCmALtQXvl1OC1HuOeVTtycAT8Cq0fCHMLb3HRoEn3jhLugJq7v67knTto/s640/TheIvyBirminghamChairBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Onto the food and service, as soon as I sat down I was
attended to with an offer of a drink. Between Beet It Juice (beetroot, carrot
and apple) and Green Juice (avocado, mint, celery, spinach, apple and parley),
I chose the former.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmzTCVYRWi25cYzuybAD4J0VsYnQw2Y8qyxKqipQheXIF_fnfXINRlb_jTA4W2bglDZxMzPTx5pSl757lekj3KdWxRAifrVxq_W4tD7loL24tIRXC-CATY2VyS7vywSLfV_UJtZCtXWQ/s1600/TheIvyBirminghamBeetJuiceBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmzTCVYRWi25cYzuybAD4J0VsYnQw2Y8qyxKqipQheXIF_fnfXINRlb_jTA4W2bglDZxMzPTx5pSl757lekj3KdWxRAifrVxq_W4tD7loL24tIRXC-CATY2VyS7vywSLfV_UJtZCtXWQ/s640/TheIvyBirminghamBeetJuiceBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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There was also a selection of pastries, which I declined on
the basis that they weren’t gluten free, but I did enjoy some tea whilst I
picked from the menu.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_vYlwggRPq6EShbJzgAFsLtnMzilci8aYAsGPJMXKF_hpSdzlIqsRkbk-kVGPzJ3pQybBzQH2efg-RhgSQW7mM-jcSOiu3B_NUXwVnUucXmK-9Q3aYr20KMN19QjsZvGwbnRdW6_ROc/s1600/TheIvyBirminghamSettingBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1401" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_vYlwggRPq6EShbJzgAFsLtnMzilci8aYAsGPJMXKF_hpSdzlIqsRkbk-kVGPzJ3pQybBzQH2efg-RhgSQW7mM-jcSOiu3B_NUXwVnUucXmK-9Q3aYr20KMN19QjsZvGwbnRdW6_ROc/s640/TheIvyBirminghamSettingBellaRobotUKGlutenFreeFoodBlog.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
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We were offered a selection of treats from the breakfast
menu, including hot buttermilk pancakes, avocado tomato and sesame on toast,
eggs royale, eggs benedict, avocado on toast or coconut yoghurt with berries.
Had I been in the mood to count calories, I should have opted for the yoghurt.
However, I picked the Eggs Royale on gluten free toast instead. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Everything miraculously arrived at the same time, and was
gracefully served to the table so that we could start papping each others meals
quickly before eventually digging in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My Eggs Royale did of course look different to everyone
else’s as it came on gluten free toast and not a muffin. It was however,
delicious. The salmon was fresh and plentiful and the Hollandaise sauce was
tasty but not too heavy or overpowering. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We then had an opportunity to sit and chat around the large
table, and make use of the beautiful lighting to take pictures by the window
and in the “made for instagram” chair corner!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Overall, I cannot fault the service and experience at The
Ivy, Birmingham. The service was polite but friendly, and exceptionally
professional. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The food itself was good quality and not at all overpriced
compared to what you’d expect to pay for a similar meal in any of the city’s
many brunch spots.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For me, the stand out element of The Ivy is not just the
perfect service, but the beautiful interior. I would describe it as an Art Deco
jungle, with metalwork, art and plenty of greenery, it’s a very chic jungle in
there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I can’t wait to go back, in fact, I already have. <o:p></o:p></div>
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*With thanks to <a href="https://www.rewiredpr.com/" target="_blank">Rewired PR </a>and The Ivy for the complimentary
meal</div>
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-32981520447594442102018-05-03T17:05:00.000+01:002018-05-03T17:05:06.821+01:00Food Review: Itihaas Indian, Birmingham<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Itihaas has a reputation as one of Birmingham's best Indian restaurants. Situated on Fleet Street, right in between the city centre and the Jewellery Quarter, the restaurant has a prime corner position.<div>
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Although I have been here once before, and still lament the loss of <a href="https://www.itihaas.co.uk/" target="_blank">Itihaas</a>'s Selfridges Birmingham outpost, I was invited back to try out the new menu with a host of Birmingham Bloggers for a feast fit for royalty.</div>
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We were lucky enough to visit on a fairly sunny day, and we met at the reception where there are plenty of plush leather sofas to lounge on and drinks ready and waiting to be served at the bar. I was taken by this giant bottle of Chivas Regal, and realised quite quickly that they have a plentiful selection of whisky available.</div>
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Moving downstairs, which happens to be where the private dining area is located, we sat in the main restaurant banqueting style. Before we did so however, we were treated to plenty of canapes such as Lamb Parantha, Alloo Tikki Channa Chaat and Salmon and Goat's Cheese Samosa. Unfortunately, none of these options were gluten free, but the staff were incredibly kind in making me my very own canapes that were gluten free! I really didn't expect the team to go to so much trouble for nibbles, especially since we were about to sit down and eat, which just goes to show how excellent the staff and service is at Itihaas.</div>
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We were also able to sample a delicious grape based cocktail.</div>
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Onto the meal, we took our seats and were regaled with stories of rum and brandy by Yves, the drinks ambassador.</div>
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The Soft Shell Crab Pakora appetiser was quickly brought out, but sadly was not gluten free. Instead, I was served Chicken Tikka and Lamb Chops, a meat lovers paradise! The chicken pieces were huge, nicely browned at the edges, soft and juicy, and served with a lovely Raita. The Lamb was again, charred at the edges to bring out the flavour, and still soft inside. This was served with our first drink, Bonpland Rouge VSOP Rum over ice.</div>
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Next, onto the actual starter. For everyone else, this was a Reshmi Lamb Tikka, Chargrilled Salmon Fillet and Salmon and Seabass Fish Cake Tikki. For me however this was a Chargrilled Butterflied King Prawn, Chargrilled Paneer and Lamb Sheesh. Again, the Prawn was a huge size, as were all of the portions! The flavours were all chargrilled, which I prefer as it adds some depth, and the lamb was again, soft and tender. The flavours were spicier than I was anticipating, but not enough to overpower.</div>
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The main course was served at the table, with plates and plates of food arriving at the same time. First up, the Chicken Biryani, served with a choice of three dips, raita, chutney and a onion and tomato raita, ceremonially served in a silver pan. Next up was the Jaipur Lamb Tikka, Methi Murgh Mirch, Goan Lobster Curry and Tandoori Soya Tikka Masala. This was all served with Truffle Oil and Poppy Seed Naan and Chilli Naan.</div>
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Again, my gluten free meal was slightly different, with a different Chicken Biryani brought out to the table along with a chicken curry and lamb curry. The cocktail of choice that was served alongside the main course was an Old Fashioned JM style using JM VSOP rum and JM Shrubb orange liqueur. This was delicious and I'd definitely order it again. </div>
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Of all the gluten free dishes, the Biryani was my absolute favourite. I could eat this every day, it's not too heavy, but full of flavour and a mix of meat and rice, making it a whole meal in one dish. </div>
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Finally, it was time for dessert. For the others, this was a choice of a very unusual Gajar Halwa Cheese Cake or Mango Colada Slice. For me, this was my absolute favourite Indian dessert, a classic Gajar Halwa. Nobody else seems to like this dessert, but for me, it's just the right amount of sweet with a great texture that's not too smooth and not too crunchy.</div>
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Overall, I was impressed with everything from the food to the service at Itihaas. The hospitality here is always spot on, with a warm welcome and a "nothing it too difficult" attitude that makes dining a delight, especially if you have dietary requirements.</div>
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Would I come back again? Absolutely! I'd come back for my two favourite dishes, a Biryani and Gajar Halwa dessert, washed down with a cheeky whisky.</div>
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*With thanks to Itihaas restaurant and <a href="http://www.deliciouspr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Delicious PR</a> for the complimentary meal. </div>
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-28179604752460799732018-04-24T10:11:00.001+01:002018-04-24T11:00:50.024+01:00Food Review: Rola Wala, Selfridges Birmingham<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Rola Wala is a small but perfectly formed collection of four restaurants across the UK. Offering Twisted Indian food, the Birmingham outpost opened a few months back in Selfridges, Bullring.<br />
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Started up by Mark Wright after a life changing trip to India, <a href="https://rolawala.com/" target="_blank">Rola Wala</a> was set up with a mission to ignite spaces everywhere with incredible Indian flavours.<br />
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Taking my seat at the table with <a href="http://www.thetingthing.com/" target="_blank">Ting</a> and <a href="http://www.nutellatasha.com/" target="_blank">Tasha</a>, both of whom are vegan, we were given a full run through of the menu, with detailed explanations of every ingredient and flavour in each dish, along with some bonus facts around the suppliers they use.<br />
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With a focus on serving up Indian dishes with a twist, the menu is simple and easy to use. Every dish is available as either a bowl or wrap, and can be served on its own or with two sides.<br />
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Since both my dining companions opted for the Saag Wala bowl, I went for the Paneer bowl as the naan wrap option is not suitable for Gluten Free diners. Marinated in masala mix for 12 hours, I expected to be served something full of flavour; I was not disappointed.<br />
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Saag Bowl and Wrap </div>
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Every dish can be served as either a bowl or wrap, with two sides or without, with a choice of heat from mild (Pear and Tamarind, Mango Lime and Ginger and Mint Lime and Pineapple) to spicy Tomato and Naga Chilli, The Scorpion.<br />
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I picked the Chargrilled Paneer, Mango Lime and Ginger and we shared a selection of sides including the Avo Chaat Salad, Rola's String Fries, Kashmiri Cauliflower Popcorn, Red Channa Dal and the Sourdough Naan (I didn't eat the naan). The dish alone as a bowl or wrap is £6.95 or £10.95 with two sides. For the size of the portion, variety and freshness of the dish, this is a steal.<br />
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All of the dishes were gluten free when I visited when served as a bowl, as well as the sides apart from the naan bread, but please do check if you have any dietary requirements.<br />
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We were also able to try some of the drinks including the Mango and Turmeric Soda, which was actually lovely. The turmeric is not overpowering and the slightly sparkling finish made for a very refreshing choice.<br />
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Back to my bowl. The food arrived extremely quickly and looked like a visual feast. The bowl was full of different colours, tastes and textures, which means that not only does the food look great, but it tastes great too. With every bite, there was something different to uncover, whether that was the fresh coriander or smooth yoghurt.<br />
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The bowl itself contains not just chunky cubes of paneer, but also red rice (extra health points!), coriander, yoghurt, mango, lime and ginger dressing, pink pickled onion, carrot ribbons and crispy strings of chaat on top made with chickpea flour.<br />
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The portion was generous and very filling, meaning that you can go without sides if you're trying to be good and still leave the table satisfied.<br />
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I also love the fact that every dish is under 500 calories, great for anyone who's watching their weight but still wants to go out and try different dishes.<br />
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For anyone expecting a traditional curry, look away now because my bowl had very little in common with a traditional Indian meal. The flavours were so much fresher and cleaner, without any heavy frying or creams to add calories and weight to the dish.<br />
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I tried all the sides besides the naan, and my favourite was the Cauliflower Popcorn. Little bites of flavoursome cauliflower, I don't think I've ever eaten this vegetable in such a delicious guise. The chips were of course, tasty, whilst the two surprises for me were the Red Channa Dal and Avo Chaat Salad. The Red Channa Dal was creamy and smooth, but also sweet thanks to the unusual inclusion of sultanas. The Avo Chaat however was the opposite; light and fresh.<br />
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We were also able to try all the sauces, and as well as enjoying all the milder options, I did notice that the Tomato and Naga Chilli was spicy, but not overpoweringly so.<br />
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Would I come back again? Absolutely yes. The service was fantastic, very attentive but also down to earth, friendly and full of energy. As for the food, I really enjoyed the lighter Indian flavours. Fresh and spicy as you like, the food was still filling without being heavy.<br />
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Next time, I'll be going back for the Saag Bowl with fries and Popcorn Cauliflower. When it's this healthy, you can afford to be a little naughty.<br />
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*With thanks to Rola Wala for the complimentary meal<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-72591028197079183402018-04-16T08:30:00.000+01:002018-04-16T08:30:08.224+01:00Food Review: Comptoir Libanais, Grand Central <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Admit it, you're not actually sure what Lebanese food is. If you're anything like me, you may have an idea of Lebanese food resembling Iranian or Middle Eastern food. I was certain there would be lots of meat involved and probably some kebabs, but that's pretty much as far as I got.<br />
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<a href="https://www.comptoirlibanais.com/" target="_blank">Comptoir Libanais</a> opened three weeks ago at Grand Central, Birmingham. Located just above New Street station, things are changing very quickly around here with a new Fish and Chips restaurant just opened, and another two new restaurants on the way.<br />
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With a number of restaurants across the UK, most of these are clustered in London and the South East.<br />
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Promising to serve Lebanese and Middle Eastern food, I was invited along to try out the menu.<br />
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With a queue outside the door, it was clear to see that Birmingham has an appetite for new restaurants, and we're fast becoming a city of foodies. Seating was slow even though we had booked, but menus were available for the wait. The front of the restaurant is open and enticing, with a huge table of baklava and sweet treats to one side, and a wall of exotic goods such as tea and Turkish Delight on the other.<br />
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Taking a seat at the back of the restaurant, the market bazaar theme continued inside, with rows and rows of straw bags and silver trays for sale, set off with an array of colourful fez's which were sadly not for sale.<br />
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To drink, I decided I had to try a traditional lemonade, so went for the Vodka Roomana, a pomegranate and orange blossom lemonade (£7.95). I'm fairly sure there's a tradition of drinking sugary fruit based drinks in the Middle East. This one was indeed sweet, and the orange blossom was an unexpected flavour. Next time, I'll probably go for a mint tea as the flavours would be more subtle with a meal. The most interesting drink on the menu was a Lebanese spiced hot chocolate made with halwa, cinnamon and tahini.<br />
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To start, I had to try the mezze platter, made gluten free for me which meant the tabbouleh, freekah salad and warm pitta bread were excluded. I did try the falafel, halloumi, hommos, pickles and baba ghanuj however. I would have liked to see a gluten free pitta bread on the menu to allow for some dipping, but appreciate this can't always be accommodated. The mezze I did try was delicious, and my favourites were the falafel and halloumi. The flavours were near identical in these, the pickles and hommos as anything I have tried in Turkey.<br />
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My dining companion had the marinated jawaneh, chargrilled marinated chicken wings with garlic, lemon and pomegranate molasses. These were a good size, cooked well with just enough chargrilled flavour, finished off with the sweetness of the pomegranate molasses. To anyone who hasn't tried this sweet condiment, get yourself down to your nearest Waitrose and pick a bottle up! It adds instant flavour to any salad with very little effort.<br />
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For mains, I picked the mixed grill (£13.95), whilst my companion had the Lebanese lamb and halloumi burger (£9.45). I swapped the vermicelli rice for batata harra, spiced cubes of potatoes with red peppers, coriander, garlic and chilli.<br />
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My dish was a hearty one of lamb kofta, chicken kofta and chicken shish, that alongside the potatoes made for a filling dish for one or something smaller for two. The chicken kofta was my favourite; soft, tender and subtly spiced. The potatoes were nice but could have been crispier. I adored the salad and could have eaten a whole bowl of this, seasoned with sumac.<br />
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The lamb burger was again, very filling and dense, but the halloumi was a highlight.<br />
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As much as I should have resisted, there were two gluten free cakes on the menu and I couldn't resist. Saving the dark chocolate orange and cardamom tart for next time, I picked the orange and almond cake (both £4.95).<br />
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This cake was without doubt the highlight of my meal. Soft, moist and lightly flavoured, with a little bit of sticky glaze on top, I could eat this every day... but won't.<br />
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Based on what I ate, Lebanese food is extremely similar to Turkish food, so anyone who has ever holidayed there will be familiar with the style of cooking and flavours used. Baklava, houmous, halloumi, pickles and kebabs are all dishes that I've eaten and enjoyed in Turkey.<br />
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The dishes we ate were filling and flavoursome, perfect if you're not keen on spicy foods full of chilli and heat. Instead, the flavours are more subtle including onions, garlic and sumac.<br />
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The interior was an absolute delight, full of trinkets that you can't help but adore, whilst the Comptoir Souk was exactly that, a treasure trove of unusual Middle Eastern food treats that are great for yourself or as a gift.<br />
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Comptoir Libanais is well worth a visit. If you're gluten free, there's plenty to try, and the cakes especially are going to blow you away. Come with an appetite and you won't be disappointed.<br />
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*With thanks to Comptoir Libanais for the complimentary meal.</div>
Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-65112379094147897202018-03-29T08:30:00.000+01:002018-03-29T08:30:40.888+01:00Food Review: Hotel Du Vin Spring Menu Launch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In an uncertain world, there's always <a href="https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/birmingham/" target="_blank">Hotel Du Vin Birmingham</a>. Restaurants come and go, but this place stays the same, offering up food, wine and hospitality by the bucket load.<br />
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Under the guidance of new General Manager, Barry Sherwin, we were invited to try the new menu at Hotel Du Vin Birmingham on what felt like one of the first days of Spring.<br />
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Starting off with a little taste of Gusbourne, an English Sparkling, along with some hearty nibbles, we enjoyed our welcome drinks and bar snacks in the Bubble Lounge before making our way to the main restaurant.<br />
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The new menu is full of French classics including Moules, Parfait, Steak Tartare, Escargots and of course Steak.<br />
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Wanting to try out something different, I sidestepped the Chicken Liver Parfait and went for the Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon Classic to start. Far from your usual dish of smoked salmon, alongside the thick, moist slices of smoked salmon was an unusual garnish; egg. The garnish of chopped boiled egg was laid out around the circumference of the dish, mixed in with red onion, parsleys and cornichons. An unusual take on this simple dish, it added interest and colour. Lemon juice of course added some zing.<br />
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Onto the main course, I stuck to the fishy theme and opted for the Sole Meuniere, a lightly pan-fried dish of lemon sole. A tricky fish to eat thanks to it's spiky bones, it was nonetheless well cooked, although it could have benefitted from a little less oil for my tastes. Accompaniments included honey roast carrots, pommes puree, haricots vert and of course pommes frites.<br />
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Gluten free dessert options included ice cream and Creme Brulee, so I picked the latter as much as I was trying to resist. A delightful dish as always, it was the dessert wine that really stood out for me here. The Emiliana Late Harvest was a light dessert wine with honey hints that I thoroughly enjoyed.<br />
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We were also treated to an introduction to the Sommeliers Table, a corner of heaven where wines are available to try by the glass, along with some expert advice. A little known feature, try it out next time you're there and you may even discover something new.<br />
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The new menu at Hotel Du Vin is a love letter to French cuisine. Showing off favourite dishes beloved by Brits and Frenchmen alike, there's some hearty food and seriously good wine to be enjoyed. My advice? Pop by for a meal that's sure to leave you satisfied.<br />
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*With thanks to Hotel Du Vin for the complimentary meal<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-79436548563199095362018-03-15T08:30:00.000+00:002018-03-15T08:30:32.909+00:00Food Review: Indioz Indian, Moseley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Moseley is a great place for a night out, pub crawl or brunch; but is it known for its curry? Sure, there's Zindiya, but that's more popular for its street food bites than bowls of balti.<br />
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I headed to <a href="http://www.indiozmoseley.co.uk/" target="_blank">Indioz</a> to try out the menu. Described as "well-crafted Indian food", we arrived on time and sat at the bar before heading to the table. Serving soft drinks only, the restaurant is unlicensed meaning it's a great affordable option for anyone who likes a tipple, whilst also avoiding those awkward "who drank what" conversations over the bill.<br />
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Promising to cater for allergens, the team was very knowledgable on what was and wasn't gluten free.<br />
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The first thing to arrive was a plate of poppadums and dips to go with it, before the starter of Samosa Chaat came out. Although this isn't gluten free, a portion was made up for me without the crispy topping so I could try this too. A mix of chickpeas and onions, this was a fairly spicy dish.<br />
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We also tried the Chilli Chicken which was again, fairly spicy, with some sweet flavours that are unusual for an Indian restaurant. The same goes for the main course dish of Zanzibar Chicken, which was an extremely mild coconut based chicken dish, best suited for anyone who would normally order Butter Chicken.<br />
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Next, we sampled Lamb Chops and Spiced Cod, both of which were good with plenty to chew on. The lamb chops in particular were meaty and tender, and the cod was also well cooked.<br />
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Onto the main courses proper, we were served two large sized Thali's, one vegetarian and one meat, alongside a very traditional Chicken Balti.<br />
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This was the highlight of the meal for me, with a fantastic variety of dishes included in the Thali, both of which were well flavoured, varied and filling. Both included naan, rice, raita and an onion chutney, whilst the meat version also included lamb and chicken curry, whilst the vegetarian version included saag, daal and aloo gobi.<br />
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The Chicken Balti was also as you would expect, hearty, medium spiced and with good sized chunks of chicken.<br />
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All of the main courses were gluten free and there was plenty of rice on offer to go alongside the curry dishes.<br />
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For dessert, the rest of the party sampled Halwa, although this is not gluten free. However, I unashamedly headed to the giant box of mint chocolates by the bar to finish off the meal with something sweet.<br />
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Indioz in Moseley is a great spot for a reasonably priced meal with friends and family. The more traditional dishes including the Balti and Thali were the most enjoyable dishes on the menu, and the hospitality and service were second to none. The atmosphere is family friendly and suitable for all. making it a great pit stop.<br />
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*With thanks to Indioz for the complimentary meal </div>
Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-80059873550750287172018-01-16T13:12:00.000+00:002018-01-16T13:12:54.096+00:00Food Review: Sabai Sabai Thai Birmingham City Centre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For a city as into it's food as Birmingham, there really aren't too many places to go for Thai. However, <a href="https://www.sabaisabai.com/" target="_blank">Sabai Sabai</a>, the local chain that started off in Moseley before spreading to Harborne, Stratford and now Waterloo Street in the city centre, is now on hand to cater for all your Thai food and cocktail needs.<br />
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With a good sized bar offering diners or simply drinkers a place to perch, there is a great selection of cocktails on offer from classics to something different. We started off with the Bangkok Fizz (£8.25), a prosecco based cocktail with citrus flavours. This was a great way to kick off the night, where bloggers from the city and beyond had gathered to try out the new joint. </div>
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At the table, we were treated to sharing portions that weren't really that. I'm pretty sure we all had more than one dish each, which meant that we could avoid the awkward "oh no, you take the last one" situation because there really was plenty to go around. The portion sizes themselves were also extremely generous.</div>
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The first dish to arrive was the Meat Sharing Platter (£12.95 each), a mix of lamb chops, spare ribs, chicken wings and crispy duck rolls. The lamb chops were served pink, which is how I like them, and were very, very meaty. The chicken wings were again, thick and meaty and seasoned with chilli and salt. I was also treated to a warm bowl of Tom Yam Goong, Spicy and Sour Prawn Soup to cater to my gluten free dining requirements.</div>
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Next, we moved onto the main event, where the table was laid out with Monkfish Thai Green Curry (£17.95), Short Rib Beef Massaman, Papaya Salad (£9.95), Weeping Tiger Steak (£16.95), Pad Thai (£10.95), Tenderstem broccoli and Garlic Rice. </div>
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A veritable feast, and something I would heartily recommend to anyone dining in a large group, please do order as we did and get stuck into a variety of dishes; it really is the most fun way to dine!</div>
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The stand out dishes here were the Massaman Beef, a delicious, thick nutty curry sauce poured over the softest piece of short rib beef you'll ever try paired with the garlic rice, with nutty flavour hints that complemented the sauce.</div>
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For fresher flavours, it was the Papaya Salad and Pad Thai that worked well together. Pad Thai was exactly as you'd expect it to be, a consistently good dish that never fails to deliver just the right balance of sweet, nutty and sour. The Papaya Salad was something little different, with shredded papaya and veg brought together by some big, crunchy peanuts and a touch of sour and sweet from the lime, chilli and palm sugar. </div>
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For dessert, we opted for the prettiest Espresso Martini, just because food bloggers don't do Dry January. Cheers!</div>
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*With thanks to Sabai Sabai for the complimentary meal</div>
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-1882489258536468362018-01-11T12:30:00.000+00:002018-01-11T12:30:10.432+00:00Food review: Fressh Food Birmingham<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy New Year folks!! Welcome to my first post of 2018. Excuse the delay, but sometimes it's good to take a break :)<br />
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Back to food. Fressh opened up last year in a prime location, close to Corporation Street in the City Arcade (also home to Tilt Coffee).<br />
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Hailed as a vegan cafe, it seemed fitting to talk about Fressh in January, also known as Veganuary, the movement that's taken the country by storm whereby followers opt to adopt a plant-based diet for the month.<br />
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In keeping with the name, Fressh adopts a colour scheme of mainly white with touches of green, making it look instantly calm and zen.<br />
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Walking in, the first thing you'll notice is the fresh salad bar area as well as the seating, which is varied between small tables, larger communal tables and benches; always good for when you're dining solo.<br />
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After receiving a very warm welcome from the manager, who went through the concept, menu and how to order, I picked out a few dishes to try.<br />
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First of all, I had to get the Taco Bowl (£4.75) if only to try Walnut Taco. This can be served as either a salad or a wrap; I opted for a salad. I then pontificated between the What the Guac? and Son of a Bun burger, finally opting for Son of a Bun (£5.95) because it's less spicy.<br />
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A word on gluten free options. The team were well versed in the gluten free options on the menu, which always makes me happy. What's also great is that the main menu is helpfully annotated with GF and GFO to make it really easy for us Gluten Free folk when picking from the menu. For example, the burgers are both GFO because the bun can be switched out for a gluten free bun for an extra £1, whilst the salads can be made gluten free by being served as a salad and not a wrap and by removing items such as croutons.<br />
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There are plenty of gluten free choices on the menu, from the burgers and salads to the butternut squash curry. Breakfast also affords much choice, with the porridge and smoothies also being gluten free.<br />
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Back to my order, I also picked the Turmeric Latte (£3.25), which can be served with soya, coconut, oat or almond milk, as well as a bottle of Organic Kombucha (£2.95).<br />
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My food was freshly made to order and arrived served on a tray and artfully arranged (I get the feeling they're used to being Instagrammed).<br />
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First of all I tried my Turmeric Latte. Although I'm not one for milky drinks, I really anted to try out turmeric as it's such a hot topic right now, with health benefits such as its antioxidant and inflammatory properties. For me, I just wanted to see if I could stomach the stuff, and thankfully the answer is yes! Smooth and warm, this tasted like a cup of warm golden sunshine. Now, I just need to figure out how to get it into my diet.<br />
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I really enjoyed the kombucha too, and I'd definitely try it again. I'm quite fascinated by it as it's actually a living thing, don't ask, just look it up.<br />
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Onto the food, both items were hearty portions, and the salad in particular is plenty big enough to fill you up at lunch time.<br />
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They were great at being able to customise your items too so don't be afraid to ask for the team to hold the onions for example.<br />
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My Son of a Bun burger was a big, thick, "meaty" burger, piled up high with a black bean and sweet potato patty, onion, gherkins, vegan cheese and a Fressh sauce. The patty itself was very thick and the rice content made it especially filling. The gluten free bun was also tasty, and the sauces added just enough flavour without being overpowering.<br />
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The Taco Bowl salad had a really unusual taste, almost cheesy but I can't be sure. The salad itself was huge and varied, and I loved the sweetcorn to keep it from being too bland.<br />
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Overall, Fressh offered great service, a great environment and a great menu. The prices are really affordable, which is good to see as so often healthy food can come at a high price. There was plenty of choice and everything is easy to swap around and customise. Would I come back? For a midweek lunch yes! My top tip? Grab a burger and go!<br />
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*With thanks to Fressh for the complimentary meal</div>
Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757514189454721358.post-52020138563865161712017-12-13T08:30:00.000+00:002018-01-11T12:30:40.256+00:00Event: Hotel Chocolat Birmingham Launch featuring real Hot Chocolat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For a long time, I've been jealous of the city of Worcester for being the nearest Midlands city to be graced with the presence of a Hotel Chocolat cafe.<br />
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How things have changed! Now, our very own second city has a Hotel Chocolat Cafe of it's own, and I was invited along to indulge and experience this chocolate temple for myself.<br />
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You'll all be familiar with Hotel Chocolat, purveyors of fine chocolate and cocoa inspired gifts and treats since 1993, with the doors of the first high street store opening back in 2004.<br />
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Since then, they've gone on to become famous for everything from huge, thick-shelled Easter Eggs to Cocoa Gin, and have even opened a hotel in Saint Lucia. In line with that very same spirit of originality, they've also been opening up cafe's since 2015.<br />
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This is where Birmingham comes into play, and just in time for Christmas, we've been lucky enough to get our very own Hotel Chocolat cafe at the newly opened New Street store.<br />
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Fighting my way through the German Market crowds, I stepped into the store and away from the madness. Inside, I found an oasis of chocolate and a warm welcome as the team were ready for my arrival.<br />
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The store manager came to greet me and and I was presented with three, yes three, slate trays full of chocolate samples all to myself! Fighting the urge to devour the lot, I did manage to make quite a dent on the three samples; Illegal Gianduja, Mulled Wine and Salted Espresso Martini.<br />
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All three were delicious, and I definitely tried more than one of each (oops!) but my favourite was definitely the Salted Espresso Martini. These were moreish bites of smooth melting chocolate infused with Turkish coffee, cocoa vodka and sea salt sealed in caramel chocolate.<br />
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Next up, the hot chocolate itself. At the back of the store, there is a seating area where I settled in and made some big decisions! As well as offering a number of different flavours including White Chocolate, Chilli and White Vanilla, I was also able to choose from three different types of milk, skimmed milk, whole milk or coconut milk and have it served with or without chocolate whipped cream.<br />
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It's worth noting that there is also Iced Frappes, Coffee, Tea, Tealot and Coffee Chocolate Lattes on offer, as well as Ice Cream of the Gods and two Christmas Specials; Salted Caramel and Clementine and Winter Spiced.<br />
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First of all, I picked a flavour, which was the Hazelnut Hot Chocolate and then opted for coconut milk topped off with chocolate whipped cream. I picked the small size and I'm glad of it!<br />
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Served on a wooden tray, my hot chocolate was every chocoholics dream! Piled high with whipped cream and oozing down the side, this was quite clearly a decadent treat. I really enjoyed the taste of the coconut milk and the hazelnut flavour was subtle.<br />
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I then managed to made room for just one more small Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate which was also delicious. Both were chocolatey and subtly flavoured.<br />
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Made with real chocolate and milk, Hotel Chocolat don't use powder and it's clear when you try them that this is the case as the flavour is so much more chocolately than anything from a packet. Topped off with whipped cream and depending on the flavour, more chocolate flakes or a biscuit decoration, these are hot chocolates on a whole other level!<br />
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You can also buy the ingredients yourself to make hot chocolate at home, which would make a great gift!<br />
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Regardless of whether you're feeling virtuous or not, it's easy to adapt your drink by changing the milk, asking for toppings or none, or even forgoing the chocolate whipped cream entirely.<br />
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A naughty treat, but a nice one, Hotel Chocolat Cafe is a welcome addition to the city. Handily located close to New Street train station, there's no better way to warm up than with a real Hot Chocolat from Hotel Chocolat.<br />
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* I was invited to sample the Hotel Chocolat cafe as a guest of the store<br />
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Bella and Robothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10098190622312633256noreply@blogger.com0