Food Review: Buffalo and Rye

Buffalo and Rye has been in the works for a little while now. The latest stablemate in the Bitters and Twisted family, there have been whispers of a whisky joint opening in Birmingham since summer.

Finally, I was lucky enough to be one of the first few people to experience Buffalo and Rye.

Buffalo and Rye is a whisky and American food joint, complete with cocktails, burgers, ribs, hotdogs and pancakes.

We got to try out food, and drink, and even watch a mini cocktail masterclass in action.

Tom, the General Manager, was the first to welcome us into the venue. Smaller than any other Bitters and Twisted venue, Buffalo and Rye is located right next door to sister venue Bodega. The interior heavily features wood along with plenty of quirky touches such as the 60's futuristic bar stools and mini Star Wars figurines, as well as Americana inspired soda cans and an overall industrial feel.

As a welcome we chose a cocktail each from the Elderflower Fizz mocktail (I chose this one and loved it, very refreshing) and a Mountain Dew Collins. I really wanted this, because I used to love Mountain Dew!

In addition to cocktails, we were able to try a wide selection of dishes on the menu including the Buffalo Black Burger Kale and Butternut Squash salad, Pimp Doggy, Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Bacon, Pancakes with Blueberry Jam, Maple Syrup and Clotted Cream, Pancakes with Caramelised Bananas, Cinnamon Toffee Sauce and Chocolate Sauce, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Chilli Cheese Fries, Parmesan and Truffle Oil Fries and Smoky Beans.

First off, we tried the Buffalo Wings. I have to say, I don't normally eat wings but I made an exception for these. Thankfully, they were neither too messy nor too spicy for my taste. So often, wings are crazy hot, but these were just the ride side of spicy and there was Pip's Hot Sauce on the table ready for anyone who needs a little extra kick. The sauce was flavoursome and the wings were generously sized.

Next, the hotdogs. Sadly I didn't try these but here's a picture for you; very American right?

The chilli fries topped with cheese were heavenly. Don't think of the calories, but what a treat when you do fancy a blowout. There was plenty of sauce and lots of french fries buried underneath too.

Smoky Beans, a combination of beans and pit meat, was delightful and full of rich smoky flavours.

How about a double beef patty with black pudding wedged in the middle and smothered in cheese, sauce and onions? Sounds like it shouldn't be allowed to taste good, but oh boy, this was unexpectedly fabulous. I don't even like black pudding, but in this guise I was so sold.

For something completely different, we also tried a Kale Salad. Unbelievably, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Perhaps I was feeling guilty. As well as kale there was also chickpeas, roasted butternut squash, pine nuts and feta cheese in this dish. This was healthy and super tasty too, and I would definitely order this again.

Out came a whole host of pancakes so we could try the brunch selection. If you're having a lazy weekend, I can imagine this would be fantastic alongside a bottomless coffee which is also available at just £1.75.

Finally, the cocktail masterclass. We were shown and then able to taste, the Apricot Smash and Bourbon Honey Mule. I tried the former, mainly because it has apricot jam in it. This was pretty strong and definitely for whisky lovers. The Bourbon Honey Mule was slightly sweeter, with Angostura bitters and ginger beer.

Buffalo and Rye don't take bookings for groups of under six, but they do offer you a discounted drink at Bodega if you're waiting for a table.

Buffalo and Rye is located on Bennett's Hill.

*I was invited to try out the new menu as a guest of the venue

Event: Pure Gin'ious at the Jekyll and Hyde presented by Brumderland

The Jekyll and Hyde is one of Birmingham's gems, a Victorian themed pub downstairs with an even more wonderous Gin Parlour upstairs. Mysterious.

Whilst downstairs at The Jekyll and Hyde is inspired by Mr Hyde, upstairs is Dr Jekyll's gin parlour.

Head up the stairs for a carcophony of collections and wonderous artefacts in the Gin Parlour.

And why have I been to the Gin Parlour lately? For Gin Tasting.

Vicky from Brumderland and the team at Bitters n Twisted, the guys behind some of Birmingham's most loved venues such as The Victoria, Island and Rose Villa Tavern are hosting a series of events themed around the seven deadly sins, and this sin right here was Greed.

With over 90 different types of gin, a gin inspired menu and gin flights on offer, I was lucky enough to try out the gins, experience a Gin masterclass and also dine on gin infused fare.

First off, we sat down to share Madam Genever's Bathwater. A pretty drink served in a very Victorian mini bath, this is one way to get to know your neighbours! No glasses allowed, we dipped our mini trunkards into the bathwater and supped away.

Onto the food, we were treated to dishes from the Gin and Food menu, namely the Red Snapper (£14.50) and Wild Mushroom Risotto (£11.50). Not your thing? Don't worry, the menu changes every month in keeping with what's seasonal.

Pan fried Red Snapper with Moroccan and Roasted Vegetable Cous Cous

Wild Mushroom Risotto- Creamy Wild Mushroom and White Wine Risotto, topped with Stuffed Artichoke Crusted Mushroom

As you can see, the presentation of these dishes was fantastic. From ribbons of carrot and cabbage to shavings of parmesan, the presentation and overall balance of each dish was grown up and precise.

The fun didn't stop there!

We also got to experience a full on whirlwind lesson in gin presented by Simon attired in waistcoat and mad hatters hat.

I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for any of you who are already booked onto a class, but it started off at Genever, a precursor to gin and went right through the history of gin in England, how it was made and even included some fun tales!

We also tried the Tom Collins (pictured), a gin and lemon mixture from the 1800's as well as the Gimlet, a drink created for the Navy and made with Lime Cordial and gin. 

There was even a chance to win prizes along the way in the pop quiz! Needless to say, my knowledge is below par so I think I should get back down for a masterclass soon!

The Gin Infused menu is served upstairs in the Gin Parlour from Thursday-Saturday 5.30-9.30pm. Further details on the masterclasses and dining upstairs are available here.

*I was invited to dine as a guest of The Jekyll & Hyde in exchange for an honest review