Food Review: Smokey Barrels Birmingham

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.

Smokey Barrels has opened near Birmingham on the Coventry Road and I was lucky enough to be able to make a visit.

Located outside of the city centre in Yardley, the restaurant itself is impossible to miss and clearly signposted from the main road.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

My dining companion enjoyed her ribs, although was a little defeated by the size of them! She also enjoyed her sides.

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.

We were also treated to a peek at the in house smoker, where everything is smoked on site.

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.

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.

Overall, Smokey Barrels is a fun family friendly restaurant with sizeable portions and a friendly team.

*With thanks to Smokey Barrels and Delicious PR for the complimentary meal.

Food Review: Primitivo Birmingham's new breakfast menu

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.

Known as a spot for after work drinks and boozy lunches, what it's not known for is breakfast; until now. Just launched, Primitivo is now serving breakfasts on weekdays from 8am by booking. Will this bar's breakfasts hold up?

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.

Serving up champers and beer on weekday evening's (they're closed on weekends), they're opening early to fill bellies and glasses.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you're looking for a regular drinking spot in Birmingham, Primitivo could just hit the spot.

*With thanks to Primitivo and Paul Fulford for the invitation.

Food Review: Hotel Du Vin Spring Menu Launch

In an uncertain world, there's always Hotel Du Vin Birmingham. Restaurants come and go, but this place stays the same, offering up food, wine and hospitality by the bucket load.

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.

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.

The new menu is full of French classics including Moules, Parfait, Steak Tartare, Escargots and of course Steak.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

*With thanks to Hotel Du Vin for the complimentary meal

Event: Annexe Birmingham New Menu Launch

Have you ever heard of Annexe? I hadn't up until recently, but it seems that this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant has a great reputation in Birmingham. Opened five years ago, the restaurant is pretty sophisticated, with a French feel in the evenings thanks to its intimate atmosphere and traditional wooden decor.

I was invited along to the new menu launch a few weeks ago and was able to try a number of dishes created by new chef, Daniel Andrade.

Walking into the intimate space, we were welcome with champagne and the sultry sounds of live jazz. With bread and olives to snack on, we perched by the wine table before mingling with the crowds and saying hi to the assembled Birmingham bloggers.

Soon, the samples started to arrive in tiny, carefully arranged plates.

Beetroot

We had been invited to sample dishes from the new menu's, and there is both a three course and five course option priced at £39 and £59 respectively. These have been carefully wine-matched and come in at between £19 and £49 depending on the number of courses ordered and how big a glass you'd like (such a good idea!).

There's also a huge amount of choice, on these menu's, with between four and six choices per course. This being said, I'd definitely recommend researching the menu before you visit.

Chicken and Black Truffle

Some of my highlights from the menu include the sea bass chowder, artichoke, fava and Jersey Royals, rabbit rillette, cherry and pistachio texture, lobster corn bavarois corn bisque and dill and scallop ceviche, watermelon, yuzu, chervil and mint.

Langoustine

I was also especially taken with the beetroot slaw, goat's curd fritter and marcona almonds.

Chicken

Although I couldn't taste everything as not every dish was gluten free, the dishes I did try were full of interesting combinations, unexpected pairings and delicate flavours. Some of the more unusual flavours included mozzarella ice cream and strawberry gazpacho, dishes that you probably wouldn't expect to see in a restaurant that isn't Michelin-starred or AA Rosette rated.

Rabbit

The wine matches were also good, offering plenty of classic favourites and new matches.

Mozzarella Ice Cream

I'd love to come back here for a proper trial of the food. There are very few places to try a five course tasting menu for less than £60, and based on the samples I tried I'd be excited to go back and try out the dishes properly.

Have any of you been to Annexe?

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