Food Review: Marmalade at The Rep

COMPLIMENTARY MEAL AND TICKETS

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.

I was lucky enough to be invited to sample the pre-theatre menu at Marmalade before watching The Lovely Bones at The Rep.

The pre-theatre menu is available from 6pm on show days and includes two courses for £19.50 or three courses for £24.50.

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.

I arrived with my dining companion at 5.30pm which gave us plenty of time to eat before the show started at 7.30pm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A few gin goblets and a jazzily named Brum Punch were also served over dinner.

By the time we'd polished off our three course meal, it was time to take our seats and enjoy the show.

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.

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.

Thank you to Marmalade and The Rep for the complimentary meal and theatre tickets.

Food Review: Wing Wah, Birmingham

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

The menu was fantastic in that it was clearly labelled for Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian and Gluten Free diets.

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.

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.

For the non gluten free diners, there was plenty of choice including Beef Ribs, Fresh Cream Egg Tarts, Roast Pork Buns and more.

Afterwards, there was karaoke and shots of something called Joybo, a Chinese liquor aimed at a younger market.

Dim Sum and fun? That'll be Wing Wah.

*Gifted meal courtesy of Paul Fulford and Wing Wah.

Food review: Fiesta Del Asado, Solihull

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; Fiesta Del Asado in Solihull.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My dining companion Paul Fulford also ordered steak and Helen from Positive Fridays ordered the Chicken Parilla. 

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.

The chicken also went down well, and looked very well seasoned. 

All of the accompaniments were delicious and I tried to steer myself away from the chips, as delicious as they were.

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.

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.

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.

*With thanks to Fiesta Del Asado for the complimentary meal. 

Food Review: Aluna Birmingham New Menu

Whilst there's plenty of choices when it comes to eating and drinking in The Mailbox, Aluna is one of my favourites for the inventive cocktails, great service and smart but chilled vibe.

Many of you will know Aluna 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.

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. 

Tempted to try more? I was treated to a first look at the new menu.

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.

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.

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.

Some of the plates to share we ordered were the Red Scallop Curry, Mitsuba Fillet Steak and Wasabi Lamb Chops.

We also ordered some small dishes including the Chilli Salt Squid, Pan Roasted Scallops, Spicy Chicken Wings and Tiger Prawn Cookies (not GF).

Sides included Skinny Fries, Sweet Potato Fries and Steamed Seasonal Vegetables (I ordered these in the interests of being healthy!)

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!

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.

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).

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.

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.

I ordered a French Martini for dessert, as you do.

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.

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!

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.

*With thanks to Aluna for the complimentary meal

Food Review: Rola Wala, Selfridges Birmingham

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.

Started up by Mark Wright after a life changing trip to India, Rola Wala was set up with a mission to ignite spaces everywhere with incredible Indian flavours.

Taking my seat at the table with Ting and Tasha, 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.

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.

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.

Saag Bowl and Wrap 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

*With thanks to Rola Wala for the complimentary meal