Food Review: Jailbird New York Seafood and Steak

Nosh and Quaff is no more! But have no fear, Jailbird 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.

Reimagined as a New York Seafood and Steak restaurant, I was invited to try it out for myself in some delightful company.

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.

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.

Upstairs, we took in the new look space, complete with quirky features and a decidedly green theme complete with plenty of plants.

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.

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.

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.

I chose the Black Risotto with Prawns (£8.95), although the Black Risotto with Confit Black Garlic was also available for vegetarians.

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.

Onto the mains, I decided to try the 16oz Flat Iron Steak (£26), which comes served with Thick Seasoned Hand Cut Chips.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 Fiesta Del Asado. 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.

*With thanks to Jailbird and Paul Fulford for the (huge!) complimentary meal. 

Food Review: Itihaas Indian, Birmingham

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.

Although I have been here once before, and still lament the loss of Itihaas'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.

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.

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.

We were also able to sample a delicious grape based cocktail.

Onto the meal, we took our seats and were regaled with stories of rum and brandy by Yves, the drinks ambassador.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

*With thanks to Itihaas restaurant and Delicious PR for the complimentary meal.  

Food Review: Malmaison Birmingham Spring Menu Launch

Spring is in the air, and with it the new menu from Malmaison Birmingham. I was lucky enough to join some of the city's finest foodies to try out the new Spring Menu.

Meeting at the bar, we were treated to a welcome drink from the Spring Cocktail menu. With plenty to choose from including the Spring Fizz, a mixture of Rinquinquin a la Peche, Aperol, grapefruit, sugar and Prosecco to the Pina Caipirinha, featuring Germana cachaca, lime, pineapple and coconut.

I opted for the Gimlet, a mix of King of Soho gin, lime cordial, sugar and lime.

Sipping on this refreshing and sweet drink at the bar on a bright summer's day, it was easy to feel at home in the smart and sexy Malmaison bar.

We were soon led into the private dining area, where the table was laid out ready for a taste of the new menu.

The Spring Fixed menu offers two courses for £19.95 or three courses for £24.95. The menu to me felt fresh and unexpected, so although there was a lamb dish for example, this was a starter portion of Spring Lamb Benedict, a slow braised Dorset lamb shoulder on brioche with mint Bearnaise. Again, although a Spring menu would typically feature a vegetable soup, instead the Malmaison twist is a Cauliflower veloute.

With plenty of choices for dietary requirements of all kinds including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free, I was spoilt for choice.

Tucking into olives and bread whilst we chose from the menu, I did enjoy the olives but unfortunately couldn't partake of the bread. No matter, at least I could avoid the carbs!

For starters, I opted for the grilled masala spiced mackerel with sweet potato and lime pickle and a cumin raita, followed by the pan fried river trout with pea and broad bean puree, Anya potatoes and truffle vinaigrette.

The spiced mackerel arrived on a large square dish, presented on a bed of cubed sweet potato and topped with the raita. The presentation was good and the balance of different elements to the dish was also strong. A light but filling starter, the mackerel was perfectly cooked and the sweet potato was balanced out with the tangy yoghurt. Although the masala spices didn't really come through, and I would have liked to see a true pickle on the plate to really set off the fish, I thoroughly enjoyed the starter.

Next, the sea trout. Firstly, I adored the plate that this was served on, as it was a real earthy handmade piece. Secondly, the trout itself was a substantial portion, which I feel is needed when it comes to the fruit of the sea or else you can find yourself snacking soon after.

Nicely pan fried on a pea and broad bean puree, this was again, filling but light and not at all stodgy. Overall, that's exactly what I would hope for from a Spring dish. We were also able to try some of the sides at the table including the mixed spring greens, Anya potatoes and pan roasted artichokes.  If you're ordering the fish dishes, then do make sure you have a side too. My favourite was the artichokes which were just delicious! Crispy and full of earthy flavours, I sadly couldn't get a picture before everyone had tucked in!

Lastly, to the dessert. I opted for the seasonal fromage slate with fruit chutney, quince and crackers. The crackers were very kindly substituted for gluten free bread in my case, and the chutney came later on, but the cheese selection itself was very good and included a Shropshire Blue, goat's cheese and french cheese.

I really enjoyed the new Spring Menu at Malmaison. The menu is not just great value, but great tasting and also great quality. The venue itself is such a sophisticated option for food and drinks, with a great hotel ambiance.

I'd definitely recommend the new menu to anyone after a meal away from the crowds. The service we received on the night was outstanding and for me, I felt the quality of the food really came through. Overall, a great option for friends and families alike for a meal that's special without breaking the bank.

*With thanks to Malmaison and EV for the invitation

Father's Day Menu Launch and Thai Cookery Class at Chaophraya

What comes to mind when you think of a Father's Day meal? Is it a Sunday Roast, pub grub, or maybe a steak. Thai food may not be your first answer, but why not?

Chaophraya Thai has launched a special menu to enjoy on Father's Day. For £14.95 per person, there's a choice of a starter, main meal and a bottle of Singha or Chang beer included in the price.

I was invited along with a group of Birmingham bloggers to try my hand at a traditional Thai dish and taste test the menu.

Making our way up to the first floor of the restaurant, a space which can be used for special events, private dining and in our case, for masterclasses, we started off by making a Strawberry Mojito.

Not traditionally Thai, you may say, but Chaophraya has an extensive cocktail menu, and I was all too happy to rustle up this particular creation. Refreshing and sweet, I made mine with just a touch much sugar than necessary to satisfy my cravings.

Next, we were able to tuck into a selection of starters from the Father's Day menu, including Chicken Satay, Chicken Tom-Kha and Vegetable Spring Rolls. Although I didn't sample the Chicken Satay as it's not gluten free, I did instead sample the Chicken Tom-Kha. Unusually, I had never tried this dish, and was surprised at the rich, creamy flavours of this coconut based soup. Complete with a piece of young coconut, straw mushrooms and the subtle flavours of galangal, lemongrass and chilli, I would happily order this again.

The final option wasn't delivered to the table, however, and for this one we grabbed a partner, headed to a cooking station and rustled up our very own Spring Rolls. Firstly chopping then cooking the filling mixture, we then filled and rolled our spring rolls before frying them until golden brown. Although I sadly couldn't eat my spring rolls, they looked pretty good!

Thai Red Prawn Curry, Panang Beef Curry, Tofu and Pineapple Curry

After all the hard work of cooking, we were then able to tuck into the main courses, which came served in adorable boat shaped bamboo plates for us to sample. The main course selection includes Panang Beef Curry, Massaman Lamb Curry, Thai Green Chicken Curry, Tofu and Pineapple Curry and Thai Red Prawn Curry. I was served a full sized portion of Thai Green Curry as this was the only gluten free option from the selection, but as I can tolerate soy sauce, I did also try small portions of the other dishes.

Thai Green Curry

As it happens, my favourite dish was the Thai Green Curry. Large pieces of chicken had been simmered in coconut milk with courgettes and aubergine, and topped off with basil and chillies. This dish to me is Thai comfort food, and served with a helping of Jasmine Rice to mop up all the great flavours in the sauce, makes a sublime dish.

Thai Red Prawn Curry

My favourites of the tasters was definitely the Thai Red Prawn Curry. The prawns were huge, juicy, and tender, and the sauce was creamy and full of flavour, balanced out in favour of sweet with some sour lime notes. The sauce was the best Thai Red Curry I've tried anywhere.

Massaman Lamb Curry

Panang Beef Curry

Tofu and Pineapple Curry

A big thank you to the team at Chaophraya for hosting such an enjoyable masterclass. If you haven't already booked for Father's Day then I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it; you could even book your dad in for the Cooking School is you're stuck for gift inspiration.

To view the Father's Day menu click here. To make a reservation or find out more, visit the Chaophraya Birmingham page.