http://www.birminghamuk.com/BrumFoto/brindleyplace/bankrestaurant.jpg

I recently had the pleasure of dining out at Bank in Brindleyplace, it was very good indeed. Does anyone have any more recommendations of good places to eat in the city?

Bank is a brilliant place. I actually think Eat. at the eastern mall of the Bull ring is nice when it isn't packed. And I might get a bit of stick for this but: Bella Pasta.

Great idea. My favourite place to eat in Birmingham is The Bucklemaker (http://www.thebucklemaker.co.uk) just off St Pauls Square.

It has loads of character, brilliant staff, excellent atmosphere and the food is simply astounding.

I've also tried Felini in HCT which is also superb, (check the wine rack) but the restaurant doesn't have The Bucklemaker's soul. Plus the miserable gits put the restaurant on the 2nd floor, so the view isn't exactly inspiring either!

We went to Bella Pasta on New st last week, and I'm sorry to say, it was shite. My girlfriend's food wasn't cooked properly, surly stroppy waitress, warm beer and my steak was crap - I was never asked how I wanted it cooked FFS!

Bank is also my favourite. Not to pricey yet the meals are fantastic. Especially good if you're eating out before a concert or gig at the NIA.

Other for me is Shogun Teppan-Yaki also at Brindley Place. Dragon BBQ isnt bad either.

We went to Bella Pasta on New st last week, and I'm sorry to say, it was shite. My girlfriend's food wasn't cooked properly, surly stroppy waitress, warm beer and my steak was crap - I was never asked how I wanted it cooked FFS!

I had a pizza and it was gorgeous plus my beer was ice cold. My girlfriend was pretty happy with hers. The service was just lacking a bit.

The Oriental resturant on the bottom level of the rear of the Mailbox is fantastic they do a mix of Thai, Malaysian and Chinese food which is superb. + you can sit outside in the sun by the canal eating your food. I went on my birthday and they were really nice too, and very cute Thai waitresses.

Bank is a brilliant place. I actually think Eat. at the eastern mall of the Bull ring is nice when it isn't packed. And I might get a bit of stick for this but: Bella Pasta.
EAT at Martinue Place is always empty. I hope that is a good heads up.

I love Bar Estilo :okay:

Never looked at Bank, thinking it'd be one of those £40 a head jobbies. How much is grub there?

I had a pizza and it was gorgeous plus my beer was ice cold. My girlfriend was pretty happy with hers. The service was just lacking a bit.

We probably just caught them on a bad day to be fair. it happens i guess.

I heard a lot of people slating Don Salvo, but we never had a problem there, good service and nice food.

Another favourite is Chung Ying in chinatown - Their set meals are excellent value if you can actually finish them!!

But none of them compare to The Bucklemaker!

I hate the Big Wok. The food looks good but some tastes like shit and whats up with the ice cream machine? Each time I go, I break it!! The lever gets stuck and then it turns into a panicked rush to grab bowls and get all the ice cream until it empties or until you get noticed above all the hustle.

Places I'd recommend:

Bucklemaker
Bank
Petit Blanc
Simpsons
Red Peppers (plenty of decent nosh at good price)
Michelle's La Bastille
Thai Edge
Zizzi for excellent pizzas
Paris [RIP]
Maharaja for a slightly expensive but good curry
Cielo
San Carlo

and most recently - Strada

If anyone's in Great Malvern and wants THE finest chicken tikka massala known to man, go to the Bengal Brasserie and prepare to mess your pants.

Rosa's on Curzon street gets my vote.

shame the spanish restarant in the eastside is shutting down after 30 or so years.

The Kohinoor on Bristol Street

Not much to look at from the outside but finest balti in the city centre. and its cheap as chips

and its got a tree in the middle of it

Went out for a good steak meal months back, and realised that central Brum seems to be lacking in the provision of such establishments. If anyone knows otherwise, I would be interested in knowing where these other places actually are to be found. Though did discover 'Fonteyn's' in Thorp street, which was good, and plently of steak too. For other food, really enjoyed the Brazilian restaurant in the Arcadian, 'Las Iguanas'.

Almost forgot to mention the 'Brasshouse' on Broad street, good for a solid Sunday lunch, fairly good prices too.

Nelams - best enjoyed at 3.30am
Thai Edge
Penny Blacks proper grub with a perfect pint
Never been disappointed with Bank but I have been at Hotel Du Vin

Lasan is the place that I've had consistently excellent food. bank cna be very good and can be less so.

The best meal Ive had in the city was at Simpsons but Ive only been once and couldnt afford to go regularly.



for less formal places cafe soya is very good though has perhaps become a little overhyped over on birmingham plus.Tai pan by the hippodrome is good and well priced.

Has anyone eaten at that new Thai resturant on the cnaal in Holliday wharf?
Can;t remember the name but it looks nice.

Yes-its alright. Not as good as Thai Edge but not as expensive either. Similar to Thai Orchid probably.

I was quite drunk though

not strictly a restaurant but I do recommend The Black Eagle pub in Factory Road, Hockley. Great beer (real ale too for those that like that kinda thing); superb food with the usual trad pub grub, food for vegitarians and chef's specials, all generous portions at very good prices

I've been to Bank twice and will never go back, very poor on both occasions both in terms of service and food quality (it was cold!)

Kohinoor - good shout, an ideal end if you're on a session and perfectly placed if your crashing at the Etap for the night.

Angelos in Wylde Green - cracking little Italian, decors a bit ropey but the food is awesome.

Forresters Arms in Wolverhampton - see if you can finish their tandoori special, more meat in one dish than in your average farm.

:lol: Sweet Chillies, Yardley Wood Road, Billesley.

It's a bit pricey for a curry house in the suburbs but the food is excellent and not a scrap of dodgy wallpaper in the place.

The Windsor, Needless Alley ... great fish finger butties :nuts:

It's a good couple of years since I was in Brum to eat out but for a romantic meal Hotel du Vin brasserie was excellent.
Sadly La Toque D'or has now closed; ditto Paris. Simpsons and Jessica's remain the top-rated (Michellin-wise anyway) though I've never been to either.
Bank is good for a group.
As far as chain restaurants go I've always thought Zizzi was quite good.
The Bartons did a good thai/oriental menu too, but don't know when that'll re-open after the fire. :(
People on Birmingham Plus forever sing the praises of Cafe Soya so that might be worth a go. Think it's quite cheap too.

San Carlo is excellent - the food is superb!

Red Peppers in the mail Box is also wotha try- good food in an informal atmosphere

As a bit of an oriental fan, for a formal meal I would say the new Chung ying garden on thorpe street or Tin-tins at Brindley Place, if you want something a bit more modern chinese, and a bit funky try V2 on Pershore street next door to the Ice rink (try the Pearl Tea, its fantastic in the hot weather!), for quick, solid, authentic, tasty Chinese food, the Arcadian Palace is fantastic (No MSG) and we regularly eat for two for less than £14. Cafe Soya used to be fantastic, until they moved to their new place, they have kept the surly staff, but moved away from the acfe menu into a much more formal affair, which IMO doesn't work as well.

Also while I'm here does anyone knows what happened to the italian family that ran "la favourita" on Branston Street, the food their was fantastic, but im fairly sure it was gutted in the fire of the property next door.

Wongs is also good for a formal chinese- though the backgorunf music is tiresome

The Bartons Arms is still open for excellent Thai food, the only damage was the cellars. Cafe Soya is still my favourite place for chinese/oriental food although I agree it hasn't quite got it right in the new space. The food at San Carlo is always good, shame the service isn't, and Strada is also good. Rather than saying a poor meal at Bella Italia was an exception i'd suggest it's the rule, if you've had a good meal there I think you've been lucky. An Indian I liked, Coconut Lagoon on Bennetts Hill, has recently closed but Thai Orchid is just up the road. Rajdoot on George St is my favourite Indian, Opus is the best new 'modern european' and Bank is dependable, although not for romantic candle-lit dinners.

There's an interesting article in this months 'Arena' magazine in the food section. It talks about the decline in Michelin rated resteraunts in Ludlow from 3 down to just one, it closes with a statement along the lines of 'food insiders tip nearby Birmingham to become the next fine eating destination'. If anyone has a copy maybe they can quote this more accurately.

I had better get saving.... ;)

The Tanoshi bar at edgebaston shopping centre do lovley Thai, Malaysian and Chinese food plus cocktails & it also hosts a balcony view of five ways & goes right down broad street with HCT in the background.

Having visited Japan for the 2002 World Cup and also sampling their own unique style of food it was quite a pleasure to dine at Wagamama:Birmingham, a themed Japanese restaurant just off the Bull Ring. Its an interesting experience but the food is great, although the drinks are ridiculously expensive (almost a fiver for a pint!!!)

http://www.wagamama.com/

I've not been to the Wagamama in Birmingham to be honest the location puts me off for evening dining but i've been to the one in Nottingham and the food is really good.

Swallows Nest in Romsley - good solid rustic grub

The Plough in Fairfield near Catshill - cracking cavery for £3.95 weekdays

Just for the info Wagamama means selfish in Japanese, Tanoshi means Enjoy.

Wing Wah restaurant in Nechelles, Aston is fantastic. Its next to Wing Yip Super Market.

Amazing Chinese hot pot and Buffet. Go there - you won't be disapointed.

Havent seen you around for a while LDN- do you now live in China?

To completely the other end of the scale....

The Arches Chippy in Slade Rd, Erdington does awesome fish & chips. He's not shy with the portions either!

And of course the best fish & chip shop in the UK (really - it has won industry awards) is Our Plaice on Hagley High Street.

A little off the beaten track but well worth the visit - the sole & plaice are amazing!

Bio

Is that the same Our Plaice that have branches in Halesowen and Quarry Bank ? If so you're the other branches are also exceptionally good...

Ye Rigadon - China.
Miss Birmingham though. Like to keep an eye on developments in Brummy land.

Bio

Is that the same Our Plaice that have branches in Halesowen and Quarry Bank ? If so you're the other branches are also exceptionally good...

I am not sure - I thought it was a standalone one...

I guess Our Plaice is a pretty common name for a chippie? The decor is very 1930s if that helps?

Cher Jules, just off New Street on your way to Victoria Square from Bull ring is pretty good. Very professional looking cooking and tastes nice too. Juboraj in Wylde Green is a nice contemporary Indian restuarant.

When I'm in Birmingham, I always have a great chicken kebab from Buffalo Bill's (http://www.citikey.com/business/10088684) on Smallbrook, Queensway (don't forget to have it with mayo!).

^^So called because Buffalo Bill brought his wild west show to Birmingham in 1900.

Buffalo Bill on New Street:
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/Media?MEDIA_ID=46217
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/Media?MEDIA_ID=46218

So called because Buffalo Bill brought his wild west show to Birmingham in 1900.



Wow, that's really interesting (and I'm not being sarcastic). :)



I always wondered why it was called that seeing as the shop specialises in kebabs and pizza rather than fried chicken or burgers.

Yep... or even sold bison burgers and you walked in through the swinging SALON doors and you are immediately confronted with a fight. But the only fight you could be confronted with is a bunch of chavs raiding trying to make off with a table and chair.

Khanum, Selly Oak. Class.

New Venture For Michelin Star Chef Glynn Purnell

Another bit of good news from Birminghamplus, new restaurant opening in the empty furniture shop on Cornwall Street:
http://www.birminghamplus.com/news/news_item.asp?nid=1179156769

:dance2:

Butterfield - do you have a food-related smiley? (Other than the carrots, peppers et al?)

:eat:

I'm not sure this is food tho'

Class! Thanks :)

It could be a canape I guess...

:eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat:

Class! Thanks :)

It could be a canape I guess...

:eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat: :eat:

:cheers: :)

Can't believe were on page 3 of this thread and no mention of MR EGG! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

The place is legendary!

Bar Estillo is always good for me and Del Villagios on Broad Street does a wonderful job. The Cafe next to the main restaurant has a great informal atmosphere when you want to eat good food without feeling like you have to make an event of an evening.

I wish to see a true Pizzaiolo in Brum. Might be asking a bit much considering that a true Pizza Neapolitan is rare outside Naples or NYC but I think Brum deserves one.

Malaysian Delight in China Town - cheep and delicious.

For good Indian/Balti food in the South West Birmingham then give the following a try:-

Bengal Chaa, on the Pershore Road in Stirchley. Had a recent refurb and now looks really quite smart. Food is a touch expensive but very good quality and you always leave feeling comfortably full.

Bano Phool, on New Road, Rubery. Has a very bland looking frontage but don't let that put you off. The food is quite diverse and not just the usual standard curry fare. Service is good, although the place does get busy even on quiet days like Monday/Tuesday

K2, Alcester Road, Moseley. Has been around for years and has always served good quality currys both for meat-eaters and veggies. Service is a little slow at times, so you do have to give them a nudge. But the quality of food is very good. Not the best Ive ever eaten but certainly fills a gap after a few jars.

Went to the Big Wok on Sunday for lunch with the wife, £4.99 all you can eat (£8.99 after 5) which is great value. The restaraunt itself looks like a school canteen, but you don't go there for the surroundings, the food is pretty decent though. Huge starter each, huge main course each and a slice of gateaux with ice cream all for £14. Expect to be very full on the way home.

For nice Indian food in the East Brum area, Mint at the Yew Tree is great. Fairly new, great food with really friendly staff. Not the cheapest around but well worth it and the restaraunts great, wouldn't be out of place in the city centre.

That Bangla Lounge on Harborne High Street is nice... all sorts of slightly different curries, and it's very cheap.

For nice Indian food in the East Brum area, Mint at the Yew Tree is great. Fairly new, great food with really friendly staff. Not the cheapest around but well worth it and the restaraunts great, wouldn't be out of place in the city centre.

I have never been to Mint. I remember seeing it being fitted when I used to live in Yardley and I was really attracted by the "contemporary Indian cuisine" description of the place. But the overall location just put me off (located next to the Yew Tree Bar and a KFC :ohno: ).

I suggest Juboraj in 163 Sutton Road, Wylde Green. It is a nice Indian restuarant which serves Thai food too. It is an unlicenced restaurant. They are happy for you to bring in your own though.

I think this is SHOCK news, but Brums hard rock cafe has closed. It was in last night Evening Mail:ohno: If this is true i think that this will be a big blow to Birmingham, not becouse it was a great place to eat becouse it wasnt but just becouse its a high profile brand not in Birmingham anymore

I have never been to Mint. I remember seeing it being fitted when I used to live in Yardley and I was really attracted by the "contemporary Indian cuisine" description of the place. But the overall location just put me off (located next to the Yew Tree Bar and a KFC ).


I hear you there, you do have to wade through the young chavs hanging around outside KFC to get in, but once in there it's great. :bash:

Zilli gets a Taste for Birmingham
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/news/tm_headline=zilli-gets-a-taste-for-birmingham%26method=full%26objectid=19126777%26siteid=50002-name_page.html

Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli yesterday highlighted Birmingham's potential to become "one of the best culinary cities" in the country.

At a food demonstration to promote July's four-day long Taste of Birmingham event, Mr Zilli said he was impressed by the friendly nature of people in the region and the quality of its up-and-coming restaurants.

Together with Raffaele Caggegi, sous chef of the renowned Birmingham Italian restaurant San Carlo, the London-based chef prepared a selection of his signature summer dishes in the demonstration kitchen at the Electric Cinema in Station Street.

He said: "I think Birmingham is going to become one of the best culinary cities very soon.

"I think this year is probably going to be as good as London or better as the London event is spoilt - it is too huge but in Birmingham it is still small.

"I am really looking forward to being up here a little bit more because I find the people up here a little more friendlier and they listen and take notice as they want to do your recipes and want to buy your books.

"Today I made lobster ravioli. It is my own recipe and I have done this dish for the purpose of my restaurant 'Zilli Fish'.


"The dessert was tiramisu but without coffee and with orange and strawberries."


Visitors to the Taste of Birmingham event between July 5 and 8 in Cannon Hill Park, will have the chance to mingle with world-famous chefs including Aldo, Andreas Antona, Brian Turner, Anthony Worrall Thompson and Jean-Christophe Novelli.


In addition, they can sample signature dishes from 20 of Birmingham's most prestigious restaurants including Michelin-starred Simpsons and the award-winning Opus and Lasan restaurants.


There will also be a chance to browse through food and drink exhibitions, taste speciality beers and wines and watch chefs demonstrating their culinary skills.


At the promotional event yesterday Dave Hodgson, marketing director of Marketing Birmingham, said the city's outstanding food had put Birmingham on the UK's culinary map.


"Last year we had some of the best restaurants in the city and this year we will have a lot more," he said.


"Taste of Birmingham is one of five events this year and it all finishes in Birmingham."


He added the event would feature restaurant awards - unique to the Birmingham "Taste of" event.


"This includes categories such as outstanding personal contribution," he said.


Last year's Taste of Birmingham event also featured awards with winners including Simpsons, Bank and Hotel du Vin.


This year, a panel of judges will decide the winners for six categories including the new Rising Star award.


Channel 4 presents Taste of Birmingham, supported by The Birmingham Post and Birmingham Mail and sponsored by Lloyds TSB CarSelect, at Cannon Hill Park from July 5-8.

The four-day event allows visitors to sample signature dishes from 20 of the region's finest restaurants including Opus, Simpsons, Deolali and San Carlo, as well as watch demonstrations from the likes of Jean-Christophe Novelli, Brian Turner and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.


There is also a producers' market, wine and beer tasting academies and live music from The Jam House.


For tickets go to channel4.com/taste - book early as tickets for some sessions are selling out.


For a chance to vote for your favourite restaurant in the Best Service, Best Business Lunch and Best Family Restaurant categories, click here.

In addition, one lucky reader who will be drawn at random, will win a pair of tickets to the event's VIP launch on July 5.


Other events run this year by Taste Festivals Limited - a company co-owned by Channel 4 and Brand Events Limited - include ones in Edinburgh, Dublin, London and Bath.

I'm sad to hear about the Hard Rock Cafe. I'm with you on that Brum X.:ohno:

On a different matter, and apologies if it's already been said, apparently the Rough Guides have produced a "Top 25 World Sites" to celebrate their 25 birthday - or something like that.

The only entry on the list associated with food is Birmingham's Balti Triangle - listed as not to be missed and streets ahead of any lesser rivals.

Good news for the home of the Balti!:)

Hopefully Hard Rock may move to somewhere else in Brum. I woudl ahev thought Reflex or Congress would be better, or somewhere new completely?

I hope they do. I always thought that location on Broad Street was the wrong location.

Well reflex applied for modifications to bit of car park space outside them for parasols etc so dont think they will be going too soon sadly.

The end of Broad Street definitely needs a rethink. I think any work on Auchinleck place might help as it dies a death at end.

Butterfield - do you have a food-related smiley? (Other than the carrots, peppers et al?)

Oops, missed this one. In fact, I missed the thread completely as I dont tend to eat in Birmingham. So, here are some food-related smilie-smileys just for you Bio!

http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Food/dancing-broccoli-23.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/a050.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/d015.gif

http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Food/kitchen-chef-64.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/a045.gif

http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Food/mushroom-26.gif

http://www.kirupa.com/forums/smileys_files/apple.gif

http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Food/eating-macdo-15.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/c015.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/d005.gif

:spam1:

http://www.neutralunderground.com/forum/images/smilies/corny.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/e0201.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/f060.gif

http://www.neutralunderground.com/forum/images/smilies/6-16-06/2707.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/a0201.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/a0451.gif

http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/e0151.gif

http://img308.imageshack.us/img308/7971/bananahuge3rd119202oj.gif

Oh and, erm...
http://www.forumquebec.com/smiley-forum/images/food/c030.gif

Is that the same Our Plaice that have branches in Halesowen and Quarry Bank ?

The only shop I know in Quarry Bank is "Justin & Jason's Hair Salon". :shifty:

All Hard Rock cafes are pretty crap. I couldn't care less about it.

Nandos is opening in Paradise Forum.

Nando's are popping up all over the place, that's 4 in the city centre, Broad St, BullRing, Mailbox and now here....

The new Strada at the ICC is great for lunch - a nice addition to the city with 2 outlets in a year.

All Hard Rock cafes are pretty crap. I couldn't care less about it.

I actually found it quite an insult that they should choose Brum for such an outdated concept... no surprise it's gone... bye bye :cheers: (never been in one in my life)

Has anyone eaten at that new Thai resturant on the cnaal in Holliday wharf?
Can;t remember the name but it looks nice.

Ate in there a few weeks ago, service was slow, there was hen party on the next table cackling etc, foo was average and the waitress chased us out saying we hadn't paid when we had.

They then gave us some crappy key rings to make up.

I will never go there again

BAR ESTILLO

The best food, atmosphere and good value

and take-away....




















TOPNOSH!!!

AA Restaurant of the Year 2005

Birmingham's only entry in Egon Ronay's UK" Best 200 Restaurant Guide" 2005

West Midlands only 2star entry in Egon Ronays' UK "Best 200 Restaurant Guide "2006.
Also recommended for an "Intimate Dinner for Two."

West Midland Top entry in "THE INDEPENDENT" October 2005 50 Best UK Gourmet Restaurants.

Good Food & Hardens Guide Regional Newcomer 2005

Birmingham Post Regional Restaurant of the Year 2004.

Metro Restaurant of the Year 2005.




...Jessica's will be closing when Purnell's opens on Cornwall St in July



Birmingham is to lose one of its Michelin-starred restaurants with the closure of Jessica's this summer.

Co-owners Keith and Diane Stevenson plan to call it a day when head chef and business partner Glynn Purnell leaves the restaurant they set up together in 2003. Purnell is planning to launch his own project.



The closure of Jessica's, which won the AA's Restaurant of the Year in its first 12 months and a Michelin star in 2005, will leave Birmingham with a single Michelin-starred restaurant, Simpson's in Edgbaston.

Purnell, with his wife and business partner Kerry O'Carroll, has secured a 15-year lease on a former contemporary furniture show room in Birmingham's financial district, which will open at the start of July. The restaurant will be called Purnell's, and will open from Tuesday to Saturday.

It will be the first time Purnell, 32, has been chef-proprietor, and he described the move as a dream come true. "The food will be an evolution of what I have been doing at Jessica's," he said. "But I'd certainly like to think that I can push on and in five to seven years achieve two Michelin stars."

Purnell's will be housed in a corner-facing Victorian building with a "gallery feel", courtesy of heated black-slate tiles, skylight and gantry with studio lighting. The 45-cover restaurant will feature a separate private dining room of 12 covers. In the kitchen, Simon Szymanski will continue in his sous chef role from Jessica's, while Jean-Benoit Burloux will step up from assistant restaurant manager at Jessica's to manage front of house.

Ate in there a few weeks ago, service was slow, there was hen party on the next table cackling etc, foo was average and the waitress chased us out saying we hadn't paid when we had.

They then gave us some crappy key rings to make up.

I will never go there again

Thanks

Had a look this weekend but was a bit quiet so we decided to go to the Oriental opposite. That's a fantastic resturant.

It'll be sad to see Jessica's go, but I suppose this is the inevitable evolution.

I can't say I'd knock the owners for hanging their gloves up. They've done us proud and deserve a medal for continuing to believe in a market that all others had deserted.

And the most positive thing is that Glyn Purnell is staying inthe city and opening his own place here, and isn't going to London.

And he's aiming for 2 stars!

ALSO....

Went to La Plancha in Moseley the other week. Fantastic!

Proper Spanish Tapas (not the pseudo crap tapas some places dole out), great atmosphere, 10/10.

Had a look this weekend but was a bit quiet so we decided to go to the Oriental opposite. That's a fantastic resturant.

I love The Oriental, never had a bad experience there, definately has to be one of Brum's best.

continuing to believe in a market that all others had deserted.

.



Simpsons hasn't deserted it.

I love The Oriental, never had a bad experience there, definately has to be one of Brum's best.

Yeah I like the oriental, especially as it's one of the few places in Brum to offer a fixed price lunch deal seven days a week

Oops, missed this one. In fact, I missed the thread completely as I dont tend to eat in Birmingham. So, here are some food-related smilie-smileys just for you Bio!

[CENTER]http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Food/dancing-broccoli-23.gif

http://www.neutralunderground.com/forum/images/smilies/6-16-06/2707.gif



Thanks Butterfield :cheers1:

Love the brocolli, but haven't the faintest what the other one is! I like it though ;)

..

Pizzas in ParadiseAug 10 2007
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
By John Duckers, Business Editor

The team behind Birmingham's popular Metro Bar in the city centre have grabbed another "pizza" the action.

New independent restaurant venture Wildfire Pizza is to locate its first venue at Birmingham's Paradise Forum, which is nearing the end of its £2 million refurbishment by owner Argent.

http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/business/tm_headline=pizzas-in-paradise%26method=full%26objectid=19606399%26siteid=50002-name_page.html

My better half and I had an absolutely Topper meal at "Pasta Di Piazza" ( http://www.pastadipiazza.com/ ) the other night.

We really, really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. The place was rammed we pre-booked, arrived on time and had to wait to be seated for 10 minutes. That either means they don't know what they are doing or that they are very popular for a good reason. Fortunately it was the latter.

Really nice relaxing surrounding's, just the right atmosphere, the waiters were busy but attentive without being overbearing. Stunning menu selection and most importantly the food was absolutely wonderful!

The Bresaelo Di Bufala was very good only criticism was that the Mozzarella with it didn't taste like Buffalo Milk Mozz (?) still nice though.

I had a really super Pizza the base maintained a great crust whilst being soft and had a good spring back, they had obviously used eggs in it, which is a bit tricky to do properly with the thinness of the base and to retain the consistency but it was perfect with a nice char. The Penne Pasta was also very impressive apparently.

We both gave in to having the Crepe ala Banana, hot Bananas covered in Maple Syrup in a warm crepe with ice cream and strawberry's on top.

Being a Veggie the Girlfriend was more than impressed as it seems that most places don't understand veggie food but that wasn't an issue here. We had such a great night. Can't wait to go back. This has been a super discovery and I can't believe that I haven't been there before now.

I rate it up there with Del Villaggio's for Italian.

Give it a whirl and see what you think if you haven't already.

Pasta Di Piazza is really good, been twice with large groups (for which you need to book) and the food and atmosphere are great. Haven't a clue what it costs tho as i didn't pay either time

EddM and Engels, quite agree a fantastic resteraunt that I would say is the best Italian I've been to in Brum.

The Homemade Burger Co. at BP is good for a hearty fattening lunch.:okay:

The Homemade Burger Co. at BP is good for a hearty fattening lunch.:okay:

I love that place. If ive had breakfast and often if I want chips with a burger I have a kids burger as they are sooooo filling.

im hungry now :)

Yeah, the things they give you in that place - surely it's impossible to actually finish the normal sized ones? Does make my mouth water though.

Not in Birmingham but the Bell Inn (or maybe the Boot Inn, can't remember) up in Dudley, in the Sedgeley/ Gornals area, serves the best cottage pie I have ever had.

Bedders chippy opposite small heath Asda, they won an award for the best chippy chips in Birmingham. Oh and apparanytly my freind tells me that they only open two hours each day because they make to much money, does that make sense.

Aah I know the place . They've had "established for 60 years" on their sign for decades.

and for those two hours each day you'll see queue's like never before, people get there about an hour before.

If you like Italian food I can definately recommend Filini on the first floor of the Radisson. Great food in a nice setting although as you'd expect it's not cheap.

Bedders chippy opposite small heath Asda, they won an award for the best chippy chips in Birmingham. Oh and apparanytly my freind tells me that they only open two hours each day because they make to much money, does that make sense.

Weirdly it does make sense. The Dads Lane chip shop in Moseley near Higbury park the same and it is also won awards for being best in Birmingham.
I love it because I can get faggots and chips which I not had for years.

(no jokes please ;) )

If you like Italian food I can definately recommend Filini on the first floor of the Radisson. Great food in a nice setting although as you'd expect it's not cheap.

I'm getting treated to a meal at Cielo at brindley place next week. I'll let you know what I think. Word at work is its v.good.

It is supposed to be good. BRMB used to give away dinners there to people who had asked others on dates in their lunchtime dating show.

Most the Italians in Brum are poor but like uv I lie filini.

Cielo started out poor then became pretty good but overpriced. It now has Andy Waters (thunk that's his name) as head chef who mae his name at the Bay Tree before being awarded a Michelin Star at edmunds in henley. I haven't been back since he came but wouldn't be surprised if it now justifies the prices.

I think the Italian in Moseley opposite the Bulls Head is supposed to be quite good and not too expensive.

I'm getting treated to a meal at Cielo at brindley place next week. I'll let you know what I think. Word at work is its v.good.


That'd be great, it's one I've always meant to try but never got round to it.

Eating out.Video from today's Mail.

http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/mail/video/tm_headline=food-for-thought%26method=full%26objectid=19744571%26siteid=50002-name_page.html

Restaurant goes undergroundSep 6 2007
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


A boutique style bar and restaurant is to open in the Jewellery Quarter following the £2 million restoration of the derelict two-storey basement of Birmingham's oldest known workhouse.

The neglected cellar at Grade II listed Newhall Place will be transformed into The Vaults under the direction of Birmingham-based entrepreneurs Russell Townsend and Julian Brown.

The conversion of the 7,000 sq ft basement will create a new top-end leisure destination for the city, set for launch in October.

Featuring exposed brickwork throughout with vaulted ceilings, The Vaults will seat 60-70 diners in the main restaurant and in three private dining booths.

Russell, who owns Birmingham design agency, Clusta, said: "Julian and I have searched for years for a venue that would offer something really different. When we saw this building and its potential, we knew that we'd found it.


"Both of us are passionate about food as well as our home city and think that The Vaults will offer Birmingham a truly unique place to drink and eat out.


"It will feel comfy and private without being pretentious and will retain its stunning architecture, contrasting the Victorian brickwork with a contemporary bohemian interior."


While the upper floors of the Newhall Place site, which dates from 1860, have been converted into office and residential units, the basement has been left derelict for many decades due to the unsuitability of the narrow street level entry point.


However, a new entrance has been created from the adjacent new development site, allowing for the construction of the niche bar and restaurant.


The Vaults will offer up-market grilled dishes with their emphasis on fresh, local and seasonal produce as well as an extensive collection of wines, including leading champagnes, bottled beers, premium vodkas and cocktails.


The menu is being developed by Julian, a national food consultant who has been a chef for 20 years. Julian, who trained at The Birmingham College of Food, previously owned Denial restaurant until 2003.

Awesome. We really need, both restaurant bar hotel and shops, more different spaces to be used. This reminds me of a very nice place in the west end in Glasgow and also Cafe in the Crypt by Trafalgar Square but is even funkier being in old workhouse.

Jewellery quarter probably has good potential for really quirky places as so many places have basements and are funky buildings.

:banana:

I'm getting treated to a meal at Cielo at brindley place next week. I'll let you know what I think. Word at work is its v.good.

I forgot about posting this.

Cielo was fine. Nice decor - very interesting waterfall feature too - and not too busy at the time, which was lunchtime, surprisingly enough. Service was fast, though the company had booked a few tables and was paying for the alcohol, so I'm not too surprised at that.

I had the penne pasta starter, chicken & spinach, and a raspberry ice cream to finish off. Free food always tastes good. I had a thoroughly good time.

Mechu gets colour co-ordinatedSep 27 2007


The owners of Mechu have clearly never heard the idiom "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/cityliving/exclusives/lifestyle/tm_headline=mechu-gets-colour-co-ordinated%26method=full%26objectid=19858403%26siteid=50002-name_page.html

I went to Asha's on Newhall St the other night.

Great Indian food and although it was more expensive than the average curry, it was definitely worth it.

Very good!

Try http://www.urbanpie.co.uk/ in Bullring and see what you think.

Try http://www.urbanpie.co.uk/ in Bullring and see what you think.





Looks a good price.


I'll try and check them out when I 'm in Brum in the next couple of months.

not sure if it's been mentioned but a new pizza place has opened in Paradise Forum called 'wildfire' looks quite nice. The old Shogun restaurant in the Mailbox has signs up for The Gourmet Burger Kitchen to be oening soon, not on their site yet though.

http://www.gbkinfo.com/

Cool, paradise forum quite an eatery now with the Nando's open.

Burger place looks good. Looks a bit like one in Brindley Place. Think we will be first place in midlands to have one as website is either South, South East, London, or North pretty much.

I've eaten in Gourmet Burger Kitchen in London, Hammersmith area I think it was, and it was pretty nice, similar to the Handmade Burger Company we already have, which, incidentally is opening a restaurant in Touchwood, Solihull.

I'm a bit of a regular at MPzz on the road up to the clock tower in the JQ. Great Mediterranean food and the Nicoise Salad is what a salad should be. For quick food, the pizzas are really nice too.

Sante Fe in the Mailbox has closed and is being replaced by HA! HA! Canteen (Yates more upmarket brand). I suppose at least this will draw people to Mailbox to drink in the evenings but I hope it doesn't end up going too laddish like Broad Street).

There's a HA!HA! Bar in Sutton Coldfield. Never gone in there though, doesn't look bad.

The Dragon Inn is open on Hurst Street today (Wetherspoons). Very stylish Wetherspoons, with nice decor and lights and ambience.

Had a free meal and 2 drinks on saturday as they were doing staff training.

Don Salvos have a new place on Temple Street (opposite San Carlos), looked very nice from the outside, probably better than the Mailbox site.

Sorry if i posted this before but couldnt see my post in here
Kababish on boldmere/jockeyroad is the best indain restaurant ive ever been to. the food is soo nice you feel guilty eating it, absolute quality. the waitors and management are great blokes too.

Where's that?

Where's that?

Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield, just south of Sutton Park. here (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=jockey+road+sutton+coldfield&sll=54.162434,-3.647461&sspn=12.600637,29.619141&ie=UTF8&ll=52.551985,-1.841841&spn=0.02552,0.05785&z=14&iwloc=addr&om=1)

have u ever eaten there blah blah?, wud be good to hear what u thought about it.

Went to a cafe in the Five Ways shopping centre at the end of Broad St for lunch today, can't remember the name but they do an all-you-can-eat indian buffet £3.95, not bad nosh, very good for the price.

Other days in the week they do pie and mash or barbecue buffets, all-you-can-eat for £3.50!!

have u ever eaten there blah blah?, wud be good to hear what u thought about it.

No, I haven't. Think I'll be giving it a try atfer what you said though!

I highly recommend Urban Pie in the Bullring (another to open in Brindleyplace so we hear).

Also, just worth mentioning that Filini has been voted one of the best Italians in the country.

Nicely goes with Itihaas being the best Indian in the country :)

Itihaas is run by crooks though.

I hope your going to provide some justification for that before your sued for libel ;)

I should be safe, he's been caught once already so it's a perfectly justified claim.

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-139174118.html

You learn something every day.

Oh dear, silly people :ohno:

Grub's good though :)

No, I haven't. Think I'll be giving it a try atfer what you said though!

Good man im sure u wont be dissapointed. you have to book ahead though and reserve a table, its quite popular.

Not so great place to eat !

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/02/07/big-rat-and-fries-97319-20446704/

That guy needs to get a better camera phone. That looked like a sock on a bit of string.

No, that might be your eyesight ;)
Looks like a rat to me.

I'm also sure that having a phone capable of a decent video recording in case you see a rat is not a good reason for getting a new phone :lol:

No, that might be your eyesight ;)

Correct!

Looks like a rat to me.

Yes - and rats look like socks...

I'm also sure that having a phone capable of a decent video recording in case you see a rat is not a good reason for getting a new phone :lol:

For me, it's a major factor ;)

Maybe this thread can move to the Lunar Society?