Birmingham Chefs Look Forward to a Taste of Summer!
As the sun continues to beat down across the region, Birmingham’s leading chefs and restaurateurs have revealed what they love most about summer, and the delicious seasonal dishes they have in store for visitors to this year’s Taste of Birmingham.
Andreas Antona (Simpsons), Raj Rana (Itihaas) and David Colcombe (Opus) toast a Taste of Summer
Now in its third consecutive year, Taste of Birmingham will celebrate the very best cuisine the Midlands’ offers in the beautiful surroundings of Cannon Hill Park, from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 13th July 2008.
Celebrity chefs Anthony Worrall Thompson and Aldo Zilli will be preparing mouth-watering menus alongside a host of the region’s leading restaurants, including Itihaas, Opus and Simpsons.
Chef David Cocombe from Opus said:
“Everybody looks forward to summer. For me, it’s all about enjoying quality seasonal produce and the occasional long lazy brunch. With any luck, we might even be in for some good English strawberries this year.”
Restaurateur, Raj Rana, from Itihaas, added:
“Customers are noticeably happier when the sun starts to shine! For us, summer can be a really hectic time as we cater for up to 3,000 wedding guests every weekend, but I always look forward to picnics, barbeques and eating outside.”
Andreas Antona, Chef Patron at the Michelin-starred Simpsons said:
“In England we are lucky to enjoy four distinct seasons, and the fresh produce that comes with them. At this time of year I look forward to spring lamb, beautiful Evesham asparagus and soft berries. Summer for me means plenty of sun and lots of golf. Even Chefs are happier in summer!”
All three restaurants have revealed the signature dishes that they will be preparing for visitors to this year’s Taste of Birmingham. From the Opus kitchen, guests can enjoy flaked free-range ham hock with potato salad, braised heel of Scottish beef and a Black Forest Martini.
Itihaas will be cooking up a salmon, goats cheese and spicy onion samosa, roast Tandoori quails with sea salt and black pepper potatoes and truffle-infused rice, followed by a reduced Gazara Tart with pistachio and coconut kulfi.
Simpson’s will be preparing melon soup with crab, braised pork cheek with polenta and Eton Mess.
Other leading restaurants taking part in Taste of Birmingham this year include Lasan, Aria at the Hyatt, Hotel du Vin, Malmaison, The Oriental, Fillini, Thai Edge and La Becasse.
Over 20,000 visitors are expected to enjoy a Taste of Birmingham this summer, sampling local cheeses, meat and fruits at the special Taste Kitchen with Sainsbury’s, meeting local producers at the delicious.magazine Producer’s Market and experiencing the Lavazza Aroma Zone, including the Barista-led Aroma Theatre.
Tickets start from £12 and can be bought from the box office 0871 230 5581 or through the website www.channel4.com/taste
