Shropshire Curry Chef 2012 Winner Mohammed Samsul Ismal of Cafe Saffron, Shrewsbury

A Shropshire curry chef was named the county’s best after winning an exciting cook-off against three others.

Mohammed Samsul Islam, from Café Saffron Indian restaurant, in Shrewsbury, was crowned Shropshire Council Curry Chef of the Year 2012. He was given the chance to take part in the final after his boss, the former competition winner Abdul Husen, decided to step down.
Mr Husen is one of Shropshire’s best known celebrity cooks after winning the Shropshire competition in 2010, numerous national contests and appearing on BBC 1’s John Bishop’s Britain. The other three finalists who nominated their chefs to step up to the plate were: Himalaya Tandoori Restaurant, Bridgnorth; Oruna Cuisine Indian restaurant and takeaway, Market Drayton and Dorrington Old Hall Persian Cuisine. The chefs produced a curry, side dish and rice accompaniment for a panel of judges at Radbrook Catering College in Shrewsbury, where they had one hour to cook and display their chosen menu.
Mr Husen said: “I’m delighted for Mohammed. He’s stepped up in the kitchen at Cafe Saffron and his cooking is amazing. “I wanted to give him the chance. Cooking is all about introducing new talent and Mohammed has really made his name.”
Mohammed said: “I’m very happy to have won. I am very impressed with the council competition. “Since the competition was first held in 2010 Café Saffron has been in the final three times and won twice. After winning in 2010 we went on to feature on TV and win more awards.” The winning menu consisted of capsila murghi, deshi sabji paneer and special pillau rice.
All Indian, Bangladeshi, Balti, Persian and similar restaurants and takeaways in the Shropshire Council area with a food hygiene rating of satisfactory or above were invited to enter the competition. The entries were assessed by the council’s food safety team, making reference to the most recent food hygiene inspection. The successful applicants were visited to ensure that good food safety practices are being met, and to taste and consider the nutritional value of the chef’s chosen dishes.
At the final cook-off the competing curries were tasted and assessed by the judges before the trophy was awarded by Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental health.
Councillor Charmley said: “Our congratulations go to Mohammed and Café Saffron on winning the competition and the title of Shropshire Council Curry Chef of the Year 2012.
“The four finalists all demonstrated exceptionally high standards of culinary expertise, food hygiene, nutrition, flair and creativity – and we were faced with an extremely difficult task in choosing the winner.”
Last year’s winner was Rukon Abdullah from Oswestry Tandoori. Abdul Husen of Café Saffron won the first Shropshire Council Curry Chef of the Year competition in 2010.

The Newly painted Warwick Hockley Heath

Restoration of land mark Warwickshire pub – Re-opens May 19th

A well-known Warwickshire landmark pub and restaurant has been taken over and is being restored to its former glory, with a new name, and fresh new décor and menus.

The Oak at Hockley Heath is to be renamed The Warwick, and will focus on sourcing Warwickshire produce for its new menus, returning it back to its former glory as a food hall, and destination watering hole for weary travellers, and locals alike. The roadside landmark has suffered from lack of TLC over recent years, and  although popular has lost its identity of recent years – new owners, Walsh Taverns Limited, who are successful operators of premium dining venues in the Midlands have taken over the property and are investing up to £250,000 in the new décor, interior and kitchens, and employing over 30 as part of the team.

Operations Director of Walsh Taverns comments “We were delighted to secure the site which is currently The Oak – it is a wonderful sight, and much loved by the locals, and we have invested our know how, and focus on premium, service, ingredients and training, to return what is to be Warwick into being one of the premier destinations in the region for good quality food and hospitality.”

The Warwick Restaurant, Hockley Heath

Walsh Taverns LTD who hand pick sites for such investments are launching on Saturday 19th May inviting the locals to celebrate the renaming and enjoy an evening of entertainment, then feedback will be sought on the new menus for full opening from Monday 21st May. Manager James Hartley added “We have been improving the site since we took over some weeks ago, and asking customer what they would like from the new Warwick, and now it is our chance to apply all the feedback and invite everyone back in – Saturday is going to be great fun, and we look forward to welcoming back new and old faces in the coming weeks.

Birminghamn Food Festival, Colmore, last year

The city’s tastiest festival Birmingham Food Fest will take place on 13-19 July 2012, returning after last year’s inaugural success with a week-long menu of food-filled events and restaurant offers throughout the city centre.
This year sees Visit Birmingham, the city’s leisure tourism programme, join forces with partners and leading chefs to showcase the very best of Birmingham’s culinary offer. Birmingham Food Fest kicks off with CBD Food Festival in Victoria Square on 13-14 July, a celebration of the diverse food and drink venues found in Colmore Business District, the city’s commercial heart. Brindleyplace’s super-spicy Chilli Festival, which last year attracted thousands of foodie fans from across the region, will also be part of the fiery festivities.

Birmingham Food Fest will feature a mouth-watering line up of fringe events and irresistible restaurant offers as part of Visit England’s 20.12% campaign, promoting the UK’s visitor offer in the lead up to the Olympic Games. Last year’s festival saw an estimated 70,000 people tuck into food and drink offers from over 80 restaurants, leaving visitors hungry for seconds.

Emma Gray, Director of Marketing Services at Visit Birmingham, which is managing Birmingham Food Fest, said:

“Last year’s Food Fest really helped put Birmingham on the map as a culinary destination and a haven for food lovers.

“The festival saw 70,000 visitors descend on the city to sample our gastronomic delights, attracting nearly £1 million of media coverage and plaudits from influential international titles such as The New York Times, which named Birmingham number 19 in its ‘2012 must-see destinations’ shortlist due to its foodie credentials.

“Collaboration is at the heart of Birmingham Food Fest. Working with partners throughout the city, the week-long festival will bring together a wide range of restaurants, from Michelin starred to independent eateries, helping to cement Birmingham’s growing reputation as a culinary hotspot.”

Ann Tonks, Board Director of Colmore Business District and Managing Director of Opus Restaurant said:

“This year, Birmingham Food Fest will launch with our CBD Food Festival – a celebration of 24 food and drink venues in the city’s commercial heart, Colmore Business District. There are many independent venues in the district, ranging from fine dining restaurants like Purnell’s and Opus to venues such as Urban Coffee Company and Metro Bar & Grill. The popular CBD Food Festival, which is back for the second year, serves as a great starting point for a festival which aims to showcase the vast spectrum of Birmingham’s culinary scene.

“Teaming up with Birmingham Food Fest provides us with an even greater platform to help spread the word of the exceptional culinary offering both in our district, and Birmingham as a whole.”

The Birmingham Chefs Alliance, which includes some of the city’s top culinary stars such as Glynn Purnell of Purnell’s, Aktar Islam of Lasan and Richard Turner of Turners Restaurant, have again stepped out in support of Birmingham Food Fest. David Colcombe, Head of The Birmingham Chefs Alliance and Chef Director of Opus Restaurant said:

“Birmingham has long been home to some fantastic restaurants and chefs that have helped catapult the city into the gastronomic spotlight. “The underground cooking scene taking root in the city and home-grown talent that continues to push the boundaries of culinary creativity, means Birmingham is quickly gaining recognition as an international haven for food.”

Michelin Chef Richard Turner, of Turners Restaurant in Harborne, Birmingham added “The range of cuisine available in Birmingham and the surrounding areas is diverse, and this is a great way of celebrating the success of the producers and the restaurateurs. We look forward to adding our support”

Birmingham Airport New Control Tower

Birmingham Airport’s New Control Tower to be Exclusive Pop-Up Restaurant

The West Midlands most exclusive pop-up restaurant will be open for only 20 evenings and seat just twelve diners. It will be opening later this month on the operational floor of Birmingham Airport’s new control tower, before the technical equipment is installed, and be run by former chef and restaurateur Birmingham born and bred Geoff Bartlett. For almost 30 years his Lichfield company, Corporate Occasions, has been providing distinctive and luxurious events for the cream of West Midland commerce and industry’

Altogether no more than 240 fortunate diners will be able to enjoy the unrivalled views high above the region’s international airport.  “There will certainly be fierce competition for a place at this most singular, if somewhat short-lived, dining-room”, said Geoff.  He is hard at work developing a true gourmet menu based on seasonal fresh produce from the regions farms and fields that offer some of England’s finest meat and vegetables, fruit and cheeses.  “The wines are being specially selected not only to match the dishes”, he explained, “ but will focus on the airport’s strong international connections by coming from those wine-producing nations that it serves with direct flights.”

The new Air Traffic Control Tower at Birmingham Airport (pictured) has started to take shape and has been growing at a rate of up to four metres a day over the last fortnight and already dominates the skyline.

On completion in 2013, the new £10m ATC tower will stand 33 metres above ground level and will be home to National Air Traffic Services – NATS – the Airport’s air traffic control provider. Allowing them to see the end of the extended runway, a development that will be complete in 2014 and will allow airlines to fly to more long haul destinations worldwide”

To here more about this, and how to be involved and more food news from around the region register for the Midlands food newsletter here

You may have read in the regions press, that we are ‘doing our bit’ for the region, its restaurants, and the industry charity called ‘Hospitality Action‘ which helps support individuals who have fallen on hard times – of which there are surprisingly many!

On June 10th we will be taking part in the Great Midlands Fun Run – 8.5 miles around the West Midlands! The following week, on the 19th and 20th June we will take part in a race of a different kind – The industry wide Cannon Ball Run – which brings together leading industry experts including food reviewers, Michelin Chefs and suppliers – competing in two teams to race (within limits) from both Lands End and John O Groats – each setting off at Midnight, and travelling non stop to see who can eat in the most Michelin Starred restaurants within 48 hours, to help raise £10,000 for Hospitality Action – and awareness. We will be passing through the Midlands en route, and plan to visit all 5 of the regions Michelin starred venues. Tough (believe me it will be) but someone has to do it!

Donate for Dining – if you support our cause and can spare a few pounds, then please donate and every contributor will be entered into a draw for a Michelin Meal for two in the Midlands! Visit our official Just Giving page, just launched Here. Many thanks. James Day, Editor.

More to come soon….

Andy Waters contemplating his move from Brindley Place

Chef Andy waters moves to The Queens at Belbroughton, Worcestershire – We were one of the first to sample a taster of what he has to offer – so on our third visit, we shared it with you! More on Andy Waters at the Queens Here

Martin McDough of Heritage Silverware LTD Birmingham pictured at Hotel La Tour

Birmingham Manufacturer Wins prestigious Hotel La Tour Contract

A Birmingham company beat off competition from China, Germany, Italy and France to win a lucrative deal to supply designer tableware to the city’s new £24 million Hotel La Tour.

Heritage Silverware LTD, which is based in Small Heath, Birmingham faced rival bids from across the world to supply the 174-bedroom hotel. Hotel La Tour is newly opened and has already received £1 million worth of inquiries.

The hotel’s Aalto restaurant, which has been overseen by the double-Michelin-Star-holder Marcus Wareing, has received more than 6,500 items of cutlery, crockery and tableware from Heritage of Birmingham.

The final delivery was made today and Heritage Silverware MD Martin McDonagh (pictured at Hotel La Tour) said he was delighted the company had been selected to produce new designs and products for Hotel La Tour as it will be a great showcase for the company’s’ products in his own city, adding “We decided some 12 years ago that the Tableware Industry would be unlikely to survive as a world force in its then current way of serving the Hotel Industry and we decide to learn and  follow the lead set by our midland motor car companies and invested heavily in High Tec design and rapid prototype facilities. It has proved to be the best decision we ever made as sadly as we have seen almost all our fellow manufactures close down or give up manufacturing altogether in UK , yet we have never been more in demand.” He continued “These Hi Tech facilities and our highly skilled workforce give Heritage Collection the ability to design, and manufacture unique cutlery, glassware and tableware which very few companies in the world can match”

Heritage Silverware LTD were praised for their quality of craftsmanship in their new “Heritage Collection” range, alongside their attention to detail by the privately owned hotel.

Operations Director of Hotel La Tour Adrian Colman said: “Heritage Silverware LTD won the contract hands down on innovative product, quality and service, and the fact they were also a Birmingham based company also met our ethos to support local suppliers. When we discovered that their factory was literally five minutes around the corner from the hotel, we were amazed.”
Heritage was founded in 1976 and is run by Mr McDonagh, his wife, Mireille, and their children, Nathalie and Anthony. Mr McDonagh added: “We’ve been honoured to manufacture for clients all around the world from the famous  Orient Express trains to iconic Hotels such as The Ritz, and The Dorchester  as well as Birmingham’s  Michelin-starred restaurants. A lot of our clients refer to us as Birmingham’s best kept secret. We were able to supply exactly what Marcus Wareing wanted for Hotel La Tour’s new stylish restaurant. Our ability to draw on traditional classic styles but also to bring a more modern design approach where needed   for such new state of the art hotels like La Tour, as well as classics like the Ritz, is our speciality”
Mr McDonagh said Birmingham still had a great manufacturing base, despite the recession. He said: “We’re specialist manufacturers of fine silverware, cutlery and China for the world’s best restaurants. We hear so much doom and gloom about the economy; it’s time that people also heard about a success story from here in the heart of the city.”

www.heritagesilverware.com

Chef Brad Carter

Check out our latest Birmingham Restaurant review: Carters of Mosley

The Bluebell Henley in Arden Team

St Georges Day saw the great and the good merge upon the bijou acclaimed Warwickshire dining pub that is the Bluebell, to enjoy an afternoon of high teas, high spirits and resulting in high fund raising for the local Myton Hospices Charity.

Guests were invited to attended the St George’s Day Mad Hatters Tea party, hosted by proprietor Leigh Taylor, with guest speaker and broadcaster Philippe Boucheron – who talked about the history of afternoon tea, and its origins dating back some 350 years. The team headed by chef Simon Malin created a delightful range of sandwiches, homemade cakes, and even gluten free selections for guests, who were also delighted with ‘magic potions’ with some surprise ‘Eat Me, Drink Me’ curios, consisting of dry ice, and Cha flavoured ice cream.
The charity raffle and auction of lifestyle gifts, alongside one of the auction prizes of an afternoon tea stand and tea set, donated by Birmingham based Heritage Silverware LTD, helped raise over £120 for the charity. The Bluebell was fully supporting Myton Hospices in their ‘Take 50 Challenge’ and has enlisted the support of businesswomen from the networking group ‘BLAH’ (Business Ladies Around Henley).
Today Bluebell proprietor Leigh Taylor said:  “We all had a wonderful day, and it was a really enjoyable atmosphere, with a record turnout of over 40 guests. It is important to raise awareness of such a worthy cause as Myton’s Hospice, as many of us have been touched directly or indirectly by Cancer, so to be able to raise over £1200 for them was a real honour – we would like to thank all the businesses who donated to the cause, and the ladies who attended on the day, including the wonderful Philippe Boucheron who delighted the ladies with his knowledge of tea, champagne, and his amusing tales and anecdotes. We will certainly be looking at holding similar events in the near future”
The Myton Hospices Corporate Fundraising Development Manager, said: “We need to raise over £7 million each year through voluntary income to ensure we can deliver our range of services free of charge to the people of Coventry and Warwickshire and we can’t do that without the support of businesses like The Bluebell. Thank you to everyone involved, including the local business women from around Henley who have shown their support by attending such a delightful event.”

More on the Bluebell Henley in Arden

The Bluebell Henley in Arden Host Leigh Taylor with her Dry Ice Mad Hatters Tea

Bluebell charity event

Wine writer & Food Reviewer Philippe Boucheron

Wine & spirit sale offers opportunity for bargain booze to celebrate jubilee in style
On Saturday 12th May Bromsgrove auctioneers Lucius Morris will be selling the wine cellar of a late Midland legal gentleman at their Catshill premises.  It will, they believe, be a splendid opportunity to pick up some real bargains to help celebrate the Jubilee in style, without costing the earth. They have also got some exceptional vintage Ports from the Earl of Bradford’s personal cellar at his Shropshire home.

With only superficial knowledge of fine wines Lucius Morris invited local wine journalist and broadcaster Philippe Boucheron for his opinion.  Philippe painstakingly went though the cellar cherry picking the best for the sale.  So impressed were the auctioneers with Philippe’s extensive knowledge and easy manner that they asked him to help them catalogue the wines, and even take the gavel at the sale.

Philippe is an old friend of Lord Bradford who is augmenting the sale with some quite exceptional patrician vintage Ports, that unfortunately have damaged labels. “These should represent an affordable luxury to Port lovers’, said Philippe. Commenting on the sale he stressed that, “As well as some old Pommards from one of Burgundy’s top regions, there are numerous bottles of champagne, together with both white and red ports, and some excellent whiskies and gin. There are certainly many bargains to be found among this treasure trove and if you are looking for a way to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee without spending a fortune on wines and spirits, then you should come along and join in the fun”.

Follow Philippe’s lead up to the sale www.twitter.com/wine_withus

Join Philippe for an evening of putting the fun back in to wine at his Droitwich home at a series of special events