Is Birmingham the food capital of the world?
Monday, July 06, 2009 by blog
Here me out here, sure most of us in sunny Brum are more likely to be seen outside Mr Egg chomping on a donor kebab than sitting in a café eating salmon en crute, but what food is it that really presses our buttons? Pate, salmon, lobster, caviar? No
Chocolate, and to a lesser extent, custard.
We may not have invented chocolate but in Cadbury’s we have the daddy of chocolate brands, based right by the college in Bournville. We did invent custard though and the good name of the Custard Factory still continues in the capacity of a successful music and events venue.
Now the snobs amongst us will point out that chocolate isn’t exactly fine dining but you tell me, would you rather politely take down an oyster or munch heartily on a foot long chocolate bar. The satisfaction is nearly unparalleled and well worth the extra tooth brushing that the gluttony enforces. Birmingham does now have three Michelin star restaurants so that should keep any foodies happy.
We all love our desserts; they all taste fabulous and we can all clear a dish before you can say ‘apple pie’. There is only one thing that improves dessert; custard. Maybe ‘Is Birmingham the dessert capital of England’ is more apt but I want to go the whole hog.
So there you have it; chocolate, custard and 3 Michelin star restaurants. I rest my case.
If you disagree (and I’m sure you will) get in touch. I would like to know where you think is better.
To learn more about food and drink take a look at our course leaflets.
Heidi Says:
Ummm Food now now Mr Blogger thats Food for Thought....!
Food what a tempting subject....and its not even lunch time yet! You must have a sweet tooth or a rumbling belly all ready...what’s the matter with you no bacon butties today!! Or is the canteen on strike today???...lol well I am not surprised!!
Is Birmingham the food capital of the world? Think about it...What’s there to think about Mr Blogger?
Like any other place in the world, food is a basic need and you will find each place you visit there is something that you like or dislike...a bit like marmite shall we say…I suppose!!!
Birmingham however is certainly a very good example of contributing to the food capital (that you describe) like any other country or place one visits the proof is in the eating! Or was that pudding..lol
If you look around the diversity of food in Birmingham is appealing to all in age groups, tastes whether sweet or sour, cultures and pocket from the more traditional as described from fish and chips, the full English breakfast, steak pie, fast food like kebabs, McDonalds, the rag market, chocoholics and places like China town, and Broad Street are very much diverse from Italian, Indian, Chinese, Vegetarian, and EVEN food I have yet to try! Yummy yum yum ;0)
In addition to the more chic there’s the zinc bar and for the sophisticated perhaps the Epernay at the Mailbox.
There is so much variety and diversity to suit all pockets one cannot possibly go and be left starving in Birmingham I would be very much surprised if one couldn’t find anything to eat! …or even escape from the temptation of the smell or flavours of such exotic, spicy food and not forgetting the drink…wine of course! Hence it’s difficult to go on a diet….I guess one is spoilt for choice in Birmingham!
A good way to explore food is to attend the Birmingham Food Show, normally held at Cannon Hill Park each year. It gives you a great opportunity to taste all types of food and drinks of course offered in Birmingham key restaurants like Le Blanc for a fraction of the price. Having worked in media, I tend to get complimentary tickets each year, an event which is also highly recommended if you are also looking to enter the Food or Drink industry too whether for work or study…you are sure to get a flavour of what the industry has to offer as a whole!
Or if you’re like me, like spice and variety on your plate, you like to pick and choose what you eat and how much you consume there’s always 80 dishes around the world! You will never get bored, highly recommended for individuals that are food lovers and or are curious what other countries have to offer to this diverse food capital!
Out of interest, it would be nice to hear from you all in terms of what your favourite food and drink place in Birmingham is and why would you recommend it for others to try? Even if it is Macdonalds!!!! Talk soon ;0)