A Day Out

Had a very nice lunch out the other day. It was a trip to the College of Food organised by the Townswomen’s Guild. Eight of us went by mini-bus and were dropped off at an impressive building. Unfortunately I didn’t get a photograph of it so I borrowed the one above from the Internet. 

Birmingham College of Food has three restaurants open to the public and they all serve food cooked and served by the students. The Cap & Gown offers starters and main courses in a pub-like atmosphere, the Brasserie serves a high standard of modern cuisine in the evening (seven courses plus canapés) as well as a tapas bar at lunchtimes, while the Atrium offers silver service and high quality food.

All three restaurants offer great value for money and the food is first-class. It's great being able to support a local training organisation with trainees who end up working all over the world.

The students were closely supervised although it didn’t interfere with their performance. I was impressed by the standard of service as well as well as the cooking. Young men looked the part in spotless uniforms and if I hadn’t known they were in training I would have put them down as experienced head waiters. There were girls there, too, but they didn't serve at table. 

The group I was with chose different dishes and I was only able to photograph the few you can see below. I intend putting the idea of visiting the college to my WI, after all the members do love to eat so they might find it an attractive idea. It wasn’t too expensive either and we can, if we want, book a mini-bus. That should go down well with those who have difficulty walking. I can’t wait to go again as there were goodies in the bakery I would have bought had I enough time.

I will close by showing the food pictures I took. There aren't many - I was too busy eating to bother with the camera. I hope the shots of menus are large enough enough to read. 

Deep fried Halloumi Cheese, asparagus and Hollandaise sauce - my starter

Rosemary and garlic braised shank of lamp, creamed potato, caremilised red onion gravy

Deep fried Halloumi Cheese, asparagus and Hollandaise sauce - my main course

Poached Delice of Lemon Sole with a Pave of Salmon, buttered spinach and Sauce Bercy.

 

Brazilian Origin chocolate mousse, candied orange - my dessert

I've finished this post in time to go out for Saturday lunch. Thank goodness, because all this talk of food has made me feel hungry.