Friends

11 May 2015

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 canapĂ©s) 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.

12 comments:

  1. That's it !! Fella or no Fella I am joining the Townswomens Guild !!!

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  2. Oh, I am so hungry now (haven't had breakfast yet). The food looks scrumptious! Glad you had fun.

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

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  3. Joe, I am sure you would be very welcome LOL. Then, of course, there's the WI!

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  4. That sounds and looks like a delicious lunchtime. What a nice afternoon.

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  5. What a wonderful outing and I expect your guild will jump at this. The food looked very elegant, tasty and visually pleasing at the same time, like any five star restaurant, not that I go in many of those ;)

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  6. "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."

    Oh Valerie, that is so awesome! And can I just say, the food looked absolutely delicious! And I love the presentation! They're like works of art!

    It reminded me of the time I spent living in Japan and would go out to dine. The way the Japanese chefs presented their food on a plate was incredible. In fact, it looks so beautiful that you didn't want to eat it and spoil the design!

    What a lovely day you had. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Have a super week, dear lady!

    X to you and Joe

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  7. Ron, the appearance of a dish is all important, isn't it. I wish I'd mastered the art... haha.

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  8. I'd like to grade their final exams.

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  9. That lamb made me hungry. I love lamb and that meat looks tender. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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  10. What a neat excursion. And all about my favorite hobby....:)

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  11. Well that looks yummy. Glad to read all about it, Val. Take care and hope all is well with you and Joe.

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  12. What a fantastic idea. I hope the surroundings are nice too. Although that might offer too much competition for the local restaurants! :)

    I don't think there is anything like this in London - or I have never heard of it.

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