Category: Food

FIVE-MINUTE RECIPE FOR MOTHER’S DAY: Molly Ollys Pink Gin With Summer Berries

FIVE-MINUTE RECIPE FOR MOTHER’S DAY: Molly Ollys Pink Gin With Summer Berries

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Molly Ollys, Bia's Kitchen Show
Photo by Vlada Haidarzhy.

Warwickshire charity Molly Ollys has teamed up with Bia’s Kitchen Show to create this special recipe for Mother’s Day using their own Pink Gin!

Brazilian-born Bianca Rodrigues-Perry is a talented self-taught chef and foodie from Leamington Spa. She is also the face of Bia’s Kitchen Show, being streamed to audiences on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook. The show, last year, aims to champion local independent businesses with many restaurateurs and chefs taking guest spots.

All the recipes featured on the show also form a new book, ‘Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cook Book – The Culinary Journey of Gratitude’ available from Amazon or visit Bia’s Kitchen Show here: https://buy.stripe.com/8wM4h14gw55m1qM9AD

The small-batch 40% volume premium pink gin has notes of raspberries, blackberries and Mediterranean citrus. Nothing artificial has gone into this handcrafted small batch gin, proudly distilled and bottled at the Shakespeare Distillery, in Stratford-upon-Avon.

After distillation fresh raspberries are steeped in the gin for just under a month to produce a deliciously sweet citrus and fruit recipe.

The gin comes supplied in a 50cl bottle with a Molly Ollys gift label which can be personalised. To prolong the pink hue, store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.

Warwick-based Molly Ollys works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

To purchase the Pink Gin for £35 from their shop HERE.

RECIPE

Molly Ollys Pink Gin With Summer Berries

  • 1 glass filled with ice cubes
  • 2 tablespoons of frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) Incorporating frozen berries adds freshness and sweetness.
  • 30 ml (1 ounce) Gin
  • 90 ml (3 ounces) Tonic
  • 1 fresh strawberry for glass garnish
  • Optional: Add some fresh mint
  • Best enjoyed immediately

Learn more about Bia’s Kitchen Show Mother’s Day special episode HERE.

Review: Lucarelli, Birmingham

Review: Lucarelli, Birmingham

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Lucarelli, Birmingham

Birmingham’s Italian restaurant Lucarell is a feast for the senses.

Enjoying the canalside views from our table in the glass-encased terrace, the scene was set for an enjoyable and sophisticated dining experience.

Boasting authenticity, all their ingredients are sourced directly from Italy as well as, where possible, local suppliers. The Italian chefs recreate traditional recipes based on their heritage, extensive experience and infused with passion to give you a truly memorable taste of their homeland.

Lucarelli, Birmingham
Photos by Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR

The Lucarelli culinary experience promises that whilst “you will have arrived as a guest, you will leave as a friend.” And this is something I can happily vouch for such is the emphasis they put on hospitality.

But be warned, you will have a hard time choosing from the menu, such is the rich and extensive choice of mouthwatering dishes, ranging from pastas, pizzas and, as they call them, ‘Old Italian Favourites’ including meat and fish regional specialities.

Lucarelli, Birmingham

Luckily, on our visit, we were entrusted to the culinary prowess of our hosts who served us some top picks, from Burrata E Asparagi (Toasted Altamura bread with fresh Apulian burrata, fresh tomatoes and roasted asparagus) and Risotto Pesto E Triglia Monterosso (Carnaroli rice with fresh home made basil pesto and roasted red mullett fillet); to Pasta E Patate Della Nonna (creamy and cheesy mix pasta with potatoes, smoked provola cheese, Grand Padano and basil) and Pizza Trentina Al Tartufo (White base with mozzarella, smoked pravola cheese, speck and black truffle.) While all were delicious, we took care to reign ourselves in due to portion sizes and a desire to sample as many of the dishes as possible – not least dessert – a traditional chocolate semifreddo served with coffee. Rich and moreish, despite appetites being almost completely satisfied.

Lucarelli, Birmingham

The tempting dessert selection also features some Italian classics such as Tiramisu (Espresso coffee, sponge biscuits, mascarpone cream and cocoa powder); Panna Cotta Al Caramello (Classic Italian cooked cream dessert, citrus flavoured, served with caramel sauce); and Tartufo Amalfiand; (Lemon ice cream with meringue and filled with Limoncello sauce).

Vegetarians are also well catered for and can choose from several options including the Mezzo Maccherone Alla Puttanesca (Short tube shaped pasta with cherry tomatoes, black olives, capers and fresh basil); Parmigiana Di Melanzane (Oven-baked aubergines with tomato sauce, pecorino cheese, basil, Grana Padano cheese and mozzarella); Taglietelle Al Funghi (Fresh egg pasta in a creamy mushroom sauce); Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe (Spaghetti in a creamy pecorino cheese with black pepper) and salads and pizzas.

Lucarelli, Birmingham

Lucarelli is perfect for that special occasion or leisurely lunch. It can be found at Mailbox and West Bromwich. Book by visiting www.lucarellirestaurant.co.uk

Local pub famous for its pies celebrates more recipes for success

Local pub famous for its pies celebrates more recipes for success

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Fleur de Lys, British Pie Awards

A village pub in Warwickshire has proved once again when it comes to pies it knows the recipe for success after scooping a string of awards last week.

Three of five of the Fleur de Lys shortlisted recipes have been selected from hundreds of entries in the prestigious British Pie Awards.

The pub’s Special Spicy Pork and Basil Pie took Silver while Bronze was awarded for both their Steak and Ale and Wild Mushroom and Asparagus Pies. They were among the ‘hot favourites’ singled out by a panel made up of over 160 leading experts from the retail, baking and butchery sectors as part of British Pie Week.

Co-owner Emma Woodhouse said: “We’re so delighted that our historic pies have been recognised once again at the British Pie Awards. A lot of love and hard work goes into producing these pies and it’s really rewarding to have a silver as well as two bronze awards this year.

Fleur de Lys, British Pie Awards

“It always feels like a long shot when there are 900 entries and with little old us going up against giants of the food industry, but it’s a wonderful celebration of British cuisine and we feel really proud to have received these accolades.

“For us, our priority is always ensuring that our customers at the Fleur De Lys receive a perfect pie but of course it’s so exciting when we get a certificate from the Pie Awards to affirm that we are continuing to honour the pie legacy that started here in the 1950’s.”

Emma added: “To coincide with British Pie Week last week, we’ve also launched our Pie Club Loyalty Card for the first time. You can pick one up at the bar on your next visit, so you can start collecting stamps to get your 10th pie for free!”

It wasn’t until the early 20th century when The Fleur de Lys first opened as a tavern, later going on to introduce the ‘pioneering’ idea of serving food and giving rise to the now famous Fleur De Lys pies.

The pub first began serving pies through the infamous kitchen hatch during the 1950s, drawing crowds from all over the Midlands to sample Mr Brookes’ finest steak and kidney or chicken and mushroom pies.

Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford

The inn was mainly frequented by farmers who’d come in for a pie and a pint after they’d finished harvesting. The licensee at the time bought Emscote Mill in Warwick, from where they distributed nationwide but eventually the original pie recipe and company was sold to Pukka Pies. But, under the auspices of current landlords Emma and Nick Woodhouse, in 2018 The Lowsonford Pie Company was born and all 11 flavours of pie are now handmade and served directly from the Fleur De Lys kitchen.

It is not the first accolade for the Fleur de Lys, whose pie making team have a real appetite for awards success.

Warwickshire’s ‘home of the pies’ collaborates with influencer on special editions

Warwickshire’s ‘home of the pies’ collaborates with influencer on special editions

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The Fleur de Lys, The Fat Foodie UK, British Pie Week
Rachel Griffiths, Chris Hardy and Gemma Hughes.

A village pub in Warwickshire has teamed up with a local foodie influencer to create four more unusual special editions of their famous pies in a week that celebrates the food favourite.

Running throughout British Pie Week this week, the team at The Fleur de Lys, in Lowsonford has crafted four new recipes for visitors to try in collaboration with Chris Hardy, a.k.a The Fat Foodie, from Kenilworth.

For this week only – or until stocks run out – diners can sink their teeth into ‘creative’ new additions to the menu, Cheese Burger Pie, Chicken Madras Pie, Butter Chicken Pie and Beef Stroganoff Pie.

The Fleur de Lys, The Fat Foodie UK, British Pie Week
The special-edition Cheeseburger Pie.

Co-owner Emma Woodhouse said: “We’re so excited to be joining forces with The Fat Foodie UK to bring some fresh new flavours to our historic pies during British Pie Week. Chris has been spending time in our pie kitchen with our dedicated pie chefs, Rachel Griffiths and Gemma Hughes, to add The Fat Foodie flair to our Fleur De Lys pies and create something exciting and special for British Pie Week. Chris pitched recipe ideas, Rachel did all the research and development and then the three of them finalised the flavours together.

The Fleur de Lys, The Fat Foodie UK, British Pie Week
The Fat Foodie collaborated with The Fleur de Lys to create some special edition pie recipes.

“With Chris’ background in burgers we of course had to create an epic Cheeseburger Pie to celebrate his food legacy, as well as a few new flavours that will be available on our specials menu for one week only. These are in addition to the 11 standard flavours you’ll normally find on our menu.

“Every day is pie day here at the Fleur De Lys, but we love celebrating British Pie Week and everything great about this uniquely British cuisine.

“Hospitality has had a tough time over the last few years, so we’re always looking for excuses to celebrate everything that is great about pub grub and great community spaces. It’s a real pleasure to partner our long pie-making legacy with a dynamic, modern brand like The Fat Foodie UK and we’re so excited for you to come and try our special editions.”

Emma added: “To coincide with British Pie Week, we’re also launching our Pie Club Loyalty Card for the first time. You can pick one up at the bar on your next visit, so you can start collecting stamps to get your 10th pie for free!”

It wasn’t until the early 20th century when The Fleur de Lys first opened as a tavern, later going on to introduce the ‘pioneering’ idea of serving food and giving rise to the now famous Fleur De Lys pies.

The pub first began serving pies through the infamous kitchen hatch during the 1950s, drawing crowds from all over the Midlands to sample Mr Brookes’ finest steak and kidney or chicken and mushroom pies.

The inn was mainly frequented by farmers who’d come in for a pie and a pint after they’d finished harvesting. The licensee at the time bought Emscote Mill in Warwick, from where they distributed nationwide but eventually the original pie recipe and company was sold to Pukka Pies. But, under the auspices of current landlords Emma and Nick Woodhouse, in 2018 The Lowsonford Pie Company was born and all 11 flavours of pie are now handmade and served directly from the Fleur De Lys kitchen.

After spending time working as an engineer at Rolls Royce aerospace and more than 10 years working in hospitality, Chris found success with The Fat Foodie brand, going on to work with the likes of Guinness, McDonalds and KFC.

The Fleur de Lys, The Fat Foodie UK, British Pie Week

He said of his latest collaboration: “After falling out of love with the kitchen but still having a passion for all things food, it was only right I started channeling my love for the industry through social media.

“After moving from Birmingham to Chadwick End, the Fleur de Lys was one of the first pubs we ever visited and, from the first time I walked through their doors, I knew this pub would always have a place in my heart!

“So the fact that this week I’m collaborating with them on a menu for British Pie Week is surreal! It’s an absolute honour to work alongside such an incredible kitchen team and especially the legendary ‘Pie Ladies.’ A massive thank you to Rachel and Gemma for letting me in to their ‘pie factory.’

The Fleur de Lys, The Fat Foodie UK, British Pie Week

Fleur de Lys pies have also enjoyed great success in previous years at The British Pie Awards – with the Steak and Stilton coming second in the whole country!

And this week the team are waiting to hear if they have once again reigned supreme in this year’s Awards after entering five of their recipes for judging, made up of a panel of over 160 leading experts from the retail, baking and butchery sectors.

Pies are entered into 26 different classes and the winner of each class gets judged to find the pie that is crowned ‘Pie of Pies’ or Supreme Champion of the Awards.

 

Love and Horror theme at this year’s ALSO Festival

Love and Horror theme at this year’s ALSO Festival

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ALSO Festival, Compton Verney

Big names in the worlds of music, comedy, food, wellness, science and nature are coming together for this year’s award-winning ALSO Festival in Warwickshire in July, with this year’s theme being Love and Horror. 

Comedians Dom Joly and Robin Ince, along with world renowned musicians Molotov Jukebox, head up the impressive line-up for the UK’s most inspirational summer festival, once again taking place at Compton Verney.

ALSO Festival, Compton Verney, Dom Joly

Marking its twelfth year, ALSO25, on the weekend of July 11-13th, brings together performers and musicians, best-selling authors, celebrated scientists and experts in a variety of fields to create a much-anticipated ‘magical and immersive experience.’

With 142 events across the three days, ALSO encourages festival goers to let ideas run wild and truly reconnect with nature via a sublime 17th century setting designed by Capability Brown.

With this year’s theme being Love and Horror, festival goers can lose themselves in terrifying tours, weird and wonderful workshops and nail-biting nature antics with activities such as:-

  • step into Jane Austen’s shoes on the very grounds she trod, for a guided tour by best selling author Ella Berthoud: a celebration of Austen’s life and work on the 250th anniversary of her birth.
  • The Street Tree founder Paul Wood will be doing special guided tree walks
  • The unique and ever-popular Bat Walk is back with a night time tour through the ALSO woods.
  • Enjoy Treachery: a midnight murder mystery game.
  • There will be an electrifying workshop on How to Make a Horror Movie
  • Comedy and horror collide in a panel hosted by Joel Morris author of ‘Be Funny Or Die’ and writer for the likes of Paddington, Philomina Cunk and Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe
  • BBC 4 regular Athena Kugbleno explores misinformation, asking whether tales of brave knights and fearsome queens are fact or fiction, in her game show for adults and kids based on her acclaimed book ‘History’s Most Epic Fibs’.

ALSO Festival, Compton Verney

Diccon Towns, ALSO Festival CEO and co-founder, said: “ALSO25 throws open its gates this July for you to romp around the most beautiful site in festival-land, exploring our theme of ‘Love and Horror’. Bring your best summer outdoor-living/van-lifing/glamping selves and immerse yourself in a weekend of high camp together under a big summer sky. For, as we’ve always known, to come together to go wild in the wild each summer is what we humans are built to do and a summer festival is an essential part of a year lived well.

“Our site is one of great beauty, designed by Capability Brown in the 1700s and walked upon by Jane Austen before us, no less. ALSO is a hand-built multi-award winning next generation festival: highly immersive, truly experiential, and highly curated – with ideas threading through everything that we do. We make it effortless for our guests to engage with big, life enhancing ideas and live a wild summer weekend in an extraordinary location.”

ALSO Festival, Compton Verney

Among those helping Molokov Jukebox set the stellar soundtrack for the summer are  Samba drumming workshop Tribo;  rapper, actress and singer songwriter Madeleine MINX Dunbar; lead vocal coach on The Voice, Juliet Russell and one of Denmark’s wildest live bands, Smag På Dig Selv (SPDS).

Dishing out the laughs alongside Dom Joly and Robin Ince, will be ALSO festival favourite Rob Deering – who puts comedians on the spot in his live music-based comedy pop quiz – Beat This!TikTok sensation Marcel Lucont is hosting his legendary Cabaret Fantastique, ensuring a night of smart, surreal entertainment. 

ALSO Festival, Compton Verney

Hear from neurobiologist and feminist Gina Rippon about female autism. Dr Camilla Pang will explain how thinking like a scientist can help us to step confidently through the minefield of misinformation we face on a daily basis. And writer and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer takes the ‘Soundtrack Of My Life’ slot. 

As always, ALSO25 gives festival-goers the opportunity to embark on unique and magical adventures, from learning the practice of eye gazing to guided lake swimming lessons at dawn and dusk; ALSO’s run club will kick off the day with a guided 5K or 10K. Or for a more relaxing start, wellness partners Numinity will ease you into the day with a morning yoga flow class.

While families can choose from a minibeast safari around the picturesque lake or learn how to escape being shipwrecked with a raft building session. Award-winning Warwickshire theatre group, Playbox will be on site with performing arts workshops to inspire budding actors. And due to the popularity last year, the Festival Nannies are back to give parents some free time to enjoy themselves at the event.

ALSO Festival, Compton Verney

When you’ve satisfied your appetite for knowledge, there’s plenty to entice foodies too under the auspices of award-winning resident chef James Whetlor. He is delivering Saturday evening’s Love And Horror Banquet.

Adult weekend tickets from £65 – £165; Family weekend tickets: £260 – £360;  Adult day tickets: £40 – £80.  Under 5s go free.  Camping is free and glamping options from £450 for 3 nights. Visit: HERE.

Parking is free but there are also a limited number of car passes available which allow vehicle access to the campsite as well as campervan passes.