Category: Food

Local businesses were at the heart of a charity event in Leamington on Sunday, (1^st) which raised more than £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Bia’s Great Afternoon Tea was organised by foodie champion and host of Bia’s Kitchen Show, Bia Rodrigues-Perry, in association with Whittle’s at Binswood and Warwickshire Gin Company.

The event, which forms part of Macmillan Coffee Morning’s annual September fundraising campaign, was also supported by DJ Kirsty Leahy who provided live music and violinist Eleanor Jeans.

A host of other local businesses, many of whom were previous guests on Bia’s show, also got the behind the fundraiser, including, from Leamington – Michael Scott of Scott’s Chocs; The Leopard Spots; Scratch Cook Social; Magic Wingdom; Paprika Club Restaurant and Homewrecker Pimento Cheese.

Raffle prizes also included a voucher for Dave Perry Photography, in Leamington; Nicola Smyth Salon, in Kenilworth; Revolve, Leamington; NVHer, Warwick; A Good Catch in Leamington; Naturally Nourished With Meeta, Leamington; Glam & Glow Beauty Lab in Hockley Heath; Arts Brazil Beauty, in Gaydon; Love Leamington; and 1 Mill Street in Leamington.

Bianca said: “Winston Churchill once famously said ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ At our 1st Great afternoon tea, many individuals not only contributed prizes but also dedicated their time to ensure its success.

“I am grateful for the support from Dave of the Warwickshire Gin Company, Whittle’s Restaurant, Kirsty, and all the generous independent businesses involved. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the guests who purchased tickets and attended the event. The Whittles team made everyone feel welcome, and a special appreciation to our outstanding violinist and vicar from St. Paul’s Church, Eleanor Jeans, who performed during our welcome drinks before heading off to a church service.

“We all have someone in our lives affected by cancer treatment, which is challenging for both the individual and their family. Macmillan is a remarkable charity that provides support not only to cancer patients but also to their families. It’s important to remember that significant accomplishments often start with small acts of kindness.”

“Cancer does not discriminate in choosing its victims; I have personally lost family members to cancer, and my children lost their grandmother and have seen others battle it and, thankfully, survive,” said Bianca.

Since its launch in January Bia’s Kitchen Show has highlighted some of the best of the area’s foodie scene when it is streams twice-monthly to audiences on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook. The show is an extension of her successful Bia’s Kitchen brand, featuring local independent chefs and restaurateurs cooking signature dishes as well as her own top tips and recipes.

Bia’s Great Macmillan Afternoon Tea Party was a collaboration with David Blick of Warwickshire Gin Company, in Leamington and Whittle’s at Binswood. Distilled using a small batch method in Royal Leamington Spa and using a traditional copper pot, the inspiration behind the drinks collections comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to truly represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the hand-crafted flavours to life.

Whittle’s at Binswood is a restaurant and bistro set within the beautiful Grade II Listed 19th century Victorian Binswood Hall in the heart of the Leamington conservation area. It also exhibits a stunning collection of art, including artists such as Patrick Nasmyth, Willem Roelofs and Francis Grant.

See Bia’s Kitchen Show episodes HERE.

An award-winning Spanish restaurant that’s been a mainstay for Warwick diners for 12 years, has moved to new site in the main square where it promises to continue delivering its ‘unique brand’ of hospitality.’

Tasca Dali has renovated and reopened the unit previously occupied for 26 years by Totally Thai, in Market Place.

While the location has changed, the rest has stayed the same, including most of the team, headed up by manager Jorge ´George´ Triana and Head Chef José ‘Jonny’ Darias Delgado, who pride themselves on authentic and traditional Spanish cooking methods, specialising in tapas and paella.

Jorge has also become co-owner in the business, reflecting his dedication and commitment over the last nine years, and firmly anchors the business to its Spanish roots. Jorge is helped in the kitchen by Rafa Liste Toledo, and in front of house, by Nohemi Ramos, all of whom have been with Tasca for more than seven years.

With no menu in the traditional sense, diners are instead treated to five-course taster menu consisting of whatever is fresh and in season. Most of the ingredients including cheeses, hams, chorizos, olive oils sourced from Spain, along with locally sourced meats and fish from Cornwall.

Co-owner Alejandro ‘Alex’ Clayton vows the move will not only allow them to welcome more diners, but more importantly, secure the restaurant’s presence in the town for at least another 20 years.

He said: “The idea of serving the community for us is very important. When the opportunity came to open the old Totally Thai in an area with a little more footfall, we could not say no.

“We are a restaurant first and a business second. Our motivation has always been to create a fun and relaxed eating experience by offering amazing food traditionally cooked with no additives or microwaves involved whatsoever. We cook in the traditional Spanish way, the same methods and techniques of our ancestors and foregrandmothers, the same way that we have been preparing meals in our homes for generations. Above all, we stay true to our commitment to never compromising on the quality of our raw ingredients or our way of cooking.

“All we do differently these days is accommodate those who are allergic to certain ingredients or who have specific dietary requirements. We are passionate about what we do but share and include everyone – as long as we know in advance!

“We believe that eating is a sensory experience so it’s sight, it’s sound, its people, it’s food, it’s taste, it’s smell, it’s a lot of things wrapped up into one experience.”

Tasca Dali boasts a clutch of Restaurant Guru Awards from its 12 years in High Street, plus Spanish Restaurant of the Year accolade in a recent Birmingham Restaurant Awards.

Alex, pictured, added: “We can host up to 25 people in the front of the restaurant while still offering enough space for other smaller parties to come in which is something we couldn’t really do in the previous smaller premises.

“It was always a shame to say goodbye to the old premises, which were up for sale, but unfortunately it was the only way we could stay in the game for the next 20 years and now we can welcome even more people into our ‘home.’

“So far the feedback has been really positive as people realise we are offering the same amazing service and food that we have always done, but just with even more space and comfort. We even have a different ladies and gents toilet now!

“We are a small fiercely independent eatery and we want to stay that way. Huge sacrifices have paid off and looking after our team and those that eat with us, is what it is all about.”

Tasca Dali also serves some of the best Spanish wine and beers and is open between 5 pm and 11.3 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Special events, groups and private hire 7 days a week by arrangements. Bookings of 6 people or less can be made HERE or for larger groups by Whatsapp on 07445 233 527 or landline on 0208 638 6570.

Let them eat cake for cancer!

That’s the rallying call of Leamington’s Bianca Rodrigues-Perry who is joining forces with an army of local independent businesses to organise a special charity event.

The well-known foodie champion and host of Bia’s Kitchen Show is organising Bia’s Great Macmillan Afternoon Tea Party, on September 1^st, in conjunction with Leamington businesses, Whittle’s at Binswood and Warwickshire Gin Company. and Kirsty Leahy DJ.

And in the spirit of Bia’s show, the event is also being supported by a host of other local businesses, including some of her recent guests – Sophie Hyams of Culinary Bites With Sophie and Michael Scott of Scott’s Chocs, in Leamington. It forms part of Macmillan Coffee Morning’s annual September fundraising campaign – a cause close to its organiser’s heart. NV Her in Warwick has also supported.

“Cancer does not discriminate in choosing its victims; I have personally lost family members to cancer, and my children lost their grandmother and have seen others battle it and, thankfully, survive,” said Bianca.

She added: “How often do we take action to help others without expecting anything in return? This is a question I ponder daily. Supporting charities like Macmillan is the least I can do to offer hope to others. As Barack Obama once said: ‘The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.’”

Raffle prizes on the day include those donated by Dave Perry Photography (£100 voucher); Nicola Smyth Salon, Kenilworth (£50 voucher); Glam & Glow Beauty Lab in Hockley Heath (Aroma Back Massage); Arts Brazil Beauty, in Gaydon (Facial); Paprika Club Restaurant in Leamington (£60 voucher); The Leopard Spots, in Leamington (dinner and wine); Scratch Cook Social (five-course tasting menu at Café Desa); Magic Wingdom, Leamington (dinner for two); Homewrecker Pimento Cheese (hamper) and 1 Mill Street (café voucher).

Tickets are £35 which includes an afternoon tea supplied by Whittle’s and two complimentary drinks courtesy of Warwickshire Gin Company as well as live musical entertainment.

Since January Bia’s Kitchen Show has highlighted some of the best of the area’s foodie scene when it is streams twice-monthly to audiences on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook. The show is an extension of her successful Bia’s Kitchen brand, featuring local independent chefs and restaurateurs cooking signature dishes as well as her own top tips and recipes.

It marks the latest chapter on a journey of reinvention for the now 43-year-old Brazilian-born mum-of-three, who left behind a high-flying marketing career in Rio de Janeiro – after relocating to Leamington to start a family with her new husband.

Bia’s Great Macmillan Afternoon Tea Party is a collaboration with David Blick of Warwickshire Gin Company and Whittle’s at Binswood. Distilled using a small batch method in Royal Leamington Spa and using a traditional copper pot, the inspiration behind the drinks collections comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to truly represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the hand-crafted flavours to life.

David said: “I’m proud to be able to support Bia’s Kitchen with her MacMillan charity afternoon tea. We jumped at the chance to support such a worthy cause. This disease touches most of our friends and families as with my father who, just a few months ago, sadly lost his three-year battle with liver cancer.”

Whittle’s at Binswood is a restaurant and bistro set within the beautiful Grade II Listed 19th century Victorian Binswood Hall in the heart of the Leamington conservation area. It also exhibits a stunning collection of art, including artists such as Patrick Nasmyth, Willem Roelofs and Francis Grant.

Anja Koserski, of Whittle’s, said: “We are thrilled to host the Macmillan Charity Afternoon Tea Party alongside the dynamic and inspiring Bia from Bia’s Kitchen Show. Bia’s positive energy and our shared passion for celebrating the joy of afternoon tea make this event truly special. Together, we look forward to creating an unforgettable afternoon that uplifts our community and contributes to this great charity.”

The event is also being supported by DJ Kirsty Leahy, from Leamington, who will be ensuring a great atmosphere throughout.

Kirsty’s professional services include radio presenter, video production presenter, live events host, DJ and motivational speaker.

She said: “I simply couldn’t turn down the opportunity to get involved with this event after having experienced cancer within our family too many times to mention. Last year my partner was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia which was thankfully caught really early and he is now cancer-free. But I have lost my mother-in-law and cousin to this horrible disease within the last two years.”

Tickets are available to book HERE.