Thermal cameras, paper menus, outdoor pods...
SANJEETA BAINS reports on how some Birmingham pubs and restaurants are trying to conform to social distancing in the hope of reopening soon, while others continue to struggle
conducting meetings with an architect planning “big changes” to his restaurant Chung Ying Cantonese to ensure he can fulfil all health and safety requirements when they reopen.
But he revealed sister restaurant Chung Ying Central on Colmore Row will remain closed.
Mr Wong said: ‘‘There is no way I can effectively manage social distancing at that site. So unless things change in terms of the two metre distance rule, Chung Ying will not be reopening. Sadly I know of quite a few restaurants that will not be able to reopen.
“Instead we are focusing on getting Chung Ying Cantonese ready to open. I’m making big changes to the venue site to ensure we meet all safety requirements. People will return to restaurants if they feel safe.’’ Ten-seater eatery Gaijin Sushi on Bristol Street was one of the first to close up – a week before the UK lockdown.
Chef owner Michal Kubiak told us: ‘‘When we closed we did not feel that the Government was doing enough to contain this outbreak.
“We knew we were not able to provide social distancing and that remains the same. We are not prepared to risk our colleagues’ or guests’ health.
“When the Government releases guidance, I will consider and decide if it is safe to open. Until then we are focused on our delivery and takeaway service.
‘‘It’s been great to see how many people are supporting Birmingham independents through this tough time.”
Michelin-starred Opheem chef owner Aktar Islam is also waiting to see the official guidance for hospitality but has already decided to drastically cut the number of covers.
Aktar said: “It is clear there will be fewer bars and restaurants in Birmingham, whatever happens, but the ones that remain will have adapted.
“For example we can do 90 covers but I’ll be taking that down to 40.
“To make up for fewer customers, I will have to reduce staff. The sad fact is that Birmingham’s hospitality industry will be nowhere near the big employer it once was.”
winedirect.co.uk (£19.50 a bottle). I’ll head to the other side of the world with
Tempus Two Copper Wilde Chardonnay
(£15, Sainsbury). This Australian wine is a blend of grapes from the Hunter Valley and up-and-coming cool climate wine region, Tumbarumba. It has been fermented in French oak which delivers a rich mouthfeel and creamy notes of ripe apple and stone fruits. There’s a freshness and a zest of acidity which leaves your mouth watering.
The weather turned much cooler last night, so we made creamy chicken in a tarragon sauce with dumplings (yes! dumplings in June!) and this wine was a perfect partner. A purse-friendly Australian unoaked chardonnay choice,
which delivers easy-going moreish flavours, is
Aldi’s Exquisite Padthaway Chardonnay
(£5.99). The aromas and flavours have stone fruit signatures – lots of white peach. The wine has had a little lees aging after the fermentation finished. This adds texture and some creamy complexity into this otherwise fruit-forward happy glass of summer drinking.
My final thoughts this week are another white wine, but not chardonnay.
Tesco Finest Cotes de Gascogne 2019
(£6.50), right, is vegan friendly and a blend of two grape varieties; colombard and gros manseng.
Ah, these grapes deliver a tangy burst of wine for the
price. It stands up to be counted with its tastebud tease!
Colombard can be used in the Gascony region’s famous brandy Armagnac, but in this instance is happy to forgo such a grand destiny. I love this wine and its zingy notes of lime and citrus. The label suggested it would be a good match to crab cakes.
Well, it so happened by coincidence, I had plans to rustle up some sweetcorn and crab cakes, flecked with chilli and shreds of coriander leaves. I poured this wine alongside the warm crunchy morsels and was a very happy lockdown bunny. Stay safe and healthy.