Birmingham has devised a couple of very tasty ways of spicing-up Valentine's weekend. The first Balti shortbreak package of 2006 takes place on the weekend of February 11th - providing food lovers with the chance to indulge in a spicy weekend of cooking, tasting and shopping in the company of expert Balti chefs.
The Balti Breaks package includes lunch and savoury snacks such as pakoras and samosas; the chance to pick up tips and trade secrets at a cookery demonstration with the best Balti chefs in the city; a visit to a traditional sweet centre; and a shopping trip in the famous Balti Triangle for ingredients to recreate the authentic Balti at home.
An overnight stay in a city centre hotel is also available – allowing visitors the opportunity to spend more time exploring one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, with its revitalised city centre, award winning shopping, cultural events, restaurants and bars.
Prices start from £40 for the day package per person, and from £69 including overnight accommodation per person. For more information on Marketing Birmingham’s Balti Breaks, go to www.birminghambites.com. To book, telephone 0870 225 0127.
Any number of stories surround the origin of the Balti - literally translated as 'bucket'. Some say it originated in a place called Baltistan. Others, that mountain tribesmen in this part of the world wore Balti bowls on their heads, instead of their helmets, when at war. Whatever its origin, however, Balti is now truly a Birmingham phenomenon.
But for those who DON'T like it hot, Birmingham is also offering a special Valentine's Day cookery school day in the kitchens of one of its magnificent Michelin-starred restaurants.
In October 2005, Simpsons opened its new cookery school, L’Ecole de Cuisine, at the beautiful Georgian Grade II-listed site in Edgbaston. Simpsons chef Charlotte Barr, one of Birmingham Bites five Food Heroes promoting the culinary delights of the city, teaches a varied range of day courses, from ‘Taste of Simpsons’, ‘Dinner Party’ and ‘Main Meals’ to ‘Seafood’, ‘French Cuisine’ and ‘Game’.
The Valentine's Day course on February 14th includes a 90 minute cookery demonstration and participation session and kitchen tour. With no more than 10 people per class, it is followed by a three course gourmet lunch and wine tasting with the restaurant's sommelier. Guests are also provided with a cookery pack, which includes information on all the dishes and a list of reliable suppliers.
The cost for the day’s cookery course is £90. The cost for the day’s cookery course plus one night’s stay at Simpsons is from £230. For more details, visit www.birminghambites.com.
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