Mailbox Magazine Food - Issue 10

ISSUE TEN

FOOD Magazine for

THE VERY BEST

DESSERTS

FROM AROUND THE MAILBOX MALMAISON SHOW US THEIR BEST

COCKTAILS FOR AUTUMN

YOUR GUIDE TO

DINING FOR EVERY OCCASION

DIRECTORY

SHOP - FASHION HARVEY NICHOLS

DINING & NIGHTLIFE BAR EPERNAY

0121 616 6000

0121 632 1430

EMPORIO ARMANI

BAR ESTILO

0121 632 1150

SHOP - CITY LIVING

0121 643 3443

BAR ROOM BAR 0121 632 1199

HARVEY NICHOLS FOODMARKET

CAFÉ ROUGE

0121 616 6024

CÔTE BRASSERIE

BBC SHOP TOURS & PUBLIC SPACE

GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN

0121 665 6437 0121 631 1587

0121 567 6767

0121 633 8564

H20 CAR VALETING

HARVEY NICHOLS ESPRESSO CAFÉ

0845 0177 701

TESCO EXPRESS

0121 616 6028

0121 695 9540

HARVEY NICHOLS PERRIERJOUËT CHAMPAGNE BAR

PAMPER

MALMAISON LE PETIT SPA

0121 616 6028

MALMAISON BAR

0121 246 5008

0121 246 5000

NICKY CLARKE SALON

MALMAISON BRASSERIE

0121 633 4009

0121 246 5001

TONI & GUY ESSENSUALS

MILLER & CARTER

0121 643 3311

0121 643 7738

BENEFIT BEAUTY BAR, HARVEY NICHOLS

NANDO’S

0121 616 6031

PENNYBLACKS

CRÈME DE LA MER, HARVEY NICHOLS

PIZZA EXPRESS

0121 643 5123 0121 632 1460

0121 665 6625

0121 643 4016

ELEMIS, HARVEY NICHOLS

RED PEPPERS

0121 616 6032

0121 643 4202

SHAVATA BROW & BEAUTY BAR, HARVEY NICHOLS

STRADA

0121 616 6021

THE ORIENTAL

0121 643 7279

SPACE.NK, HARVEY NICHOLS

0121 633 9988

0121 616 602

ZIZZI

STAY

MALMAISON 0121 246 5000

RAMADA 0121 643 9344

0121 632 1333

THE MAILBOX MAGAZINE

MAILBOXFOOD Issue Ten Autumn/Winter 2014

CONTENTS

ISSUE TEN

FOOD THE VERY BEST

DESSERTS

FROM AROUND THE MAILBOX MALMAISON SHOW US THEIR BEST

COCKTAILS

FOR AUTUMN

YOUR GUIDE TO

DINING FOR EVERY OCCASION

Cover Image: Côte Brasserie

Magazine for

Editorial: Elle Sixsmith Design & Art Direction: Mike Raven Design: Jonathon Hyland Published on behalf of The Mailbox

by Publishing Ink Ltd. www.publishingink.co.uk The Mailbox, 7 Commercial Street, Birmingham, B1 1RS The views expressed in this publication are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by The Mailbox and its employees. The publication assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or part without permission from the publishers. Prices are correct at time of going to print. All rights reserved.

04 Relax and Refuel The Harvey Nichols café is the perfect spot to unwind 05 Fine Wines An impressive selection of sumptuous wines from the Harvey Nichols food hall 06 Decadent Desserts Indulge your sweet tooth with these delights, courtesy of the restaurants at The Mailbox 08 In Conversation with…

Celebrating The Mailbox’s partnership with the CBSO, Joanna Patton talks us through her passion for music and the struggles of working in such a competitive industry 09 Brilliantly British The very best British treats and liqueurs 10 Mailbox Rewards Always be the first to know!

11 Liquid Magic Make your way to Malmaison for the best concoctions in the city 12 Dining for Every Occasion Celebrate every occasion in style at The Mailbox restaurants this Autumn

FOR MORE INFORMATION T: 0121 632 1000 F: 0121 632 1001 E: info@mailboxlife.com www.mailboxlife.com FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: @Mailboxlife Facebook: /Mailboxlife Pinterest: /Mailboxlife

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AT HARVEY NICHOLS

RELAX AND REFUEL

TAKE FIVE: JAMS & PRESERVES PERFECT FOR A CREAM TEA, TRY THESE FIVE JAMS AVAILABLE AT THE HARVEY NICHOLS FOOD MARKET

THE HARVEY NICHOLS CAFÉ IS THE PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT IF YOU SHOP TILL YOU DROP AND WILL LEAVE YOU FEELING READY FOR EVEN THE MOST FIERCE SHOPPING SPREE. TIME TO REFUEL! Harvey Nichols Strawberry

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Preserve with Champagne, £3.95

hether you are looking for a hearty breakfast, a lunchtime pit stop or a well-earned cocktail after all that retail therapy, visit the Espresso Café in Harvey Nichols.

The new menu boasts greattasting dishes, including smoked salmon and scrambled egg bagel; homemade granola with Greek yoghurt and honey; pancetta and pinenut salad; soup of the day; and houmous, HN red pepper relish and avocado sandwich.

Throughout the day, a tempting selection of cakes and pastries is available alongside a range of teas, coffees and soft drinks.

Awani Pink Guava Jam, £4.95

ENJOY A TRADITIONAL CREAM TEA

Harvey Nichols Strawberry, Lime

For an indulgent treat try the Harvey Nichols Cream Tea. Served daily from 12noon-6.30pm, enjoy a choice of sandwiches, a scone with HN preserve and clotted cream and a pot of tea.

and Black Pepper Preserve, £2.95

COCKTAIL O’CLOCK! Take the weight off your Jimmy Choos and enjoy a cocktail with friends. Our favourite for the new season is the Elderflower Spritz ... perfect to add fizz to your afternoon!

Maggie Beer Burnt Fig Jam, £7.95

Cartwright & Butler Raspberry Preserve, £4.50

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AT HARVEY NICHOLS

FINE WINES THE STORE’S EXPERT TEAM OF BUYERS HAVE SOURCED AN IMPRESSIVE SELECTION OF WINES FROM THE WORLD’S MOST TALENTED AND HIGHLY REGARDED WINEMAKERS. FROM FULL-BODIED REDS TO LUXURIOUS CHAMPAGNES, THE EXCLUSIVE HARVEY NICHOLS WINE COLLECTION IS PERFECT FOR EVERY OCCASION

Chablis 1er Cru 10, £20 This wine has a refreshing palate of apple and citrus fruits with a balance of fresh aromas. This is the perfect accompaniment to fish and poultry dishes.

Harvey Nichols Douro Red 10, £16.50 Full-bodied yet smooth, the Portuguese wine combines notes of dark rich berries with deep flavoursome mocha and spice. It would be delightful with red meat and cheese dishes.

Harvey Nichols Prosecco, £15 Bursting with delicious zesty crispness, the Prosecco infuses sweetness from the red apple and pear with the richness from the peach.

Serve extra chilled it’s delicious on its own or with party nibbles.

Harvey Nichols Champagne Brut NV, £27.50 A sumptuous and flavoursome champagne with undertones of hazelnut and orchid fruits. It’s ideal as an aperitif or celebratory drink.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 13, £13.50 You’ll find the trademark gooseberry and zesty lime flavours in our Sauvignon Blanc, combined with an exotic aroma of passion fruit. Intensely flavoursome, zingy and tropical notes make this wine delicious on its own or paired with fish dishes.

Harvey Nichols Red Burgundy 11, £23.50 This is our own label Appellation Contrôlée wine. A ruby red mediumbodied wine, left to mature in oak casts for 12 months for added depth. The nose releases notes of red summer fruit and blends with subtle flora and clove.

It’s best paired with poultry dishes with rich sauces.

Harvey Nichols Corbieres Rosé 13, £11 A superb salmon colour with subtle notes of freshly picked strawberries and raspberry ripple, teamed with a perfect balance of spice. This rose should be paired with lighter seafood dishes and white meat dishes.

Harvey Nichols Vin de Pays de L’Aude Rouge 12, £8.95 A medium-bodied wine with dense dark berries and liquorice, sweetly scented with subtle hints of roast coffee and herbs. A great everyday wine, it goes with most meat dishes.

Harvey Nichols ViréClessé 10, £14.50 Our well-rounded unoaked Chardonnay is pale gold in colour and noted by its light aromas of peach and white blossom. It’s perfectly balanced on the palate with sweet tones of citrus fruits and fresh acidity, highlighted by deep honeyed undertones. A great match with light appetisers and fish dishes.

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THE MAILBOX MAGAZINE

DECADENT DESSERTS RICH PICKINGS

CÔTE BRASSERIE Peach Tarte Tatin: Irresistibly fruity, the juicy caramelised pears are glazed in a glossy sweet syrup.

The pastry is light and fluffy with a generous helping of rich crème fraiche and light sprinkling of icing sugar to top.

A rustic classic with an elegant ‘voila!’ style presentation.

Tarte Fines Aux Pommes: Nothing welcomes in autumn like a rich, sweet and perfectly crisp Tarte Fines aux Pommes. Côte’s classic uses melt in your mouth apples which are caramelised and then layered. The pastry is the perfect mix of golden, buttery and flaky, with a loving dollop of Irish vanilla ice cream to finish.

TREES BRISTLING WITH RIPE APPLES AND PEARS, HEDGEROWS SPRINKLED WITH BLACKBERRIES AND PEACHES AT THEIR HARVEST PEAK - AUTUMN BRINGS A WEALTH OF RICHLY SWEET SEASONAL FRUITS. THIS AUTUMN, THE RESTAURANTS AT THE MAILBOX INDULGE OUR SWEET TOOTH WITH WARMING FRUITS AND SWEET PASTRIES.

CAFÉ ROUGE Tart Tatin: This glorious sticky upside-down tart is a French classic and for me, irresistibly indulgent. Rich butter and sugar does marvellous things to apples. As they fuse together, a treacly toffee is created which seeps into the fluffy pastry. Café Rouge’s apple delight is unexpectedly boozy.

The sticky caramelised apples are doused in rich Calvados, the pastry is perfectly flaky and topped with a deeply flavoursome vanilla ice cream. Served warm, this is simply too tempting.

Torte Passion: A twist on a classic passion fruit cheesecake; dive into five layers of velvety smooth cream, light sponge and crushed biscuits, all delicately perfumed with a sweet, passion fruit tang. A glossy, golden passion fruit glaze tops this decadent dessert with a delicate drizzle of sharp passion fruit coulis on the side for added zing. It’s rich, refreshing and oh so creamy.

Raspberry Tart: Deliciously juicy with a glossy raspberry jelly top, the centre has a layer of mouth-watering lemon sponge frangipane. Raspberry ripple swirls embellish the buttery shortcrust pastry and white chocolate shavings finish this rich, satisfyingly sweet dessert.

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BAR EPENAY Caramelised Citrus Tart: A delectably creamy and a subtle citrusscented delight. Break into the burnt crème brule coating and into the smooth, creamy and fluffy centre which can only be likened to the texture of a delicious custard tart.

The blueberry compote adds a sharp kick of tartness to this delicate dessert.

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SO WRONG IT’S RIGHT! IF YOU LOVE PIZZA AND HAVE A SWEET TOOTH, YOU’LL FIND THIS IS A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN. IMAGINE SWEET WARM DOUGH, BOUNTIFUL LASHINGS OF MELTED CHOCOLATE AND TANTALISING TOPPINGS SUCH AS STRAWBERRIES, MARSHMALLOWS AND BROWNIES – IT’S SO WRONG, IT’S SURPRISINGLY RIGHT!

ZIZZI Chocolate and Strawberry Pizza: This new seasonal special is already going down a treat amongst daring dessert lovers.

The base is exactly the same as a savoury pizza, with just a pinch of added sugar to sweeten the dough. Brown sugar is sprinkled over the dough before getting blasted in the pizza oven which results in crystals that provide an added crunch and deep sugar flavour. The dough is thin, crispy and golden with a natural sweetness that doesn’t overpower the palate. Rich chocolate and hazelnut sauce is generously drizzled over the top, setting off a sweet aroma. The hand-picked British strawberries are juicy with a refreshing aftertaste whilst gooey marshmallow melts in the mouth – it’s almost as though they had been lovingly toasted over a campfire.

Banana and Chocolate Calzone: Silky milk chocolate, creamy mascarpone and banana oozes with just one mouthful. The dough is soft with a crunchy crystallised top, set off by a cold vanilla crema gelato and a thick, lusciously rich toffee sauce to pour. It’s a bite of heaven.

BAR ROOM BAR Apple and Blackberry Crumble Sweetizza: A thin crispy crust, topped with mouth-watering baked custard, juicy apples and sweet crumble. It’s a funky twist on the classic apple crumble which really works!

They also have Banana and Chocolate and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough sweet pizzas on offer, which are sure to tempt you back.

PENNYBLACKS Sweet Heaven Pizza: Pennyblacks brings you the ultimate indulgence. The colossal pizza has a thick chewy base, covered in melted peanut butter with a hint of warming cinnamon.

The top is loaded with scrumptious sweets like popping candy, gooey marshmallow, melt-in-the-middle brownie, crispy toffee popcorn, smarties, and to finish, lashings of hot chocolate and caramel sauce. Perfect for special occasions or when you and your friends just fancy something very naughty, but nice.

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THE MAILBOX MAGAZINE

IN CONVERSATION WITH JOANNA PATTON FROM THE CBSO “I TRAVEL THE WORLD TAKING THE GREAT REPUTATION OF OUR CITY ALL AROUND EUROPE, THE USA AND JAPAN. I GO TO WORK DOING SOMETHING I LOVE AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY WHICH OUR AUDIENCES LOVE - HOW GREAT IS THAT?”

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE MAILBOX Harvey Nichols: Exclusive Discount Evening on October 1st Malmasion: TMI Friday, every Friday from 5pm-8pm Toni & Guy: Model Nights- Discounted services with trainee hairdressers. Tuesdays are cuts and Wednesdays are colours.

Coffee Morning for McMillan Cancer Support on September 26th Nicky Clarke: MyShowcase Show & Tell event on October 9th

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I play second and Eb clarinet with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. I was very lucky when I was younger because every year at primary school they used to put on a musical performance. Our year 4 teacher Mr Thompson was responsible for teaching us the songs and he played the clarinet which was how he taught us songs. I was quite a quiet child so when I asked my parents if I could learn the clarinet, they were delighted that I’d found an interest.

I’ve been playing at the CBSO for 8 years. The orchestral world is fiercely competitive. As for my instrument, there are only a maximum of 3 jobs in each orchestra and there are only 13 full-time orchestras in the country, so to get a job in an orchestra such as the CBSO is an opportunity not to be missed.

There are many challenges to our lifestyle: each time we perform we are under pressure to achieve perfection. We have to practice our instruments outside of working hours to keep in shape and prepare for the next programme; the incredibly anti-social hours and gruelling tours but you know what? I’m never bored! Along with all those challenges, I’m always aspiring to achieve more. I’m continually challenged. I travel the world taking the great reputation of our city all round Europe, the USA and Japan. I go to work doing something I love and even more importantly which our audiences love - how great is that?

From my perspective as a player, I see an obvious synergy between us as The Mailbox.

We both play an iconic role in the life of our city, we both offer the highest quality experience that is accessible to everyone and we both offer something of the unusual. The partnership means that we can work together to offer all our audiences and customers a great day out in Birmingham city centre.

We have one of the world’s greatest conductors as our music director, Andris Nelsons. I would encourage you to come to any of his concerts over the coming season as in July 2015 he leaves us for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

The great thing about the CBSO is the diversity of our repertoire, and this season is no exception. We begin our season at Symphony Hall in September with all nine Beethoven symphonies, we are joined by a number of new conductors this season who are bringing really interesting programmes, we have a fantastic series of family concerts for young audiences and of course our popular Friday Night Classics series of concerts returns and this season includes songs from the shows, big-band swing, symphonic rock and those classical tunes you’ve heard on the TV but can’t quite place.

The Centre Stage concerts, which are held in our very own CBSO Centre in Berkley Street, give the players an opportunity to play chamber music in small groups. It also challenges and stimulates us in different ways as there is only ever one person per part! The concerts are always held at 1.10pm and last around an hour so it’s a perfect way to spend a lunchtime or grab a bit of culture before enjoying the rest of what our great city offers. The CBSO centre has just undergone a massive refurbishment so we are really excited about getting back there and seeing all of the improvements which will enhance the experiences of both performers and audiences.

There will be exciting CBSO performances at The Mailbox over the christmas period, see mailboxlife.com for details. For more information about the CBSO 2014-2015 season and to book tickets visit cbso.co.uk

www.mailboxlife.com

AT HARVEY NICHOLS

3 1. Williamson Tea Tea Caddy, £9.50 2. Regimental Condiment Company Dijon mustard, £4.95 (Click & Collect) 3. Harvey Nichols Rose & Violet Creams, £11.95 (Click & Collect) 4. Dodd’s Gin, £39.50 (Click & Collect) 5. Bramley & Grace Damson Gin, £21 6. Nyetimber Demi Sec NV, £34 7. D1 Daringly Dry London Gin, £39.95 8. Edgerton Original Pink Gin, £35 9. Berry Bros The King’s Ginger Liqueur, £27.50 10. Chapel Down Late Harvest 12, £14.50

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(Click & Collect)

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11. Chase Rhubarb Liqueur, £21

BRILLIANTLY BRITISH ENJOY THE VERY BEST OF BRITISH WITH OUR LAVISH LIQUEURS AND TEMPTING TREATS FROM THE HARVEY NICHOLS FOODMARKET

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THE MAILBOX MAGAZINE

MAILBOX REWARDS SIGN UP TO THE MAILBOX REWARDS SCHEME AND YOU’LL GET ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS, AS IT ALL HAPPENS, RIGHT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

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ou’ll be able to download offer vouchers to either your PC or smart phone as e-mails, or they can be sent SMS to your phone to use while at The Mailbox. Simply show your printed voucher, e-voucher or SMS on your phone at the time of purchase to redeem it. And because some things shouldn’t be rushed, all vouchers will be valid for one month, giving you plenty time to plan your visit to The Mailbox.

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE:

PAMPER:

BAR EPERNAY

NANDO’S

LE PETIT SPA, MALMAISON

15% Off the a la carte menu (offer valid Sunday

10% Off food (offer valid Monday - Thursday

10% Off (offer valid Monday - Thursday)

- Friday excluding December (offer excludes

3 - 7pm)

NICKY CLARKE SALON

promotions, maximum of six people and one discount per table)

BAR ESTILO

PENNYBLACKS

20% Off colour & cut

15% Off food (offer valid Sunday - Friday,

(offer valid Tuesday - Thursday 9-5pm, new

maximum of six people, one discount per

clients only)

10% Off food (offer valid Monday - Friday

person and excludes lunchtime baguette offer

12 - 5pm)

and promotions)

TONI&GUY ESSENSUALS 10% Off colour & cut with a free treatment

CAFÉ ROUGE

PIZZA EXPRESS

20% Off the a la carte menu (offer valid Monday

Two for one on main meals (offer valid every day

- Friday)

(offer valid Monday - Friday)

except Saturday)

CÔTE BRASSERIE

RED PEPPERS

15% Off the a la carte menu (offer valid Monday

10% Off food (offer valid Monday - Friday

- Friday for up to 6 people when dining off the a

12 - 5pm)

la carte menu only, not in conjunction with the set menu)

STRADA 20% Off the a la carte menu (offer valid

GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN

Sunday - Thursday)

20% Off food (offer valid everyday)

REWARDS TERMS & CONDITIONS Offers are available to Mailbox Rewards

THE ORIENTAL HARVEY NICHOLS

10% Off lunch & dinner

members and are valid for one month from the

Harvey Nichols espresso café 15% off purchases

(offer valid Monday - Friday. Maximum party

day the email/SMS voucher was downloaded.

over £50 (offer valid Sunday - Thursday)

size of 15)

Offers are subject to availability and may be

Harvey Nichols Perrier-Jouët Champagne Bar

changed or withdrawn without notice. Offers

15% off purchases over £50 (offer valid Sunday

ZIZZI

cannot be used in conjunction with any

- Thursday)

20% Off the total bill (offer valid

other offer, promotion or discount and are

Sunday - Thursday)

only available on the days and times stated.

MALMAISON BRASSERIE

Mailbox Rewards vouchers must be presented

Two for one on classic cocktails at Malmaison

RAMADA

at the time of purchase. Some restaurant

bar (offer valid on Sundays only)

15% Off food & drink (minimum spend of £15

offers may not be valid in busy periods e.g.

or 15% off room rate subject to availability.

Valentines day, bank holidays and the month

MILLER & CARTER

of December. Please check with the restaurant

20% Off food (offer valid Monday - Friday

prior to booking to avoid disappointment.

12pm - 5pm)

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Excludes food and drink purchases in Starbucks)

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OLD CUBAN

LIQUID MAGIC

If you love your Mojitos but are feeling adventurous, then this twist on the classic is perfect for you. The addition of Veuve Clicquot Champagne makes this drink. The champagne includes a predominance of Pinot Noir which provides structure, Pinot Meunuer rounds the blend whilst a touch of Chardonnay adds elegance and a fantastic fizz. It’s a fresh, intensely fruity and rich champagne which transforms this cocktail into a royal Mojito. You’d be forgiven in thinking of old men with cigars when it comes to dark rum, but this concoction is surprisingly fresh and light with a delightful aftertaste.

Start by mixing fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, mint leaves and Bacardi Gold with cubed ice, and shake well.

Double strain for a smooth finish and then add the Veuve Clicquot Champagne to complete the drink.

Garnish with mint leaves.

WANT TO TASTE MAGIC ON YOUR LIPS? THEN HEAD TO MALMAISON FOR THE BEST POTIONS IN TOWN

MALMAISON’S COCKTAIL COLLECTION IS CALLED MALCHEMY, THEIR OWN TWIST ON ALCHEMY. ALCHEMY IS THE SPECULATIVE MAGICAL PROCESS IN WHICH INGREDIENTS WITH UNIQUE PROPERTIES ARE USED TO CREATE AND TRANSFORM SUBSTANCES INTO SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL. SOME ALSO SAY IT REFERS TO THE CHEMICAL DISCOVERY FOR THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. THEIR ETHOS OF ‘DARE TO BE DIFFERENT’ EPITOMISES WHO THEY ARE. THE ABILITY TO CREATE SOMETHING SPECIAL WITH THEIR OWN ENTIRELY UNIQUE TWIST, IS WHAT THEY ARE ALL ABOUT. THEY WILL EVEN CREATE COCKTAILS THAT AREN’T ON THE MENU AND IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN OF WHAT YOU WANT, THEN THEIR SKILLED MIXOLOGISTS WILL CREATE A SPECIAL CONCOCTION FROM YOUR FAVOURITE INGREDIENTS OR PREFERRED TASTES

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FRENCH MAID This is the tasty European sister to legendary New York bartender Sam Ross’s ‘maid’ cocktail family. There are other variations such as Kentucky Maid, created with bourbon and Mexican Maid created with tequila.

The twist is the addition of Hennessy Fine de Cognac, perfect for warming you up on those cold winter nights. It’s sexy, yet surprisingly fresh and crisp.

This cocktail is about building and layering. So start by muddling limes, then add Hennessy Fine de Cognac and a splash of sugar syrup. Squeeze in juice from a fresh lime, then add mint and shake. Stir in cubed ice and garnish with cucumber and sprig of mint.

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BOMBAY SAPPHIRE BRAMBLE 3

The humble blackberry is able to withstand freezing temperatures making the Bramble the perfect cocktail this season! Berries in a cocktail glass are sometimes referred to as the English Cosmopolitan; this is the perfect combination of sweet and sour and is a favourite amongst the ladies.

Begin by muddling blackberries, add Bombay Sapphire Gin and cubed ice.

Then a splash of sugar syrup to balance the acidity. Give it a good shake and add in crushed ice to keep the cocktail colder for longer. Drizzle in Crème de Mure and garnish with berries and lemon.

Come to Malmaison for TMI Friday, there’s a great selection of their best cocktails and drinks all for five pounds!

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THE MAILBOX MAGAZINE

DATE NIGHT! BAR ESTILO Bar Estilo is the perfect setting for romance. The Moroccan themed décor and dimmed lighting provides a relaxed and cozy ambience, you could so easily while the night away here. Bar Estilo offers authentic flavours of Spain, with an extensive tapas selection of meat, fish, seafood and vegetarian options, you are truly spoilt for choice. Why not start your date with an Estilo speciality cocktail?

The Blueberry cooler is a perfectly refreshing autumnal blend or add some glamour to your night with a classic champagnes cocktail.

DININ EVERY O PERFECT FOR LUNCH, BRUNCH AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. CELEBRATE EVERY OCCASION IN STYLE AT ONE OF THE MAILBOX’S FANTASTIC EATERIES

THE BIG SUNDAY LUNCH MALMAISON Whether you’re looking for a Sunday roast or a big brunch breakfast, Malmaison has it covered.

The biggest Sunday lunch in town will set you back just £19.95. Start your feast with one of Mal’s signature cocktails and with such wide variety, one is sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Help yourself to the unlimited selection of hors d’oeuvres, featuring succulent hand-carved Iberico ham, classic salad favourites and fresh breads. Take your pick from the brunch options or main courses, including risotto, poached salmon with hollandaise sauce and Mal’s twist on the classic Sunday roast. Leave room for dessert and try the Mal specialty hot chocolate with vanilla ice cream, white chocolate and a pot of rich chocolate sauce.

THE ORIENTAL The Times has ranked the Oriental as one of the Top ten, Pan-Asian restaurants in the UK. Unique among Birmingham restaurants, it boasts over 100 Chinese, Thai and Malaysian dishes. With so much choice, everyone will find a dish to suit their palate.

The Oriental lays alongside the canal and offers stunning views; the perfect place for a lunch date or dining experience, and at £7.95 for a 2-course lunch, they offer the best value lunch in town. Take in the view and enjoy a cocktail or a chilled glass of fizz. Oriental’s cocktails are made with only fresh top quality ingredients and rated among the best in Birmingham.

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NG FOR CCASION

QUICK BITE! PIZZA EXPRESS Pizza Express is trialling a new express lunch menu with most dishes under five pounds.

Highlights? The delicious Italian Meat Piadina with cured Finocchiona, Milano & Coppa, light mozzarella and roasted tomato. Or for a lighter lunch, try the Leggera Superfood Salad with roasted butternut squash, light mozzarella and avocado, finished with a drizzle of balsamic syrup and all under 300 calories! Sides start at £1.75 and include the famous Pizza Express dough balls.

GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN A Gourmet Burger is not your average burger. Using only the best-quality, choicest Aberdeen Angus beef, they create classic and tailor-made options to tempt your tongue. The lunch menu is just £5.95 for a burger and a side dish. Specialities include Captain Cook with crumbed cod, tartare sauce, picked onion and rocket. The delicious Persian Lamb features minted feta cheese, harissa mayo, pickled onion and a delicious relish. Want to ditch the bun and go naked? Replace it with mixed leaves, coleslaw, tomatoes and onion option.

LONG LUNCH RED PEPPERS MILLER AND CARTER Miller and Carter offer the best steak in town, grilled to perfection.

Don’t fancy steak?

Why not try garlic and herb infused sea bass, sticky barbeque chicken or a grilled goats cheese tart.

Nibble at the Bread Board with Rosemary focaccia, ciabatta and paprika bread whilst you decide your main.

Being dessert lovers, we love the homebaked cookies with ice cream and rich Belgian chocolate pudding.

An extensive menu offering mouth-watering dishes from around the world, Red Peppers has something for everyone.

Asian inspired dishes such as Thai chicken curry and sesame crusted salmon, sit alongside ribs, chicken and Mexican burritos. The fantastic lunchtime menu, with specialty sandwiches and wraps, all served with fries or a bowl of soup, starts at just £4.50. It’s the perfect venue for a relaxed dining experience.

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