Food events:

BBQ Fest at The Bond Company  

Nothing says the start of British summer like a BBQ. The creators of Birmingham’s sell-out Cheese Festival in April are bringing a family-friendly BBQ party to Digbeth, providing a feast far superior to burnt sausages in the back garden. There will be a variety of vendors bringing British BBQ staples, such as Baked in Brick and Little Urban BBQ. There will also be Greek food from Street Souvlaki, Brazilian BBQ from Grill Brazil and an exciting Thai-style BBQ menu from Buddha Belly. At this BBQ you can relax to live bands and DJs playing in the background and kick back with a drink from The Cocktail Caravan or the Wine & Fizz van. There will also be a selection of seasonal markets, so in-between burgers you can browse a selection of artisan crafts and gifts. Tickets are £5 and children under 12 go free.

Sat 22 June, The Bond Company, Fazeley Street, Digbeth, 12pm-6pm.
www.designmynight.com

Italian Street Food Festival at Soho House

Birmingham’s first official Italian Street Food Festival is coming to Soho House this summer, bringing authentic food and drink from various locations all across Italy. This event takes place on 2 June to celebrate the Italian Festa Della Republblica, a national holiday in Italy, which remembers the day Italians voted to abolish the monarchy in 1946. There will be food and wine tasting, allowing you to sample a wide range of Italian cuisine, from regions such as Rome, Venice, Puglia and Naples. As you relax in the beautiful green setting of Soho House’s grounds there will be live music and DJs adding to the lively celebration.

Sun 2 June, Soho House, Jewellery Quarter, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 5LB, 10am-6pm.
www.eventbrite.co.uk

BBC Goodfood Show

BBC Goodfood are bringing their four-day show to Birmingham this summer, with a jam-packed itinerary and huge array of foods to try. There will be live displays from familiar faces such as Mary Berry, Michel Roux Jr and Ainsley Harriott. You will have the option of buying from a variety of food stalls or a sit down meal. At the BBC Good Food Pop-Up Restaurant, customers have the choice of two or three courses from BBC Good Food’s most popular seasonal dishes- although, you will need to book a table in advance. There will be a market selling artisan produce, so there is plenty of food to take home once you’ve sampled as much as you have room for, including many offering healthy alternatives and vegan treats. It wouldn’t be a summer show without drinks, and the BBC Goodfood Show certainly doesn’t skimp on these- there will be a variety of unusual craft alcohols from all over the world available. Your ticket also includes free entry to BBC Gardeners’ World Live, where expert gardeners will be sharing tips on how to grow your own produce and make the most of your garden space.

Thu 13- Sun 16 June, National Exhibition Centre, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT, 9am-6pm
www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com

New openings:

Kuula Poké

Poké bowls have finally arrived in Birmingham- one of the most popular dishes in Hawaii, inspired by Japanese cuisine. Imagine a sushi Buddha bowl- they are the perfect dish for summer, providing an exciting alternative to a salad. Kuula Poke’s website describes them as ‘sunshine in a bowl’. Customers select a dish from the house menu or build their own bowl, choosing from a variety of bases including sushi rice, coconut rice and courgette noodles, topping with the choice of salmon, tuna, chicken or the vegan tofu option. The menu also includes a selection of fruit and vegetable toppings, dressings and finishings such as coconut ‘bacon’, chilli flakes and crispy shallots. Kuula Poké’s founder, Felicity Whiston, travelled to Hawaii to research the dish, so we should have high expectations. They also deliver on Deliveroo, so bear them in mind next time you need a healthy hangover solution (they also do smoothies and acai bowls).

Opening date: Monday 20 May, www.kuulapoke.co.uk/, tel: 0121 643 6985.

Chilango Mexican restaurant

Voted No.1 Mexican Restaurant in London by Zagat, London’s Best Burritos by Time Out and #4 in Condé Nast Traveller’s “Best Chain Restaurants Around the World”, Chilango will be opening in Birmingham this June with much anticipation. Chilango mixes traditional Mexican flavours with twists from Mexican communities in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. Chilango gives you a lot of freedom on the menu, with the option of building either a burrito, hot box, salad, nachos or tacos and choosing from a variety of fillings and toppings, including vegetarian options. This is one to look out for if you want food that is both fast and quality. Known for its colourful  décor, casual atmosphere and the option to sit in or take away, it will be a great place for a quick and relaxed dinner out.

Opening Jun 2019, chilango.co.uk/