It’s all going on in Birming-yum writes DLUXE Dining correspondent Anita Champaneri.
REVIEW: RUDY’S PIZZA
Welcome to the new kid on the block, who has just knocked it out of the ball park. We’re talking about Rudy’s Pizza, an independent Neapolitan Pizzeria in the heart of Birmingham.
They follow the traditions and artistry of pizza from Naples – the birthplace of pizza – making fresh dough daily and baking them in a stone oven for just 60 seconds! The result is super soft base with melt in the mouth mozzarella toppings.
We visited on a packed Friday night and the place was really buzzing. It’s a large space on Bennetts Hill that use to be the old Spanish restaurant, Amantia. It has an expansive industrial look, which intentionally looks half finished.
The pizza maestros take centre stage as they work up a sweat making the dough and there’s a small bar at the back, ideal to wait at as there is no reservation system.
A quick glance of the menu and we had decided. No messing about, we started with a classic caprese salad made with buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil and then swiftly proceeded to devour 4 different pizzas!
We ordered the carni and the salami but the Calabrese was the firm favourite – tomato, fior di latte, basil and spicy n’duja sausage (soft calabrian sausage that melts into the pizza – beware, it’s got a kick to it!)
Soft and sour and politely charred, the crust is light and airy and you just fold in your hands and chomp away. We slavered on the chilli oil, because we’re Indian and we love it and then swapped each other’s pizzas around the table.
The pizzas were large and there was a lot leftover, but we still had room to round off our meal with a lovely coupe of hazelnut affogato.
Rudy’s has everything you dream about from a relaxed, neighbourhood pizzeria – great pizza, friendly staff and a great soundtrack. Probably one of the best pizza places we have been to in a long time.
DINING ADDITIONS TO THE CITY
ROZU
Rozu, a pan Asian restaurant and cocktail lounge is due to open in the Arcadian Centre this October. Inspired by STK, it promises to be an amazing place that looks like a feast for the eyes and for the palate. The interior is bursting with jungle green, tropical vegetation with accents of velvet pink and damson hues and a sexy cocktail bar and dining space. With over 100 covers and a private dining space it will totally be 21st century instagrammable.
INDICO
Our Street food fave Indico in Shirley has announced its launching a second site at the Mailbox. Taking the spot of the old Handmade Burger over-looking the canal, the décor will showcase its own brand of vibrant Bollywood vibes, artwork and graffiti. Can’t wait for this independent authentic street food brand to hit the city centre this autumn. Expect Indico’s staples such as chaats and curries that will be cooked fresh each day and an extensive vegetarian menu. There will also be a big focus on the cocktails.
CRAFT DINING ROOMS
Opened at the ICC in the summer – a massive restaurant and terrace replacing the old Strada restaurant. The focus is on traditional British fare with a fine dining twist. The talented kitchen team comprises of executive chef Nick Evans who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants including the renowned Northcote in Blackburn The 150-cover dining room is all about bringing “the best produce from British farmers, cheese mongers, brewers, distillers and vintners.”