It shows how much attention I pay when I’m wandering around Birmingham, as until the invite to this private dinner at Vivaanta popped into my inbox and I looked up where it was opening, I didn’t even realize that Kinnaree Thai, the former occupants of the large space on the corner or the canal opposite the Mailbox had closed down!
Vivaanta have really taken the space upmarket with their quest to fit into the saturated Indian dinging scene in Birmingham. Their unique selling point is their focus on seafood, with a separate menu dedicated to this alongside their A La Carte.
Now as usual at events such as this I’m not going to review the food in detail, I simply don’t think it fair to review a large group event where the kitchen is under pressure and the food is communal, but I will give you a little first look into what you could try whilst there.
We tried a taster selection of starters including Tandoor Salmon, Cod Pakora, Giner & Lime Mussels and Crab cakes, and then following that some extravagant dishes including Whole Grilled Seabass marinated in lime coriander and tumeric, Kingsize Freshwater Prawns in a garlic mustard marinade with a tomato and fenugreek sauce and a similar dish featuring Lobster tail. Meat dishes we tried included Lamb Gosht and Chicken Jeeri Methi.
Vivaanta has a lot of competition in Birmingham for excellent Indian food, form fine dining to the authentic Balti House, but I’m sure it will find its place. I’d like to head back and try it out properly, but in the meantime let me know if you head down and how you find it!
Disclosure: The food we tried at this event was free of charge.
