Turtle Bay: Birmingham's Caribbean Experience

Birmingham might not have the most Michelin star restaurants but this city is continuously welcoming new eateries that suit its International pallet. I'm a lover of Jamaican and other Caribbean cuisines so I was pleased to see a Caribbean orientated eatery in Birmingham's city center. It's not just the food its also about the music, I'm hopefully not alone in thinking that a restaurant should have a spark and be live in the right places! Do I hear some Vybz Kartel, Gyptian and some of the legendary Bob Marley playing? I do because its all Irie at Turtle Bay, Birmingham! 

No more is Turtle Bay's new Birmingham location a building site, it was a hype of activity during the launch evening with the chatter of potential new customers and the first to experience the Caribbean vibe of Turtle Bay. I would like to think that food blogging is a current avenue to take, life is all about spice so I'm all in favour for some Island cuisine. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the launch evening of Turtle Bay, Birmingham on the 17th of April 2014. The atmosphere emulated something what I could imagine a Jamaican beach restaurant to be but that's the Caribbean! Not Birmingham! I was greeted with a smile by a representative of the Turtle Bay team, I must admit that the vibe from the workforce was very upbeat and nothing seemed to be of any worry. I made sure I arrived within the time I was given because no-one wants to be on Island time! Did I not mention that I love a good food blog but I like hearty portions not samplers! 

Like I mentioned before I'm mainly a travel blogger so each food project that I get my teeth into fares to be a whole new experience. The launch of Turtle Bay started around 6.00 pm with a lively set of music played by the in-house band, I recognised the music instantly because they played some 'Lovers Rock' and also other blends of music from the islands. As I enjoyed a complimentary cocktail or two I saw the Lord Mayor of Birmingham - Councillor Mike Teddy who took part in a group photo not long after he was greeted by the Turtle Bay team, Birmingham's definitely warming to the idea of a city center based sit-down Caribbean restaurant. I saw the launch as the perfect opportunity to have a mosey around the restaurant to see what will be in-store for this restaurant once full service begins. Aside from the proceedings of the launch I thought to myself that I still needed to try some Jerk Chicken, Rice and Peas with a Dumpling or two! 

I shall be brutally honest that I couldn't fully judge the taste of the menu from a few samples from the launch, as lovely as they tasted I wanted more to fully satisfy my taste buds. A few days after the launch I returned to Turtle Bay, Birmingham to judge the menu for myself. I ordered a pint of Red Stripe, a Jamaican lager that was ice cold and complemented my main course just nicely. Being real and a bit awkward I asked Jessica from Turtle Bay, Birmingham if I could trade some components of the Jerk Chicken dish for just Rice 'n' Peas and Dumpling, its all about the understated choice to enjoy the full flavor. Hear me now! As conversation goes I learnt that Birmingham just gets smaller and smaller, but its all good! My Jerk Chicken packed a punch with a certain spice but I love to spice things up sometimes. I loved the way the sauces were placed on the table, a little extra something Turtle Bay, Birmingham does for their guests. Portions were just right as I finished my meal feeling satisfied!

Caribbean food and Birmingham work well together for Birmingham's many districts north of the city center are famed for their Jamaican and other Island food. I've not yet been to Handsworth or Lozells for some authentic Caribbean food, that's not up for discussion so having the access to a vibrant and live Caribbean restaurant just around the corner from New Street Station and The Mailbox makes a welcome change. I'm a lover of Birmingham but its neighbourhoods each have different vibes so I'll leave it at that. I found it difficult not to get into music as I ate my Jerk Chicken because yes I am a lover of Bashment music, I won't lie I can Dutty Wine with the best of them! As well as Bashment music playing the Island themed playlist also featured some Lovers Rock and the legendary Bob Marley! I say you wouldn't get that spice and realness anywhere else in Birmingham's city center and I'm not just saying that because it sounds good, I mean every word!

Unlike the launch night I got the chance to see Turtle Bay's full service layout with a fair few guests who were enjoying their food. It's not just food served at Turtle Bay, Birmingham for there is an extensive cocktail menu and rum selection to choose from, it didn't take a rocket scientist to tell why the bar was bustling with guests enjoying their weekend drink! Like I said before I choose to drink a Red Stripe, which is a Jamaican lager that was just right considering I'm more of a cider drinker. Guinness Stout is also available because Guinness isn't just for the Irish! As customer service goes by the team at Turtle Bay, Birmingham are friendly and polite, from the servers to the management I was pleasantly surprised. From my tailored meal request I was recognised from the launch so that also boded well for my Caribbean dining experience. Although another dumpling would have been good because I'm just plain greedy sometimes, be honest with yourselves who isn't? 

Whatever food from around the world you like I suggest you embrace the charms of Caribbean food, not just from Turtle Bay, Birmingham but in general terms. I'm a lover of that extra spice from Jerk Chicken to Curried Goat and Ackee & Saltfish because food is for enjoying and blogging about of course! I have feeling I could be back to try something else from the menu at Turtle Bay, Birmingham if that's OK? I'm thinking of a Curried Goat dish with a side of Rum for good measure. To quote a 90's club anthem I think that the opening of Turtle Bay, Birmingham is 'Right on Time!' From launch night to finally getting a chance to have some Island food I know that being a nosy beggar and a avid Tweeter helps me be in the know about the goings on wherever I am and in this case Birmingham! I know I haven't flowered anything up because that's not staying true to my blog and being real is key to me, so I rate Turtle Bay, Birmingham for serving some great soul food in a live and vibrant setting! 

It's Irie at Turtle Bay, Birmingham! Joseph Harrison