|
|
|
|
|
FROM RUSSIA WITH... ACCORDIONS?
As part of a production so new we're reaching out to pop the bubble wrap, the Moscow State Circus is bringing together daredevils, highwire-walking ballerinas and springboarders for a complete one-off performance at the Symphony Hall. The globally revered troupe of clever is for the first time in England performing 7 Zhelaniy - a show based on Valentin Petrovich Katayev’s Russian folk story The Flower with Seven Colours, which forcefully flicks the Vs to gravity and features enough enchanted gardens to make Lewis Carroll spin out entirely. To witness this ethereal and often aerial one time happening - which takes place a week today (January 28) - or, to run away with the circus if it's one of those sort of weeks, book a ticket (from £15 to £28).
|
|
|
Venue: Chi Kitchen, Debenhams, Bullring, Birmingham B5 4BE; website
Choice: Grilled tuna steak (£17.95) Chooser: Sid, Supervisor
We're creating an award and simultaneously announcing the winner. For the most eclectic array of drinks we've come across whilst remaining in these here British Isles, Chi Kitchen, we salute you. There's chilled bubble tea, with explosive globules of flavour (and a wide straw), there's a sweet Malaysian tea created with condensed milk – and the showstopper - a sparkling sake (served cold), which goes really rather well with what followed. Until the end of January, the second edition of the Pan-Asian grill (the other one is in London) has created a protein and veg focussed menu, the pick of which is the grilled tuna. Served pink and encrusted in a hot but not overpowering spice mix, we're not usually a fan of citrus-based sauces in Asian cooking but the ponzo went admirably with the nuggets of fish and the tart chunks of yuzo (think of a mandarin but slightly sourer) served atop the dish. There's also more wallet-friendly options for those still assessing the damage from December.
|
|
|
|
|
MOVIE PICK: THE BIG SHORT
Who’d have thought the most lucid film about the 2008 financial crash would come from the director of Anchorman? It turns out Adam McKay’s years spent pointing a camera at Will Ferrell improv-ing about whale vaginas was excellent preparation for getting loose, fun performances from more serious actors – Steve Carell has been ported from his comedy work, but McKay gets gold from heavyweights like Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt and even frowner-in-chief, Christian Bale. This is important, as in the film’s (true) story – a bunch of outsider hedge-fund types make a mint by seeing the crash coming and making their bets accordingly – sure needs a pinch of sugar to go down. You might be surprised to hear a fun, poppy flick has emerged from the complex financial wreckage wrought by Wall Street, but the amiable half-smile means the satire hits home. Times
|
|
|
|
|
A VERY MICHELIN ROAST
There's no shortage of accomplished roasts to accompany your Sunday papers in Brum. But a new player is about to step onto the scence which pretty much changes everything - bar the whole roast meat with gravy and veggies concept - they're into that. And if we tell you they've continuously held a Michelin star since 2000... From this Sunday (January 24), Simpsons is offering a roast of precisely the quality you'd expect, which will be carved at the table. The meat offered will rotate weekly, with the first being Cotswold White chicken. An intensely flavoured, naturally slow grown, free range bird - in addition - expect plenty of sides, as well as your choice of starter and dessert from the a la carte menu. The roast can be ordered for a table of any size, with pre-order (by the Thursday before you dine) being a requirement. Three courses costs £55. Book.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
