D is for

I cannot believe that we are pretty much at the end of October already. I wrote my first Alphabet Dating post just over 3 months ago…… How is this even possible? So it is all happening a little slower than I intended. But I promise I am still totally committed to this series and I’m still working on lots of ideas for “dates” that I hope will inspire you. So D……. get ready to feast your eyes on some genuine food porn right here; because Alphabet Dating Me – The Letter D takes place at the ultra trendy Digbeth Dining Club. 

In the last four years or so “Street Food” has been taking places and palates all over the country by storm.  It’s a kind of no frills, authentic and modern approach to dining out that has gotten people really excited. Voted the “best street food event in the UK” (2014) Digbeth Dining Club is giving an uber cool platform to the West Midlands’ best street food artisans. Each week brings new vendors, all cooking up fresh cuisines from all over the world right in front of you. And with dishes starting from as little as £5 or £6 and only a £1 entrance fee, it’s affordable and fun for all.

Digbeth Dining Club first opened it’s doors in 2012 at Spotlight in Birmingham’s creative quarter. It’s now open every single Thursday and Friday evening and from 1pm on Saturdays.  It appears to act as somewhat of a bridge between the post-work drinks and full on night-out festivities. The atmosphere is buzzing and lively. It almost feels like a street party or festival with music provided by DJs or bands in each room. They also know how to work a fairy light or two. Throw in a fully stocked bar and you get lots of people having a really good time.

So what’s there to eat? (Bonus points to anyone who gets the film reference)

Obviously this is the most important question. On this particular evening there were 10 vendors on the scene. I’m pretty sure that whatever your preference Digbeth Dining Club has it covered. Gourmet Burgers, Dim Sum, Kebabs, Pizza…. The list goes on and everything smells incredible. So what tickled my fancy?

Now for this particular “Alphabet Date” I wasn’t alone, which came in really handy, because I got to to try way more food than I would have as a party of one. Not that you couldn’t feasibly order several things by yourself. My appetite and digestive system just can’t stomach too much in one go. So first off was Dim Sum Su. I was only really introduced to Dim Sum last year, which I’m truly kicking myself over because it’s amazing basically. I ordered a vietnamese chicken bao bun which was topped with spring onion, coriander, rock sugar and a spicy mayo. No word of a lie – the best steamed bun I have EVER tasted. It was like a flavour firework had gone off in my mouth and I instantly regretted not opting for the “2 for £10” option. Next time!

The second course I had already been eyeing up on Instagram for the past few days. Only Jerkin -Think traditional Caribbean flavours and home-made recipes. This triple dipped fried chicken can then also be served with jerk fries, a number of sauces, including jerk gravy, coleslaw and dipping pots. Again, it’s a total taste sensation. The meat is tender and the batter crispy. The jerk fries are insane and the heat is just about bearable. It’s a great sharing option but would serve as a hell of a meal for one.

Was there thirds? Indeed there was and actually it was Caribbean again. This time it was from Leave it to Esmie and it was a total flavour fusion of tender Jerk Chicken in a giant soft dumpling. This can be topped with salad but cold, crunchy vegetables are totally not my thing. Extra sauce though – yes please! I loved the depth of the flavour and the contrast of the crisp outside of the dumpling with the doughy softness inside. It caused me to make food sex noises. Which is always a good sign right?

Do you think you could manage a pudding after all that? Of course you could and there are certainly dessert options available. This evening there was cookie dough from Yo Dough and Flats Doughnuts.

To be fair I was struggling by this point but it seemed a crime to not sample a little something. One S’mores flat doughnut to go please….. My goodness. A doughnut topped with marshmallow fluff which was then blow torched, biscoff, crumbled chocolate and chocolate sauce. I was done after like four bites but those four bites were immense!

So as you can see, just from this short review, there is really something for everyone at Digbeth Dining Club. I will definitely be going back. I’m especially excited because each time you could potentially be sampling something totally different. But I guess out of all the Alphabet Dates I’ve done so far, this one may have been the least enjoyable alone. Not that I wouldn’t recommend trying it, perhaps if you’ve just finished work or you fancy popping in for a quick taste of something new.  I think the atmosphere kind of just lends itself better to a night out with friends, a celebration as a group (hen do, stag do, birthday etc) or even a night out with a partner. This is actually more to do with the fact that you will want to maximise the amount of dishes you sample, the more people, the more dishes you get to taste surely. You will definitely also want someone to share your excitement with about how amazing everything is.

And that’s Alphabet Dating Me – The Letter D all wrapped up I suppose. It was as fun as it always is and I’m still really enjoying researching new things and going out of my comfort zone. Hopefully you aren’t sitting in a pool of your own saliva right now; but if you are tempted be sure to keep your eyes on the Digbeth Dining Club Website and Instagram for all upcoming dates and vendors.

Laterz Daters

Beth Anne xoxo