Birmingham finished a lamentable 6th in the latest competition which, given the half baked approach of the relevant agencies, wasn’t really a surprise. Not that ‘trendy’ restaurant Lasan could care as they patronisingly poured scorn on the many restaurants who serve up traditional ‘curries’ for their customers’ enjoyment.

Surely,as a supposedly multi cultural City, we should have a proper ‘go’ at  entering next year’s competition, and I have suggested that the City Council, Marketing Birmingham and the Evening Mail sit down at least three months before the 2013 Competition, with the various Associations, to put in some real time and hopefully some modest resources in preparing properly…

Remember those balti meals at Xmas? Bored with a plated dinner and the brussel sprouts? For those looking for a Xmas Meal with a difference, parties of between 20 and 50 can book a three course Balti meal (private room) with a cookery demo, a curry quiz and fun prizes. For more information contact Andy Munro on 07985-169462 or munroandy@hotmail.com

Top balti restaurant Shabab, on the Ladypool Road, has had to close for a few weeks following an incident when a drink driver crashed into their premises in a late night incident. Luckily nobody was hurt in the incident and the Police apprehended the driver.

STOP PRESS;THE RESTAURANT IS DUE TO REOPEN FOR BUSINESS ON THURSDAY  8TH NOVEMBER

DEFRA have confirmed that the application to safeguard the ‘Birmingham Balti’ has successfully come through the UK Objection Period. The next steps will be a pilot to test out the authentication process before submitting to the EU Commissioners.

Two new restaurants have recently opened in the Balti Triangle, Imlees on the Moseley Road (previously the premises of Cinammon Red) and Mughal e Azam, in the Springfield area of the Stratford Road.