A cold January night made all the more bright with a colourful trip to Bodega.
Bodega has stood the test of time and still delights. Its fine foods are reasonably priced with a fun and friendly vibe that can’t fail but please.
A warm greeting from the staff found us perusing the menu soon with a cocktail in hand. I opted for a pomegranate cooler that was refreshing and not too sweet- I like to taste my liquor. While my partner in crime, (@BeckyBeaucoup) opted for a porn star martini, which was gorgeously decorated with passionfruit cup filled with prosecco.
Keeping it veggie and vegan, as my date is a herbivore we began our Mexican fiesta with Bodegas famous nachos- they truly are the best in the city.
Crunchy fried tortillas piled high with molten cheese, creamy homemade guacamole, punchy salsa, sour cream and crunchy jalapenos. A queso filled mini quesadilla was creamy and delicious. The portions are generous, so after having practically licked the plates of our starters we were feeling rather full.
Bodegas famous nachos- they truly are the best in the city
We did our best to gobble up the vegan main of fluffy quinoa loaded with butternut squash, pinto beans and spinach. A mountain amount of healthy goodness, juxtaposed to our halloumi burger order! A tasty fried slab of squeezy cheese tucked inside a tortilla coat with rocket and gooey caramelised onions.
I wished to eat more of the super crunchy sweet potato fries that accompanied it but my top trouser button was saying otherwise. Thankfully they do doggie bags so I had quinoa to take away.
My sweet date has a love of all things dulce, so we ordered a couple of desserts! A refreshing selection of sorbets and a banana caramel cheesecake. The latter was not too sweet and came with some amazing moreish warm caramel on the side. The sorbets were a fine pallet cleanser, refreshing and flavoursome.
A swift couple of margheritas later and we were ready for home! Delighting in snapping some of the cool and vibrant interior as we left.
Bodega is a like a Brummie institution now. I have friends who have lived in the city and left and always make a point of visiting here when they return. It is warm and friendly in vibe, food and drinks! Like a big Birmingham cuddle with a Mexican twist…my only desire, that they bring local condiment queen, Pips hot sauce back to the table.
Article by Rhiannon Simpson of Birmingham Food Tour
*images by Jack Spicer Adams