Birmingham has got an awful lot of places to eat these days as it becomes apparent Birmingham people are indeed foodies.
The market for informal food is huge and to be a success, any new set-up is going to have to do something to stand out from the crowd. Well how about an informal, Mexican dining experience, perfectly located for the Birmingham lunch-time rush? Set in the old West Bromwich Building Society building on Colmore Row, Chilango brings their Mexican cantina style of informal dining to Birmingham.
With eleven spots already, Chilango know their burritos and after having the building for over a year, have decided the time is right to open their doors to the brummie food scene.
We were asked to come along and see what they had to offer on their press launch night on Wednesday evening. Mr Trips was already aware of where it was as he walks by the building most mornings and had noticed a lot of work going into the venue. It certainly shows as well; as you walk in to the building, the first thing that grabs your attention is the graffitied wall opposite the entrance, with a masked Mexican wrestler (luchador, if you will), bearing down on you.
The whole place is decked out in a colourful, eye-catching style with murals and graffiti taking up the wall space along the back walls. There’s a hammock for decorative purposes, a beautiful flower wall and as I mentioned whilst in the venue, it is perfect for Instagram pictures.
Over frozen margaritas and strawberry lemonade we had a lovely chat with Richard who had travelled up from London to run the launch. He told us all about the story of Birmingham Chilangos, where they placed themselves in the food scene, and their plans for their Birmingham branch. I made a point of asking what he recommended from the menu and he said straight away that Chilango’s signature chicken Burrito (the Chilango) is where it’s at, but he was also very enthusiastic on an interesting vegan choice they were bringing in. A new product called It’s-Not-Chicken. We made a note to try it.
Anya (PR lady) helped us with our drinks. Chilango’s doesn’t stop at food, it also has some interesting drinks choices. They make their own Lemonade, made fresh, daily ready to grab from the fridge at the start of the food serving area. They also stocked some artisan sodas in cans, in Lemon Cherry and Orange. We tried the cherry which was delicious. Sweet and Sour cherries and some fizz. Yum.
Soon the food started appearing. Here was the Chilango, the signature burrito that Richard told us about.
Wrapped tightly in a little foil sleeping bag, the soft, warm tortilla was stuffed full with rice, black beans, grilled chicken and a mild salsa and cheese. I won’t lie, me and Mr Trips had two each, as the platters made their circuit of the room. It is definitely a get stuck in and get messy sort of food. It has to be said, it’s the best burrito that Mr Trips has ever had and he’s eager to go back for more. Even trying to get us to pop in just two days later when we were out for a date night.
Next up was the chorizo pot. A small pot with chunks of chorizo smothered in BBQ sauce and cheese, with kidney beans lurking as well. Again smashed it out the park. Whilst stood eating this, we got talking to Alan, once of the chef’s from London. He’s worked for Chilango’s for over ten years and was really enthusiastic about telling us how well they treat their staff. Alan told us how great the staff bonus scheme is, for every member of staff and it’s lovely to know that the company whose food we were so impressed with makes a lot of effort to look after the people that work there.
Alan told us about the It’s-Not-Chicken burrito and asked if we’d tried it yet. When we said we had not, he spun and shouted to the kitchen to throw one together, especially for us. It soon arrived and yes, we can confirm. It really was good. So good that when we go back, it will be what I choose and I’m not even veggie or vegan.
Whilst writing this review, I’m sat at my dining table enjoying some tortilla chips and my own brand of chipotle hot sauce made by Ivan from Italy, from a variety of ingredients set out on a table.
I based mine around chipotle and cayenne pepper. Ivan, selected some other stuff, some paste some water, blended it all together and set us on our way with three bottles of our own, unique hot Chilango sauce. A brilliant touch from the night.
All in all, we were hugely impressed with Chilangos. It has shot right towards the top of our favourite places to eat and certainly is our favourite Mexican in the city. Go check it out, you will not regret it.
If You do stop by, let us know how it was for you!