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Stockfield Chippy

Stockfield Chippy, A4040 Stockfield Road, Acocks Green

I'D never noticed this tiny chippy before - perhaps because the window posters make it look like the decorators are in. Inside, the curry smell could overpower boxer Ricky Hatton, but nothing could stop the local chatterbox from holding court late one Monday night. Read

Tasty line up simmering

THE full line up of restaurants for this summer's Taste of Birmingham food festival will will be finalised any day now. Read

The Dog, Hagley Road West, Bearwood

EVERYONE knows The Dog on the Hagley Road in Bearwood. Read

Stylish off-roader with power and comfort

IT'S hard to pigeonhole Nissan's Murano. It's one of those rare vehicles which really is all things to all men. Read

Best Buys

Montagny Vieilles Vignes White Burgundy is half-price (down to £6.57) at Tesco until April 22. Read

Cocktail Of The Week

APRIL SHOWER Read

Gala Fish Bar, Bearwood Road, Bearwood

ACCORDING to one of my dictionaries, 'Gala' stems from an old French word for rejoicing - which is exactly how I felt after trekking all the way to Bearwood on an empty stomach. Although it's on a nightmarishly busy road, this shop is attractive both inside and out and my friendly server scooped up an endearing little-and-large mixture of lunchtime lip-smackers. Read

Ingredient Of The Week

LOOKING for a veggie aphrodisiac with lots of heart? Look no further than the artichoke. Read

Pangaea, 27-29 Poplar Road, Kings Heath. 0121 441 2222.

THERE are foods that cry out to be eaten with our hands, among them lamb chops. Read

Perfect Partners

CURED HAMS AND RED WINE Read

Sherry reigns in Spain

PENELOPE CRUZ, Antonio Banderas, Seve Ballesteros - they all know a secret that most Brits seem to have missed. Yes, you've guessed it - sherry! Read

The Bartons Arms, 144 High St, Aston, Birmingham. 0121 333 5988

THE BARTONS Arms is one of Birmingham's landmark pubs. Read

Modern British cooking

WITH his startling recipes for rabbit trifle, noodles fashioned from pike flesh and veal rolled in liquorice ash, Glynn Purnell has carved himself a reputation as an innovative chef on the television series the Great British Menu. Read

Public vote for the Great British Menu

GLYNN Purnell last week beat Nottingham's acclaimed chef Sat Bains in the week-long Midland regional final of the BBC2 series the Great British Menu last week. Read

A sweet surprise in store for you

NEW wine names are appearing all the time, but rather than actually standing out from the crowd many tend to taste disappointingly similar - not bad by any means, but perhaps just a little bit bland. Read

Best Buys

Two Aussies at Somerfield, Palandri Pinnacle Sauvignon, and Shiraz, are a decent bet at £4.49, down from £6.49 until April 22. Read

China Court, 24 Ladywell Walk, Birmingham. 0121 666 7031.

EMBRACING the cuisine of distant lands is part of the joy and excitement of eating out in a vibrant, multi-cultural city such as this. Read

Cocktail Of The Week

MOJITO Read

Food Hero

SUKHDEV SINGH BATH Read

Harborne Fisheries, Northfield Road, Harborne

WHEN you're the only customer, and a first-timer, you might expect to be treated like a potential No 1 fan. Read

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