Birmingham restaurants recognised with Michelin awards
Tropea was also celebrated by the guide for its Italian wine list, which was said to be "great value"."Its simple, ingredient-led dishes and high-quality homemade pastas, can all be enjoyed in a buzzing environment", it added.The restaurant and bar is co-owned by Ben Robinson Young and Kasia Piatkowska, who said the award means "so much" to them. "It represents what we hoped Tropea would become: a restaurant that serves great food, that's good value, cooked with care and served with love", they said.
Riverine Rabbit, which is owned by Erin and Ash Valenzuela-Heeger and specialises in small plates with south-east Asian flavours, was described as a "terrific counter restaurant". Co-owner and chef, Ash said: "We're chuffed to bits, it means a lot to us because we have worked so hard over the last couple of years."Our restaurant is quite unique, it's one big chef's table, I cook right in front of you, I'm handing you the plates and telling you all about the ingredients."Erin Valenzuela-Heeger said working alongside her wife is a great way to spend time together. "It's incredible getting to work with Ash and delivering incredibly high-standard food, watching the person you love doing what they love, is also an incredible thing to witness day in day out."We get on so well and I think it shows to anyone who comes to the restaurant, most people comment on it, especially those who come with their other half."
'Exciting young talent'
Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, who is originally from South Africa, has also been recognised with the Michelin Young Chef Award.The Michelin inspectors said Ms Valenzuela-Heeger was an example of "exciting young talent" and her cooking had "generated a buzz in Brummie circles". "We always say we strive to be 1% better everyday, so I have no doubt this time next year we will be even better than we are now", Ms Valenzuela-Heeger added.
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