Anthony Carroll (Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes) and Craig Gent (Opus)

With a reported rise in potato demand during the cold snap, Opus restaurant is embracing the rising popularity of the vegetable by holding a special heritage potato dinner at 7pm, on Thursday 4th February.

“Opus restaurant is embracing the rising popularity of the vegetable by holding a special heritage potato dinner at 7pm, on Thursday 4th February”

Diners are invited to discover the history behind the humble potato, as The Carroll family of Tiptoe Farm, Northumberland share their expertise and demonstrate the wide variety of potatoes on offer.

Travelling down from their idyllic farm overlooking the River Till, Lucy and Anthony Carroll will give diners an insight into the heritage behind some of the 20 varieties the Carroll family have cultivated since the 1930s.
 
With names such as ‘Mr Little’s Yetholm Gypsy’, ‘Dunbar Rover’ and ‘Shetland black’, these gourmet potatoes date back to centuries ago, at a time when varieties were celebrated for their taste, texture and colour rather than regulation shape.

“Restaurant-goers will not only be able to hear about the distinctive varieties available, but also enjoy them eaten at their seasonal best as Chef Director, David Colcombe and his team prepare a unique feast”

Restaurant-goers will not only be able to hear about the distinctive varieties available, but also enjoy them eaten at their seasonal best as Chef Director, David Colcombe and his team prepare a unique feast designed to showcase flavours which have not been tasted for years. Each variety will be prepared in a way which best captures its taste and will be presented alongside complementary seasonal produce, including sustainably sourced wild fish and free range meat.

“With names such as ‘Mr Little’s Yetholm Gypsy’, ‘Dunbar Rover’ and ‘Shetland black’, these gourmet potatoes date back to centuries ago”

David Colcombe, Chef Director at Opus was captivated by the Carrolls’ dedication and enthusiasm: “The Carrolls have made it their mission to cultivate potatoes with a rich and wonderful history, and play their part in preserving their heritage at a time when conformity seems to be valued more than taste. The depth and array of flavours displayed in these potatoes is miles away from that of the bland varieties that are often cultivated for their shape and size alone.

He added: “It is this focus on quality which makes our suppliers such an important part of the Opus ethic. Our quest to source only the best regional produce at its seasonal best is borne out of our passion for delivering exceptional taste and quality. To compromise would be to deny our diners of the best that the country has to offer, and we take pleasure in sourcing rare and distinctive ingredients, be it fish from Devon or beef from Aberdeenshire.”

Opus Restaurant is situated on Cornwall Street in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District.  To book a place on the heritage potato dinner call 0121 200 2323. A four course dinner including wines and service is available for £65 per head. opusrestaurant.co.uk.