Meet & Mix Lunch at San Paolo … by Kirsty Cartwright
Tuesday 4 August 2009
This month’s meet & mix lunch was held at San Paolo on Ludgate Hill in the Jewellery Quarter. The venue is very light, open and welcoming, creating a relaxed setting ideal for informal networking.
New Birmingham Future Chairperson Amanda Porter started the lunch with the introduction of Suzie Branch, the winner of Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2009, who spoke of her passion for Birmingham, something shared by many of Birmingham Future’s members.
The lunch itself started with a polenta dish garnished with mushrooms. For those who don’t know what polenta is … it is a dish derived from boiled cornmeal, described by Wikipedia as a ‘common and bland food’ often invigorated with a cheese or tomato sauce. It is a staple food found throughout much of Northern Italy and although originally a peasant food, since the late 20th century it has become a premium product on the menu of many premium restaurants.
For carnivorous guests, the main course was a generous portion of fresh tagliatelle with salmon and a dill sauce, enjoyed by everyone. The vegetarian main course was mushroom risotto which was very good, despite being predictable.
As a lunch venue San Paolo is definitely worth a visit, also for an after work or weekend trip. I shall go back, as I especially liked the setting and the company, but will substitute the polenta for a dessert which judging by the main courses should be very good!
