Spirits are set to be high this March, with the return of Itihaas’ popular curry and comedy night at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens. Following the sold-out whisky-fuelled feast last September, the event is back on 31 March, giving guests the chance to indulge in a culinary feast like no other. The Comedy Rum-Ball will seeItihaas’ head chef Pavneet Sangwan and comedian and chef Hardeep Singh Kohli join forces again, this time with Ampersand’s head chef Phil Bradley and rum specialist, Alessio Franzese from London’s famous Rum & Sugar in the Museum of London Docklands.
Combining comedy and curry, the experienced chefs have created a bespoke four-course fusion menu that starts with a selection of canapés, including samosas with a twist, mini fish and chips, and even a shot of soup. Guests will then sit down to enjoy a fabulous menu paired with the perfect rum tipple to accompany each course.
BBC Celebrity MasterChef finalist and famed comedian, Hardeep Singh Kohli, is looking forward to his return to the second city and said:
“After the tremendous success of September’s event, I can’t wait to serve up something just as exciting. During the evening, we hope to have mouths watering and sides splitting, so if you’re looking for an evening of fun and food in equal measure, you’d better book your tickets fast!”
Known for being a much-loved comedian and TV personality, Hardeep Singh Kohli is one of the UK’s finest Indian chefs. He will bring his cooking prowess to Birmingham for this special event, giving guests the chance to not only taste his award-winning cuisine but also enjoy entertainment and comedy in between courses when he takes to the stage.
During the evening, guests will also enjoy a hearty dose of rum to wash down their meals. Chosen by Alessio Franzese from award-winning London-based Rum & Sugar, a selection of fine rums will be served throughout the evening. Based in the historic and atmospheric warehouse at the Museum of London Docklands, Rum & Sugar boasts close to 200 rums, and a selection will be tasted during the Comedy Rum-Ball.
Whilst Hardeep aims to raise the roof, he will also be raising awareness of a cause close to home, as this year’s Comedy Rum-Ball will be supporting Let’s Feed Brum. A local campaign that hopes to help Birmingham’s homeless population, Let’s Feed Brum is uniting restaurants, businesses, and individuals to provide the city’s homeless with food, drink, essential supplies and friendship. Let’s Feed Brum hopes to create a pathway off the streets by providing the support that statutory services do not, with the aim of reducing homelessness in the city. If the event sells out, like the first did, then enough money will be raised to provide almost 4,000 sleeping bags or 780 five-litre flasks that would provide over 9million hot drinks a year.
Owner and Managing Director of Itihaas, Raj Rana, is a Director of Let’s Feed Brum, and hopes that the event will help raise vital funds for the homeless support group. He commented:
“The event is a wonderful excuse for a night out with your friends; an evening to indulge in food of the highest standards, with stellar entertainment and rum-galore!
“However, by supporting Let’s Feed Brum, it is so much more; it is a chance for the city to get together and show that they care about those in less fortunate circumstances than they are. The proceeds from the evening will go on to help hundreds of people throughout the year and we hope everyone gets behind our chosen cause.”
