The Plough in Harborne has always been inventive with their food and drink offerings, and last summer saw the launch of their Boca Grande Tacos summer pop-up menu. After some careful research of the best Tacos in London, this has been re-launched for 2018 with a cool Plough pop-up twist.
I was invited to the graffiti art installation in the Plough’s beer garden prior to the big Bank Holiday launch weekend. It was fascinating to see it all come together by the swift hand of David from www.graffitiartist.com who was creating a South American street art themed background for the British summer (fingers crossed it lasts).
My guest and I decided to catch up on the Friday evening for their special May Bank Holiday weekend which saw the launch of their Taco menu with a Boca Grande Taqueria Summer Garden Pop Up featuring Barefoot In The Head DJs spinning Latin infused beats.
The beer garden was full so we dined inside, which was also very busy but enjoyable with a diverse mix of Brummie patrons.
Diners receive two tacos per serve which is just enough if you order a side too. You can choose from:
Tacos
- Black pepper Prawn w/ spring onion + chilli (spicy)
- Carnitas pork w/ spiced apple + mint
- Baked cod w/ RED JALAPENO, lime + ginger
- Ancho Chilli Chicken w/ ginger slaw + almost death sauce (very spicy)
- Beef brisket + black bean chilli w/ tomato salsa + chimichurri
- Chipotle + quinoa chilli (v) w/ avocado + crispy parsnip
Side orders:
- Sweetcorn with lime, garlic + butter (v)
- Tortilla chips (v) w/ Hot chilli salsa + Sour cream
- Guacamole (v)
All tacos are finished with shallots and coriander from the Boca Garden Kitchen.
A Strawberry Margarita arrived at our table, delicious and tasted strong, which was a good thing because it prepared me for the heat of the tacos.
To begin, we shared the Sweetcorn side which was impossibly moorish, and very garlicky which was a plus for me. More filling than you would imagine and every last morsel was scooped out. The Tortilla chips were also sampled. These provided a crunchy munch with a fiery flavour.
As my companion is Vegan she opted for the Chipotle quinoa chilli with avocado and crispy parsnip, which I also sampled. This had a slight kick but not too hot and I am told hit the spot in Vegan terms, if there’s only one Vegan option it’s going to have to be good and it really is.
I decided on the Baked cod with Red Jelapeno. This was top marks, cod tasted fresh with crunchy batter and the heat from the Jelapeno is immense – you have to really take your time. The spices and taste complimented the drink and in all, a brilliant evening of tasty Tacos and soulful latin vibes.
I will be back, for the next The Barefoot In The Head Boca Grande pop up this coming Bank Holiday. Get stuck in!
Review by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham