We tried a 10-course tasting menu inspired by Space at a Birmingham restaurant - here’s what happened when we encountered a Black Hole

With a Black Hole, Solar Flare and Biopack - this 10-course tasting menu is definitely unlike any other I’ve been offered at Birmingham city centre’s many restaurants.

It’s an intriguing concept - that’s for sure. Can you really recreate Space on a plate in our second city? And what will happen if I try to fit a slice of the Cosmos in my mouth? These were a couple of the questions on my mind as we entered Six By Nico on Colmore Row.

The restaurant is renowned for its affordable fine dining tasting menus with previous winning themes including a legendary chippy tea and fun and interactive Murder on the Midnight Express (that’s where diners have to solve a murder mystery - inspired by Murder on the Orient Express).

Often these menus are served in six courses, with the theme changing every six weeks - which kinda explains why they went with the name.

If you are unfamiliar with Six By Nico, it’s probably worth noting that chef Nico Simeone has worked in Michelin kitchens and is renowned for his imaginative approach to food - at last count there were 10 Six By Nico restaurants across the UK.  

Offering 10-courses inspired by Space is an alternate venture away from the six theme, and the restaurant is exclusively offering it to its most loyal customers until Thursday, October 2 (a six course version continues to be on offer until November 16).

So rather than explain the details of each course - let’s cut to the chase - this was a fun evening featuring a clever play with food flavours and dishes.

At times it was challenging, I’m not going to lie. Course three was called Celestial Ember which included a pickled melon and Jalepeno gazpacho. Now, I didn’t mind this cold, spicy, thick liquid - especially as it was followed by the warmest, gooiest, most comforting N’Duja Arancini. I think it made the rice ball flavourings stand out all the more. 

But my friend wasn’t so sure - she only managed a few tastes of the gazpacho, but mightily enjoyed her arancini.

On the other hand she revelled in the fun Black Hole dish which was served with blindfolds and headphones playing music. While I wasn’t so sure on this one.

It wasn’t that I wasn’t up for trying the eye mask and headphones. They were a bit gimmicky, but really added to the fun of the evening. Especially as you looked around and other diners were bedecked in the same gear.

The menu listed Fergola Sarda, Cuttlefish, Burnt Lemon, Bisque and Pork Fat Crumb in our dish.

However, our waitress advised us that the cuttlefish had been replaced by squid for our sitting. Maybe it was the chewy squid, maybe it was the blindfold masking my ability to see what I was eating. I’m not sure, but it was my least favourite of the ten - not a bad dish though.

There were so many highlights. It was a real journey through so many different types of food. The Zero Gravity Oyster was a masterpiece - smoked salmon with granny smith apple, kohlrabi and oyster emulsion - you could eat it all, including the shell!

I loved the beautifully colourful Solar Flare (course 8) - flat iron steak served with Ox Parcel, Saffron & Orange, Black Garlic and Squash. My favourite was Nebular (course 9) - Korean barbeque Beef Bao - black ash coloured, just like you would expect to find in space - served with Gochujang Broth and toasted sesame seeds. The meat was just so deliciously packed with powerful spice.

The finale was called Goodbye Earth - a beautiful contrast of the creamiest Baked Vanilla Custard, Orange Marmalade and Grand Marnier. It was a gorgeously soft landing.

Our dinner was accompanied by wine pairing, for me, while my friend opted for the cocktail pairing.

This meant we got five drinks each. Discovering the cocktails and wine really added to the enjoyment of our food Space journey. Each drink was divine. My favourite wine was the Grand Bosquet Rouge - bold and beautiful.

If you go for the cocktails, watch out - Six By Nico does not hold back on its servings. The last drink of the evening for my friend was called Last Light - it was a mix of Bourbon, Ruby Port, Chambord and Chocolate Bitters - and it tasted pretty good!

I’m not sure if you qualify for the 10-course Space tasting menu - lucky you if you do - don’t miss out. It costs £39 and includes an aperitif. The wine pairing is £30 and cocktail pairing £40.

The regular six course Space tasting menu is priced at £45. If you haven’t been to Six By Nico before - it’s time you gave it a go and find out what all its legion of fans are raving about. May the Force be with you!