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Chefs and New Features for 2012!
Written: 03 February 2012
The 2012 Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink (13th – 15th April) promises to be a weekend of culinary delights and a celebration of all that is delicious about the South West.
The festival, co-founded by two star Michelin chef, Michael Caines, attracts more than 15,000 people each year flocking to Exeter for a food and drink festival with a perfect setting, stunning food stalls, live music and countless famous faces.
A Festival favourite, the Cookery Theatre, sponsored by NEFF, In Toto Kitchens and 3663, is the chance to learn the secrets of over 30 top chefs demonstrating their top culinary tips and how to prepare meals using locally produced ingredients.
Michael Caines will be demonstrating in the Festival Cookery Theatre ably assisted by his sous chef for the day, TV property specialist and enthusiastic cook Kirstie Allsopp on Friday 13th April.
Michael Caines says, “There is nothing more fascinating than watching some of our top chefs creating their restaurant’s best dishes before your eyes. This year’s Festival features an incredible line-up of culinary skill, an introduction to some of the region’s exciting up and coming chefs plus some famous names learning a few tips along the way.”
This year’s line-up includes more than 30 of the region’s best known names and excellent showmen including a seafood masterclass from two star Michelin chef Nathan Outlaw and BBC Saturday Kitchen favourite Mitch Tonks; demonstrations from Masterchef winners Dhruv Baker, Mat Follas, James Nathan and Steve Groves alongside TV chef Tristan Welch; a vegetarian masterclass from Masterchef semi-finalist Jackie Kearney and showcases from celebrity TV chef Lesley Waters.
Making time for the next generation chefs, Michael Caines will demonstrate with students from his MC Academy, part of Exeter College, going head to head in a cook off with some of the talented trainees on Saturday 14th April. Also that day, two passionate newcomers, Duncan Glendinning and Partrick Ryan, joint owners of The Thoughtful Bread Company will be showcasing a bakery masterclass. Patrick Ryan says, "We hope to show the ease at which bread can be made, how versatile it can be and how great it should taste. Whether you are young or old, bread provides an offering for all and with a few little tips we intend to show you how every loaf can become a meal right down to the last crumb."
New at the Festival for 2012 is the chance to indulge in fine dining at the Gourmet on the Go pop up restaurants serving South West restaurant signature dishes to Festival goers. Dishes on the menu are from Fifteen Cornwall, the Jamie Oliver inspired restaurant; award winning cuisine from Browns Hotel, Tavistock and contemporary dishes from the celebrated chefs of Brownsword Hotels.
The new Little Cookies area, sponsored by Crealy, will be keeping future foodies entertained with a range of fun, creative and educational children’s activities. Farms for City Children, the official Festival charity, will be involving children in farming activities including bread making and apple pressing, watching chicks hatch or getting creative with food packaging waste. Tots can enjoy dance classes with the Exeter Phoenix making this a great weekend for the whole family.
The three-day festival is also a great chance to buy the finest produce from over a hundred regional producers in two huge food pavilions. Pick up tips from a number of expert masterclasses, get advice on herb, vegetable and fruit gardening and some hot BBQ cooking tips in the mini show garden in the Fermoy’s Grow Your Own area, get hands on in the Darts Farm Food is Fun theatre and enjoy the atmosphere of the South West’s famous food and drink Festival in the beautiful surroundings of Exeter’s castle and Northernhay Gardens.
After the daytime events, enjoy the Festival After Dark Party on both Friday and Saturday nights in Exeter Castle courtyard with a mouth-watering array of stalls serving delicious regional fare, ales and cider, sizzling chef demos and live music from the renowned Mama Stones House Band with special guests.
Now in its ninth year, Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink is supported by Exeter City Council.
