Jill Turton gives a run down of events at this year’s York Festival of Food and Drink
 The York Festival of Food and Drink is quietly establishing itself as the most significant food festival in the country.
It runs from 22nd September to 1st October in historic locations across the city. This year it will feature celebrity chefs Nick Nairn, Paul Rankin and Rosemary Shrager.
There will be dinners, lunches and demonstrations from top chefs: Robert Thompson of Winteringham Fields, Frances Atkins of the Yorke Arms at Ramsgill and Andrew Pern of the Star at Harome. With markets, tastings and much more it promises to be a ten day celebration of all that’s best in Yorkshire Food and Drink.
The York Festival of Food and Drink, has established itself as the most significant food festival in the country. Running for ten days, it is the longest of all the country’s food festivals and one of the most distinctive.
The story behind the annual York Festival of Food and Drink and its driving force over ten years is Michael Hjort, chef/proprietor of Melton’s restaurant and the bistro Melton’s Too (both in York).
Michael has been involved with the York Festival since its inception in 1996, taking it from a simple programme of chefs demonstrations to a ten day city-wide celebration of the very best in the region’s food and drink showcased in York’s finest buildings like the Mansion House, the Guildhall, the medieval Merchant Adventurers Hall and the Castle Museum.
Central to the purpose of the Festival is the belief that it should be more than a platform for celebrity chefs and commercial manufacturers. The accent is on quality independent producers, cookery skills and healthy eating.
"When people cook, they learn about what they’re eating, control their diet and don’t have to rely on takeaways"says Michael Hjort. "When they shop locally they preserve food miles and have a link with the produce and the seasons."
The Festival also tries to be relevant all members of the community. “We have a wide range of events that cover everything from children’s day to elaborate gourmet dinners."
"Educating children (and adults) about food in the round is also part of our purpose. But it’s not just about posh food but working with people to show and promote healthy eating and the nutritional value of food."
Book your table now for some of the top events at this year’s York Festival of Food and Drink:
- Quality Yorkshire Market
A speciality food and drink market in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square will run throughout the Festival.
- Summat from Nowt
Posh lady, Rosemary Shrager from Swinton Park, will work with York’s homeless charity, Carecent, to show the recently homeless how to cook on next to nothing.
- Here’s the Beef
Robert Thompson, Head Chef of Winteringham Fields, and at 23 the youngest Michelin starred chef in Britain, will prepare a special dinner of rare breed Yorkshire beef in the prestigious Merchant Adventurers Hall.
- Mutton dressed as... Mutton
To celebrate the resurgence of mutton, Yorke will come to York. Frances Atkins of the Yorke Arms at Ramsgill in Nidderdale will prepare a regional, seasonal mutton lunch in the medieval Bedern Hall.
- Demos and Tastings
Slow Food, the Women’s Institute and others will host a series of tastings and demonstrations that range from curing and smoking fish to pork pie and black pudding tasting.
- Feast of Fish
A riotous fish feast from the Yorkshire coast with chowders, bouillabaisse, fritto misto and paella all served family style at communal tables in bowls and platters for sharing.
- Jellylicious at the Castle Museum
Celebrated food historian Peter Brears will tell the story of jelly with illustrations and tastings in the newly restored Victorian ‘street’ of York’s famous Castle Museum.
- School Dinners
Children aged 7-10 from Westfield Primary School will prepare and serve lunch for mums, dads, grandmas, teachers and visitors in York’s glorious Guildhall.
Information and Ticketline: 01904 466687
www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com |
