Sample a taste of the high life at a festival to savour

Established in 1997, the York Food and Drink Festival is now one of the highlights on any foodie’s calendar.

There are two principal elements to the event, which starts next Friday, September 16. Firstly, Parliament Street (free entry) consists of the markets, demonstration area, Yorkshire Bar and information point – a marquee will enclose the city’s fountain in Parliament Street and make this an evening venue for events.

Secondly, there is both a day time and evening programme of events in York Guildhall, The Mansion House and in venues across York.

The Festival is a showcase for Yorkshire Food. For 10 days, York city centre will have stands from farms all over Yorkshire, but you will also find stands from local delicatessens, ethnic food producers and national and continental guest producers.

The Festival believes strongly that food and drink education can be fun. Consequently, there are cookery demonstrations, workshops and competitions for schools, amateur cooks and young chefs in Parliament Street and in York’s Guildhall.

There is also a top quality programme of drinks events including wine tastings, a Whisky Festival and a Festival Ale Trail around the city.

Visitors will have a unique opportunity to watch three superb, nationally recognised but local chefs as they recreate their recent dishes produced in the TV series – The Great British Menu.

Guests can also question the chefs about their recipes and their tips for successful entertaining.

The result is this special evening in the sumptuous, traditional setting of the Guildhall – right in the centre of York on Tuesday, September 20.

Stephanie Moon, from Rudding Park, near Harrogate, says: “While I was filming the latest TV series, I thought to myself ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we could reproduce this atmosphere for food lovers back home in Yorkshire?’

“So I got hold of Michael Hjort, Director of the York Food Festival and put the idea for the evening to him.

“As always, Michael was positive, immediately seeing the opportunity to include a very special version of this successful TV series for visitors to enjoy at this years’ York Food & Drink Festival.

And on Friday September 23 there will be the Taste of Yorkshire Awards, in association with the Yorkshire Post; compered by Rosemary Shrager. Don’t forget to go to the market place on Monday September 18, to pick up your voting form and then tour the markets, sample and vote for your favourite taste of Yorkshire for the Reader’s Award.

There is also a young chefs competition, wine tasting events and a host of other activities.

Restaurants and cafes across the city will be offering meal deals.

To find out more about the York Food and Drink festival visit www.yorkfoodfestival.com or call 01904 466687