Video: A fresh take on Malton, with chef Antonio Carluccio

Carluccio, a well-known champion of regional produce, was in Malton to meet some of the stallholders who will be taking part in the town’s first Food Lovers Market on November 5.

The market will be the sister event to Malton’s Food Lovers Festival, which was launched in 2009 and attracted more than 10,000 visitors this year.

During his visit yesterday, Carluccio was invited by Yorkshire Meats, one of the exhibitors at the forthcoming market, to “adopt” an eight-week-old Oxford Sandy and Black weaner.

Lucy and James Haxton, who run the rare breeds pig farm just outside Malton, are one of the variety’s largest breeders.

Carluccio’s piglet will now be reared before it is lined up to be used for a hog roast during the Food Lovers Festival next May.

Carluccio also visited the independent food shops, delis, restaurants and pubs near Malton’s historic Market Place.

He said: “I am really impressed by the passion for the local food culture in Malton and the work that is going on to promote regional produce here.

“The annual Malton Food Lovers Festival that attracts some 10,000 people is a tremendous achievement.”

He added: “I wanted to add my support for the first new indoor food market here which will give a year-round boost for the producers that contribute so much to keeping the local food culture alive.”

The Food Lovers Market will feature a vast range of local produce including rare-breed meats, fish, hams, chutneys and baked goods.

It will be held on November 5 between 9am and 2pm.

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