Nigel Haworth’s Fantastic Food Show
Our editor, Mags Walker, was delighted to be invited to Nigel Haworth’s Fantastic Food Show on Sunday. Our very own Total Foodservice were one of the sponsors and the show featured artisan producers, fresh local produce and seasonal live cooking demonstrations, meaning there was plenty of inspiration and top tips for our very own queen of foodservice to ‘feast’ on.
Mags was delighted to meet many famous faces including Matthew Fort and Tom Parker Bowles and enjoyed presentations from Lisa Allen, Aldo Zilli and Bryn Williams in the Morrisons theatre.
With over 35 activities on offer, the event was jam-packed full of food, tips and demonstrations. A dedicated children’s programme of events ran including a ‘Grow your own workshop,’ and for the adults a ‘pop up’ pub in the form of a Ribble Valley Inn served food and drink all day.
The show also featured the North West’s only BBQ Competition. Weber Barbeques sponsored the event, which saw BBQ enthusiasts battle it out to win a number of Weber products. In three challenges, the teams sweated it out to be crowned the Grand Champions of 2012. Judged by Paul Heathcote, the competition also saw top chefs give their barbequing tips in between heats.
With more demonstrations than you could shake a stick at, the event also saw local producers come into their own with beautifully laid out stalls and amazing offerings. Produce on show included cheeses, oils, cakes and treats from local heroes such as Cartmel Cheeses, Bowland Brewery, ginger bakers, Great North Pie Company and Dewlay cheeses.
Lisa Allen, the only female chef to make the final of Great British Menu, and Head Chef at Northcote, gave some great cooking tips on the day:
- She recommended using pink salt on Gressingham Duck breasts, to bring out the natural colour in the meat.
- She also suggested vacuum packing produce for both convenience and to retain freshness.
The event was a huge success and a great day out. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.
