The Foodies Festival has returned to Inverleith Park this weekend …
This year’s new features including the Cake & Bake Theatre, Chocolate Theatre and BBQ Arena all went down a storm at the first of eight Foodies Festivals that took place in Brighton last weekend.
Top chefs from across Scotland, including Michelin-starred Jeff Bland from The Balmoral Hotel, Craig Sandle of The Pompadour by Galvin, Great British Menu contestant Mark Greenaway, Neil Forbes of Cafe St Honoré and John Quigley of Red Onion will cook their signature dishes live in the Chefs’ Theatre and explain how amateur cooks can prepare the same dishes at home. The theatre will be compered over the three days by Foodies veteran Jacqueline O’Donnell of The Sisters in Glasgow.
As well as culinary lessons from the experts, Fringe Festival acts Gyles Brandreth and Stephen K Amos, who has competed on Celebrity Masterchef, will be donning chef hats and giving comical demonstrations.
Now in its seventh year, Foodies Festival has introduced new features to all events in 2013. These include a spectacular Cake and Bake Theatre in association with Electrolux incorporating a ‘bake-along’ with members of the audience invited to participate.
2013 also sees the introduction of a dedicated Chocolate Theatre to showcase the world of chocolate and confectionary with daily demonstrations from David Greenwood-Haigh of Divine Chocolate. The specially-designed BBQ Arena features hourly BBQ classes and Man vs Meat competitions where contestants cook their own chicken wings, ribs, sausages and burgers and are then given 60 seconds to eat as much of their creations as possible with the crowd judging who made the best effort.
In 2013, food-lovers can also enjoy the new dining and VIP area serving signature dishes from pop-up versions top Scottish restaurants. The bar area has had a countryside makeover complete with hay bales and a focus on British cider and ale. There is also a wide variety of tent and pagoda bars throughout the site selling cocktails, wine and champagne. Foodies is proud to provide a platform to launch new drinks brands every year.
These new elements complement Foodies’ existing features including the Drinks Theatre where regular classes and demonstrations are given by some of the most talented sommeliers and mixologists and drink experts in the UK.
The extensive Producers’ Market sells a vast array of artisan produce from the local area and incorporates the Guild of Fine Food award-winning British produce.
Foodies will be showcasing local producers in Edinburgh including Summer Harvest Oils who will be selling their range of award-winning cold-pressed rapeseed oils, dressings, vinegars and mayonnaise.
Last year saw the successful introduction of Street Food Avenue to all Foodies events. In 2013 the Edinburgh crowds can again enjoy the huge selection of ready-to-eat hot and cold food from around the world including hog roasts, exotic meats, tapas, churros, burritos, Moroccan tagines, South American prime beef, sausages, pizza, Jamaican and Thai street food.
The Children’s Cookery Theatre ensures children get involved and have the opportunity to learn more about eating and cooking healthy food with hands-on daily classes.
Relaxation in 2013 comes in the form of a City Beach where families can chill out on deckchairs with an artisan ice-cream or an afternoon tea whilst children build sandcastles. Various specialist tea, coffee and fresh juice vendors can be found around the site.
The entertainment stage features live music acts performing every day until the later closing time this year of 8pm.
Opening times
Saturday 10th August, 10am – 8pm
Sunday 11th August, 10am – 8pm
Further Information
Visit the Edinburgh Foodies website which has all the information you need including schedules of the Chef’s Theatre and Masterclasses.
You can follow Foodies on twitter @FoodiesFestival and like them on Facebook.
Tickets for Foodies Edinburgh are available via this link or by calling 0844 995 1111.
One-day ticket £12 (concession £10). VIP tickets cost £38
Entry is free for children aged 16 and under accompanied by an adult.
Price includes entry into the Chefs’ Theatre, Food Masterclass, Drinks Masterclass and Kids’ Cookery Theatres and they must be registered for upon arrival (first come first served).
