19 September 2008

The 11th Manchester Food and Drink Festival (3 – 13 October) is gearing up to be a fabulous ten day celebration of everything food and drink. There is a little bit of something for everyone; with special offers galore, chef demos, talks and all kinds of special events taking place in and around Manchester.

This year’s Festival is brimming with celebrity chefs and industry stars coming to share their experience and expertise, but most of all, their love of food with the public. Characters from across the board will be in attendance, so here is just a quick taster some of the people MFDF has lined up to get to salivating:

The Chefs -

MICHEL ROUX – A godfather of cookery, Michel has held three Michelin stars for an astonishing 20 years, and is one of the UK’s most revered chefs having opened two of Britain’s most iconic restaurants ‘Le Gavroche’ and ‘Waterside Inn’

On Wednesday 8th October he will be hosting a very special Evening in association with one of Manchester’s finest French restaurants, Brasserie Chez Gerard.

Enjoy a drinks reception followed by a three course menu with matching wines inspired by Michel’s signature recipes, all in the Taste Tipi down at Spinningfields. After dinner, Michel will talk guests through his experience and ideas behind his new book ‘Pastry’ and will then take questions from the audience.

(Tickets are just £50 each inclusive of champagne and canapés, a 3 course meal with wine, water and fruit juice followed by coffee and petit fours.)

JOHN TORODES - John is widely known as co-presenter and judge on BBC’s MasterChef and for his hugely popular and established restaurant, Smiths of Smithfield, at the heart of London’s Smithfield Market.
John has an unrivalled passion for one of the greatest British ingredients, beef, and his new meaty book not only reflects his love of beef but also his sense of humour – with the obvious play on words JOHN TORODE’S ‘BEEF’ portraying he has a spirited opinion on subjects close to his heart.

John will be sharing his passion with us at the Spinningfields Pavilion on Saturday 4th October, demonstrating recipes from the book and signing copies.

FERGUS HENDERSON Fergus Henderson is one of the UK’s most exciting and innovative chefs. His restaurant, St John, has received critical acclaim for his ‘Nose to Tail’ eating philosophy, using usually disregarded meat and offal in his dishes which have been described by the likes of Anthony Bourdain as “so amazing that it borders on religious epiphany.â€?
Fergus is a gastro hero to chefs and foodies the world over and local celeb chef Robert Owen Brown is no exception. Robert has recently returned to critical acclaim with his new venture The Angel. This is a truly one-off Festival experience as two of the UK’s most exciting chefs team up to bring you a dinner to remember. Both will be talking about their experiences and taking questions after dinner.
Fergus will also be signing copies of his book ‘Beyond Nose to Tail Eating.’
(£45 including drinks with each course.)

AIDEN BYRNE - The youngest chef ever to get a Michelin star, Aiden Byrne of the classy Dorchester Hotel, has travelled up from London, especially for the Festival, to demonstrate some of his Michelin starred cookery. Aiden will also be signing copies of his book ‘Made in Great Britain’ at the Spinningfields Pavilion on 4th October.

MICHAEL RIEMENSCHNEIDER - This nationally acclaimed chef of Cornwall’s Michelin Starred Abbey restaurant, has recently taken over Altrincham’s legendary Juniper Restaurant, the only North West restaurant to retain a Michelin star for over ten years, where he plans to achieve even more plaudits. Come down to the Learn Marquee at the Spinningfields Pavilion on 3rd October to learn from a master chef.

NORA SANDS - As part of the Family theme on Sunday 5th October, Jamie Oliver’s right hand woman Nora Sands will be demonstrating how to cook healthy family dinners. Star of his TV series Jamie’s School Dinners, Nora has a passion for improving the nutritional value of our children’s dinners. Nora enjoyed cooking from a young age and grew up learning all about fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and fish. Today she will be showing us a few of her special recipes form her book ‘Nora’s Dinners’. Nora will also be signing copies of her book afterwards.

The Foodies -

JAY RAYNER - On Sunday 12th October, join Observer restaurant critic, author and broadcaster Jay Rayner as he discusses some of the experiences that have led him to write his latest book ‘The Man Who Ate The World – In Search Of A Perfect Dinner.’ Jay will be talking about some of extraordinary experiences, as well as life as food writer… He may even be tempted to discuss his rather controversial views on the subject of Manchester dining. This is unique opportunity to hear from a legendary food writer, ask your own questions, and enjoy a complementary glass of Fairtrade wine and local cheese from Butlers.
This event is free, but places are limited so please email in advance to be added to a guest list and be in with a better chance of attending! FREE.
Email [email protected] com, for more details.

KATHLEEN BURK & MICHAEL BYWATER
On Sunday 12th October, Kathleen Burk and Michael Bywater will be introducing their book ‘Is this Bottle Corked? The Secret Life of Wine’ available in hardback from the 2nd October.
Kathleen Burk’s most recent book is Old World, New World: The Story of Britain and America. She is a judge for the International Wine and Spirits Competition and writes for The World of Fine Wine. Michael Bywater is a cultural critic and broadcaster and is currently completing his next book, Like Brothers: On Men and Friendship, to be published by Granta next year. The afternoon will include a tutored tasting with several wines along with nibbles and an opportunity to buy a signed copy of their book.
Call 0161 839 4753 to book
Numbers are strictly limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI
Bafta Award winning broadcaster and presenter of The One Show, Hardeep has just written a brilliant memoir Indian Takeaway: One Man’s Attempt to Cook his Way Home. He will be demonstrating some of his best recipes followed by a chance to get your copy of his book signed. Sunday 5th October.

To find out about these and many other events happening at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival visit www.foodanddrinkfestival.com/2008 for latest news, listings, competitions and more.