In my time I’ve presented in the cookery theatre, ran workshops, MC’d at a good few food festivals. Henley, Hampshire, Chilterns, Oxford Foodies, Oxford Castle, Children’s Food Festival, and others. The facilities vary dramatically. Some are held in a marquee the middle of a field with one working burner, a bit like camping, especially when it’s -5 outside, the snow is coming in through the gaps in the marquee and you can’t feel your fingers to prep, oh, and you have to wear wellies as backstage the mud comes over your ankles. Some are in state of the art Rangemaster Cookery Theatres and I’ve cooked alongside Cookery Royalty like Mary Berry, Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson. Some are in stately homes such as Sulgrave Manor, Loosely House, Hatfield House. All of them are fabulous fun, and if I have one person who comes over at the end, takes a recipe and declares that they have been inspired to recreate my dish when they go home then it’s all worthwhile.
However, I’ve just found the ultimate Food Festival – if you know of more please do tell. This is my dream food festival, not in a marquee in cold, wet England but in Halkidiki in Greece, not only in lovely warm sunshine but in one of the most wonderful hotels on the island, the Sani Resort. Sani Resort
are hosting the Sani Gourmet Culinary Festival from 13 May to 22 May. Oh, what I’d give to be there, the line up is fantastic. When you click on their website the tab comes up with ‘Gourmet Landing Page’ – love it.
There are a scary number of Michelin stars on the line up all cooking New Greek Cuisine, amazing food in an amazing location, my idea of heaven. Get on a plane quickly and let me know what you think. Greek food is usually delicious as fresh locally sourced ingredients are used, fruit and vegetables ripened in the sun rather than under plastic like in the UK but when these chefs get their hands on these ingredients they take food to the next level. Next year maybe.