What a busy week we have had!
After months of planning, The Malton Community Interest group saw the most successful Food Lovers Festival yet. With an attendance of 20,000, the Malton Food Lovers Festival has been crowned The Culinary Capital for the weekend. Despite unseasonably cold temperatures the welcome offered to the host of celebrity chefs was a warm one.
Country Warmth was proud to be the main sponsor of the cookery theatres for the weekend. Saturday morning started under very chilly conditions, however a warm welcome was given to the opening patron Antonio Carluccio. He wooed the packed marquee with a heady mix of cookery and humour. With typical southern Mediterranean warmth the crowd were delighted by his demonstration. Next up was Rob Green chef owner of award winning Green’s of Whitby. Rob has donated his recipe of Lobster Fish and Chips with mushy peas to the Food Festival booklet. The day continued with guest demonstrations from Matthew Fort, Tom Parker Bowles, Stephanie Moon and our local Deli Queen Sophie Legard.
We had fun with our stand; located at the bottom of the market square we decked it out in jubilee colours. Michael found an old pillar box red AGA to put on display (red is no longer made at the AGA foundry, Coalbrookedale any more). We then added touches of patriotic bunting and some lovely aprons from the magical sewing machine of Mrs Madden. With sayings including ‘Keep Calm your dinner is in the AGA’ and ‘Bake for Britain’ these pinneys were a resounding success. We have had to commission more to keep up with the demand!
Sunday was just as busy as the Saturday. With Festival Patron Rosemary Shrager taking to the stage to show off her fabulous cooking skills. Not only is Rosemary one of Yorkshires favourite chefs she also brings a smile and limitless enthusiasm to proceedings. She was most happy to call in to our stand and share some of her cooking tips with us. Throughout the day Selina Scott hosted the Masterclass tent. Some fascinating facts emerged from interviews with local food producers and suppliers. It made us realise how lucky we are to have such quality of ingredients right on our doorstep here in Ryedale.
At the end of the weekend we packed the Show trailer away and drove home a little weary but very happy. Next stop for Shows is the Great Yorkshire Show July 10th 11th and 12th. We hope to see you there!
