December sees the launch of Scottish fun-filled Christmas festivals, and the chance to pick up last minute delicacies to enjoy over the festive period at one of Scotland’s farmer’s markets. For inspiration over the winter period and to help find presents for friends and family, this month also sees the launch of the Green Christmas Shopping Guide for Glasgow. The Ethical Christmas Shopping Guide highlights Glasgow’s best ‘green’ shops and businesses for Christmas shoppers with a conscience. For more information, visit the new dedicated web pages visitscotland.com/greenglasgow.

For more information on planning a winter break in Scotland, visit visitscotland.com/whiteinvite.

Food and Drink

John Hope Gateway Restaurant
Edinburgh
Where better to start 2010 and celebrate the biggest night of the Year other than Edinburgh’s newest venue, the John Hope Gateway Restaurant in the Royal Botanic Garden. Watch the magnificent fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle, across the lawns of the Botanics. Indulge in a 4-course Hogmanay Dinner, Prosecco on arrival, a piper, and a DJ. Also available is the New Years Day Brunch priced at £35 per person, £17.50 for children.
rbge.org.uk
Tel: 0131 552 1974

Edinburgh New Town Cookery School
Edinburgh
From 7 December, Edinburgh will be home to a brand new state of the art cookery school. Open to all levels of cook, as well as those who simply want to learn more about food and wine, Edinburgh New Town Cookery School will offer a first class range of practical cookery courses for adults, children and teenagers.
In the run up to Christmas we will be presenting a number of introductory workshops, demonstrations and wine tasting classes, as well as a teenager’s cooking course.
Visit entcs.co.uk for more information on course dates and prices.

8 December (19.00 - 22.00)
Bread making evening in Glasgow
Glasgow
To help get Glasgow Slow Food off to a good start, multi award-winning delicatessen Heart Buchanan is organising a special version of one of its most popular cooking classes for Slow Food members and their friends.
Free for all Slow Food Members.
heartbuchanan.co.uk

Edinburgh’s Farmers Markets
Castle Terrace, Edinburgh
Every Saturday, 09.00 –14.00 (except 26 Dec, 2 Jan), plus Tuesday 22 December, 12.00 to 18.00
A wonderful variety of the best in meat, fish, free-range eggs, cheese, seasonal fruit and vegetables, jams and honey – all direct from the farms of Scotland. Speciality meats such as venison, wild boar, wild game and even ostrich are on sale, alongside liqueurs, bread, chocolate and chutneys. There will be something for everyone, straight from farm to fork.
edinburghfarmersmarket.co.uk

Roxburghe Hotel Winter Offers
Kelso
Dining offers
Enjoy lunch and wine for £15 per guest and dinner for £35. Chef Alasdair Stewart has put together a fantastic seasonal menu, making use of the finest local ingredients, many sourced at the Roxburghe Estates. To celebrate this new menu, they are happy to offer a delightful lunch for four people for £60. This offer includes three courses and coffee plus one bottle of house wine. The dinner offer, based on 2 people, is for £35 per person including a bottle of house wine.

Winter Afternoon Tea
Winter Afternoon Tea is now available. Guests can enjoy a choice of sandwiches including turkey and cranberry, smoked salmon and cucumber, honey roast ham and roasted red pepper, Wenslydale and cranberry / White Stilton and apricot as well as a selection of scones and cakes including cherry strudel, cinnamon and raisin, shortbread, ginger bread, chocolate and pecan biscuits, cranberry tea cake, spiced fruit Stollen, chocolate and ginger roulade, poached pear and Almond bake. Beverages available include tea, coffee, winter Pimms and mulled wine.

At £13.50 per person this has to be one of the most delicious treats to be found in the Borders. Go on ... spoil yourself and enjoy a Winter Afternoon Tea at the Roxburghe Hotel with friends.

For more information please call 01573 450 331 or go to roxburghe.net/

Craigie’s Farm Shop
South Queensferry
9 December (19.00)
Cheese and Wine evening
Enjoy good food and wine whilst making new friends at Craigie’s Farm Shop. Experience some of Craigie's homemade food, while their kitchen crew will be on hand to provide some great catering tips for Christmas. A wine expert will also be on hand to help visitors taste and enjoy some great wines, giving tips on what to serve at Christmas time. Tickets are priced at just £15 per person, which includes all food and drink.
For more information please email john@craigies.co.uk or go to craigies.co.uk

Three-Day Christmas Package
Monachyle Mhor Hotel, Perthshire
Enjoy a luxurious three-night stay in Perth with carol singing, mince pies and a five course dinner on Christmas Eve. Breakfast, Christmas Dinner and a buffet at night is offered on Christmas Day and on Boxing Day relax enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner. Prices from £1090 - £1635 depending on suites.
mhor.net
Tel: 01877 384 622

:plate: :tourist:

Simon King, chef/proprietor at 1861 which is located in the pretty hamlet of Cross Ash, near Abergavenny, has announced plans to create six guest rooms at his popular restaurant.

Outline planning permission has been obtained for the project - which is due to start in the spring of 2010.

As Simon explains,

“As we are located in such an outstandingly beautiful part of the world, with excellent walking, magnificent castles, and attractive towns and villages on our doorstep, it makes sense to encourage people not only to eat here, but to enjoy an entire weekend with us too.”

Simon, who cut his teeth with the Roux brothers at their celebrated restaurant on the banks of the river Thames in Berkshire, has carried this fine dining legacy to his own enterprise.

“I have had tremendous pleasure in putting my own stamp on the food here at 1861,” he explains. “I offer fine dining served in tasteful but relaxed surroundings.”

Simon runs 1861 with his wife Kate. The couple met while Simon was head chef at luxury country house hotel Llansantffraed Court, and Kate was the the wedding co-ordinator.

“We pride ourselves on providing guests with a warm welcome yet respecting the need for guests to have space and privacy,” he explains.

“Our new project will add an another dimension to 1861, enhancing the experience we already offer our guests.”

1861 Details

1861 is run by husband and wife team, Simon and Kate King. The restaurant is located in the picturesque hamlet of Cross Ash, near Abergavenny.

Simon, the chef/proprietor, has worked with major names in the food world, including the Roux brothers at The Waterside Inn, Bray, and the celebrated chef, Martin Blunos.

Simon and Kate met while working at luxury country house hotel, Llansantffraed Court, where Simon was head chef and Kate the wedding co-ordinator.

They have built upon a wealth of restaurant experience to offer gourmet standard dining at 1861, combining fine food with just the right balance of friendly, personal service.

The couple run 1861 with the help of a loyal and highly capable local staff.

Their quest for the freshest ingredients serves to create an ever changing seasonal menu, littered with many favourites such as the braised belly pork and mosaic of red fruits.

The provenance of the vegetables is guaranteed as the majority of them are grown by Kate’s father at his market garden in nearby Nantyderry!

Laya'Lina is the latest bar and restaurant to launch in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, SW3 ..... ...... ...... ... Specialising in Lebanese dining with a modern twist, the restaurant offers a selection of hot and cold mezzes, including favourites such as fatoush (a salad of mixed leaves, tomato, sumac and roasted Lebanese bread croutons), hummus, baba ghanoush and also chargrilled specialities and unusual main courses, such as Siyyadiyeh, a fish and rice dish that originated in the costal city of Tripoli, and Aubergine and Cauliflower Kabsa, a popular rice dish that uses a secret blend of spices including saffron, black lime, Cloves and Bay leaves.

Other dishes take inspiration from Middle Eastern herbs and spices, but use them in more contemporary dishes, such as their Braised Lamb Shank with Cinnamon Sauce.

The bar features an extensive cocktail and wine list, with noted Lebanese wineries including Chateau Ksara, Chateau Nakad, Chateau Kefraya and of course Chateau Musar. Laya’Lina also has a regular calendar of live music events and DJs at weekends.

:plate: :wine:

Food lovers are preparing to stock up for Christmas at next week’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair (November 30 & December 1) in Builth Wells.

The Winter Fair has become one of ‘the’ places to try and buy food and drink for the festive season, and the Food Hall at this year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair will be packed with food and drink from across Wales, with many of the producers Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Award winners.

The Welsh Assembly Government managed Food Hall will feature over 40 food and drink producers under the True Taste banner and showcase some of the best products from across Wales, and several from winners in the Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards 2009/10 which were held last week at Abergavenny Market Hall.

Visitors can taste and buy a whole host of produce as well as learn more about Welsh food and drink.

The benefits of having such a high profile ‘shop window’ at such a renowned two-day event cannot be underestimated.

A whole host of companies will be showing new products, many of them having a festive connection, as well as gifts and hampers ready for Christmas.

Product launches

Several companies use the opportunities afforded by the Winter Fair to launch and unveil new products, among them is Merlin Cheeses which will has no fewer than nine new cheeses on offer under its Arthurian Legends range.

Specialist Gwynedd fishmongers Gill’s Plaice – which was a winner at last week’s Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards - will be introducing its Aberdyfi Laverbread & Pork Sausages, which have been produced in association with the award-winning Aberdyfi Butchers.

Another winner at the True Taste Awards, South Caernarfon Creameries will be launching a Christmas Cake Cheese 200g round truckle – mature cheddar combined with mixed fruits, mixed spice and brandy.

Already renowned for its ice cream, Cowpots Ice Cream will be revealing a cheese at the Winter Fair. Cowpots Golden Jersey Cheese is a creamy brie-type soft cheese made from jersey milk from the Cowpots herd, and has been produced in association with the Carmarthenshire Cheese Company.

Evan Rees (Butter) Ltd will be launching a new product at the show too – Hollybush butter sticks. The first company to ever produce them, the butter sticks are practical and easy to use with no mess.

The Waen Brewery will be brewing up interest with a new beer at the Winter Fair – Mulled Waen (3.8%abv), a rich dark blackberry stout which is also available in bottles and cask.

Autumn Magic Blackberry & Apple Cider is the new cider from Gwynt y Ddraig Cider which will make its debut at the Winter Fair.
The cider bursts with a fruity aroma reminiscent of autumn days picking blackberries from the hedgerows, with the blackberry lending the cider its unique colour.

Pemberton’s Chocolates will be launching a new mince pie truffle - a delicious chocolate take on a classic favourite. The white chocolate shell encases a festive centre made with cream, raisins, brandy, and a touch of mixed spice.

Maeth O Faldwyn will be introducing two new products from Penarth Estate Montgomeryshire produced from grapes grown at Penarth Vineyard in Newtown - River Rock Red and Hafren Wen.

Apple Charlotte is the latest cheese from the True Taste Food Tourism Destination category Silver winner , The Blaenafon Cheddar Company. The cheese will have its launch at the Winter Fair, along with Orchard Fruits – a cheese created to mark the centenary of the Girl Guides.

While The Unusual Food Company will be revealing its new gin & tonic marmalade.

New Look

Such is the popularity of the Winter Fair that many companies choose the event to reveal their new look.

Trioni Ltd will launch its exciting new branding for its 250ml range of Daioni organic flavoured milk drinks. The popular drinks are available in strawberry, chocolate and banana flavours

The Winter Fair will also see the launch of Celtic Country Wine’s new branding under the 'Celteg' marque, which extols the virtues of the Celtic heritage.

:plate: :chef: :wine:

A wealth of new, young companies will be exhibiting at Scotland’s Speciality Food Show in January 2010, showing that entrepreneurship and innovation abound in Scotland.

A quarter of all stands booked so far are from new exhibitors, most of which are young companies producing original and unique goods, such as gluten and dairy free ice cream, artisan desserts, roasted garlic and hemp chocolates. Scotland’s Speciality Food Show, which is held from 24-26 January 2010 at the SECC, Glasgow, is the perfect opportunity for many food products to be showcased to the trade for the first time.

Buyers from delicatessens, farm food shops, food halls, butchers, bakers and grocers will have the chance to sample these goods, many of which are artisan products from small, independent producers which have not exhibited elsewhere. The Scottish Speciality Food Show is the only quality food trade show north of Yorkshire so is a focus for premium food and drink producers. It is expected there will be about 100 stands.

Among the new exhibitors are guilt free, fat free ice cream from Belhaven Fruit Farm in East Lothian; Summer Harvest rapeseed oil from a family farm in Perthshire; Choc-affair handmade fair trade chocolates; dessert sauces from The Dessert Depot, garlic products from L’ailolive and fresh and processed garlic from The Garlic Farm; butter free fudge from The Fudge Company; unusual alcoholic drinks and chutneys made using sloes from Sloe Motion; Scotch whisky sauces from Scomac; and chocolates containing hemp from Yorkshire Hemp.

Sue Montgomery from Ardardan Farm Shop and Garden Centre in Argyll said of the Show: “January is the ideal time for us to re-stock and we are always on the look out for original products, preferably produced locally. With business continuing well in the food sector with the rise of consumers eating in we find the Show an excellent opportunity for discovering new talent.”

Many of the products have won Great Taste Awards from The Guild of Fine Food such as The Garlic Farm’s Rhubarb and Pear Chutney, The Sloe Motion’s SLOE Whisky Liqueur, the Cookroom’s gluten free cakes and oatcakes from The Handmade Oatcake Company.

The Scottish Speciality Food Show is run jointly by The Guild of Fine Food and Springboard Events and runs in conjunction with Scotland’s Trade Fair, giving buyers the option to source products from both gift, homewares and fashion accessories and food items.

Springboard Director Mark Saunders said: “It is so encouraging to see that there is so much fresh talent in the food industry and this Show provides the perfect platform for buyers to source innovative food and gift goods. The food industry has performed well, despite the economic downturn making this Show a key date in the fine food calendar in Scotland.”

Food and drink producers are celebrating their success in the ‘Oscars’ of the Welsh food industry – the Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards 2009/10.

The awards were presented last night (November 19th) at a ceremony in Abergavenny’s historic Market Hall and hosted by award-winning television and radio presenter, Sarah Dickins.

Now in their eighth year, the Welsh Assembly Government managed awards reflect the increased demands from consumers for locally sourced produce along with those of the export market place. The 2009/10 awards has seen some 860 entries from over 400 companies – over half of producers in Wales.

The independently judged awards were founded to recognise and reward quality and innovation across the food and drink and hospitality sectors.

This year there were 18 award categories catering for all areas of food and drink production, retail and hospitality sectors as well as a new Export Achievement Category, which was won by The Anglesey Sea Salt Company.

Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said, “The Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards are a tremendous showcase for the Welsh food and drink industry.
Once again the Awards have highlighted just how much high quality food is available here, and I congratulate all those who have received awards.

“Earlier this year I launched our Local Sourcing Action Plan which encourages us all to buy more Welsh food. There are so many benefits to buying local: from reducing food miles and supporting the local economy, to the reassurance that comes with knowing where our food comes from and how it has been produced.
“While our Food Tourism Action Plan is all about improving visitor experiences in Wales as a destination where high quality and distinctive food is widely available in our cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels and guesthouses.
“We want to ensure that our visitors are provided with an exceptional food experience based on locally sourced and distinctive food. In 2008 the first category for Food Tourism Destination was included in Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards and this year’s winners – Pembrokeshire County Council - will help raise awareness of the excellence of Food Tourism outlets throughout Wales.”
A number of companies scooped more than one award; among them were South Caernarfon Creameries, Penrhiw Farm Organic Meat, Oaklands Organics, Gill’s Plaice, Greta’s Wholefoodies, and Hafod Welsh Organic Cheddar. It was a good night in particular for Primrose Organic Centre which won awards in several categories.
While the main award of the night, the True Taste Champion was awarded to Deiniol ap Dafydd of Blas ar Fwyd Cyf in Llanrwst.

:chef: :plate: :wine:

Tourism Flanders and Harrods have joined forces to offer customers a unique gastronomic celebration of the region’s finest food and drink. From 25 November until 8 December, Harrods will play host to some of the Flemish’s Coasts most renowned and respected chefs and feature a wide range of premium Flemish products throughout the food halls.

Throughout the fortnight, the Sea Grill and Rotisserie restaurants will showcase recipes by the Michelin starred Bart Desmidt, David Sevranckx, Piet Devriendt, and Vincent Florizoone. Each of the featured chefs is travelling to London for the promotion to teach Harrods’ own chefs the secrets of Flemish cuisine. During the promotion both restaurants will offer signature dishes from the guest chefs’ restaurants including specialties such as fresh scallops, mussels, steak tartare and marinated oxtail.

The Chocolate Bar located on the 2nd Floor of Harrods, will also feature a whole host of Belgian chocolate treats including heavenly creamy Wossels’ chocolate jenever, chocolate covered fresh waffles and hot milky chocolate made with flavoured chocolate sticks by Choc’o’Lait. The chocolate sticks are available in various flavours and are dipped in hot milk to produce a truly delicious hot chocolate drink.

Other products on sale will include the freshest of Flemish cheeses, charcuterie and seafood. Chefs in the Harrods Bakery will be baking “speculoos”, a type of spice infused biscuit as well as preparing the freshest waffles under instruction of chef Mario Cattoor. Shoppers will be able to sample a variety of Flemish produce throughout the Food Hall during the promotion including Neuhaus chocolates, a variety of Flemish beers as well as the “gin-like” spirit, jenever.

Dawn Page, director of Tourism Flanders-Brussels UK commented: “We are proud of the forthcoming promotion in association with Harrods. We hope to showcase the best of Flemish food and drink and give gastronomes “food for thought” when they plan their next trip to the continent”.

As part of the promotion, customers will be able participate in a competition to win a weekend for two at the Flemish Coast. To enter, they need only purchase a Flemish product from the Food Halls, Chocolate Bar or order a speciality dish from the Sea Grill and Rotisserie restaurants. Entry forms will be available throughout Harrods.

As well as the competition, the public can enjoy an inspiring window display, designed to promote the event and located on Hans Crescent. The display features an impressive visual arrangement of some of Flanders’ best loved products including the lifestyle brands Delvaux and Flamant.

The latest food news from Scotland from brand new cookery schools to the seasonal food festivals.

Edinburgh New Town Cookery School Set to Launch with a Stocking Full of Christmas Courses
A new cookery school, The Edinburgh New Town Cookery School (ENTCS) has this week announced a range of cooking courses, set to see participants through the festive season and develop cookery life skills that will last a lifetime.

The school will open on Edinburgh’s Queen Street at the start of December, and is already being tipped to be one of the biggest and most prestigious cookery schools in Scotland. Principal Fiona Burrell, who is a protégé of Prue Leith, is opening the school just in time for the festive period with courses including ‘Seasonal Cookery’, ‘Christmas Entertaining Made Easy’ and ‘Countdown to Christmas’, which equip all students with the inspiration and skills to have a stress free Christmas.

For those wishing to extend their cookery learning beyond the winter period, one month, three and six month courses are beginning from January 2010, places are limited so people are urged to book up fast. This fantastic range of certificate courses will allow people to learn all the fundamentals of life skills cooking.
entcs.co.uk

Homecoming Borders Banquet
Across the Scottish Borders
20 - 30 November
As part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Weekend, the Borders Banquet has launched a ten day celebration of the world-class food which comes from this beautiful part of Scotland. With ‘Home cooking for Homecoming’ the theme of the event, there are plenty of opportunities for food lovers including a re-enactment from the Delia Smith of her day, the 18th century cookery writer, Elizabeth Cleland. This is the perfect opportunity to try out local Borders produce in the many eateries across the region hosting special menus and events. Other events include celebrity chef demonstrations, famer’s markets and fairs.
homecomingscotland2009.com/finale

Hands on Opportunities to Explore Breadalbane
Six businesses in one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas have come together to offer visitors the opportunity to get hands on in exploring the area. Packages include The Best of Breadalbane Food and Drink Package (£35 per person) which uses some of Scotland’s finest soft fruit to make jam just like Granny used to make, followed by a delicious lunch at Delivino in Crieff with plenty of time to pop into the local Sweetie Shop and factory to observe the techniques of traditional Scottish sweetie making. There are also options to sample some fine wines, take a special distillery tour or visit a local chocolatier.

The Active Breadalbane Package (starts at £35 per person) and focuses on either walking or cycling around the area. Again there are lots of added extras such as route maps, packed lunches, guides and recommended stop off points. Walking tours can also incorporate a visit to Rob Roy’s Grave and finish with a reviving whisky and stovies (a traditional Scottish dish of potato, onion and meat) at your hotel.
explorebreadalbane.co.uk

Foodies Festival Christmas
Edinburgh
5 - 6 December
The first ever Foodies Festival Christmas event in George Street’s stunning Assembly Rooms is a celebration of festive food and drink with top chefs making appearances.

Jeff Bland of Number One at The Balmoral Hotel and Tony Borthwick of The Plumed Horse will be among the Michelin starred chefs demonstrating their favourite seasonal dishes live in the Chefs Theatre, adding their own modern twists and passing on hints and tips for preparing the best festive fare.

Visitors will be able to buy specialty food and drink and seasonal, local produce from over 90 stalls; feast on signature Christmas dishes from favourite restaurants and sip seasonal cocktails from top bars in a relaxed festive atmosphere with carol singing, the twinkling lights of Christmas trees and delicious seasonal scents in the air.

They can also try nosing and tasting with wine connoisseurs, whisky and rum experts, oyster shucking and chocolate making in the seasonally inspired food and drink master classes, and Cooking with Kids master classes for budding young chefs.

Weekend tickets are £10 (£6) and can be purchased from Seetickets on 0871 230 5573 or online at foodiesfestival.com

Go WEST to Celebrate Weihnachten This Christmas
Glasgow Green
December
Lovers of authentic Bavarian food and drink should head WEST this Christmas. That’s because WEST Brewery, Bar & Restaurant, is inviting yuletide revellers to celebrate Weihnachten (Christmas in German) in the beautiful surroundings of the Templeton Building on Glasgow Green.

WEST’s Christmas menu features such mouth-watering starters as: home-cured Scottish gravid lax with dressed salad, horseradish and rye bread; seared Quothquan breast of pheasant with a puy lentil salad and red wine sauce and goulash soup with fresh organic bread.

Main courses include: Borders roast turkey and all the trimmings; braised Perthshire ox cheek and tail suet pudding with a wild mushroom sauce; fillet of salmon with awest coast crab, pine nut and parmesan crust served with lemon oil and ‘Jaeger Schnitzel’, a traditional schnitzel with a dark mushroom sauce. Desserts, meanwhile, include a delicious homemade Christmas pudding with warmed brandy sauce; traditional Christmas fruit trifle; baked apple strudel served with Vanilla ice-cream and a Lanark-made trio of ice cream with chocolate sauce and tuille biscuit.
westbeer.com

:plate: :tourist: :wine:

Rob Green, chef/proprietor, and his wife Emma, of Green’s Restaurant & Bistro, in Whitby, North Yorkshire, were the Toast of Yorkshire when they were awarded and recognised as ‘The Taste of Yorkshire’ at the White Rose Awards at the Royal Armouries in Leeds this week.

This prestigious and high profile ‘Tourism Oscars’ Awards event is a celebration of excellence in the region and is organised by the official Tourism Agency Welcome to Yorkshire.

Green’s Restaurant & Bistro has established itself as one of the top restaurants in the region, and always offers a menu that is attentive to the surrounding bounty from the coast, keeping in daily contact with the skippers of the local trawlers to get the best of ‘The Catch of the Day’, which Rob collects fresh each morning from the Quayside a few minutes away from the Restaurant.

Rob also has a great relationship with his local butcher and farmers who help him choose ‘the best in the field’ for his menu planning. And of course all the accompanying foods are local too; even the flour for their homemade bread is from Yorkshire!

“Winning this award is just fantastic, we were quite overwhelmed to be recognised as being the best of the best, which is what we have always been striving to achieve” said Rob.

“It is a significant acknowledgement of our commitment to the ongoing development of our Restaurant, and of our great team, as well as our support of the local community.”

And Rob is still reeling from the excitement of receiving another top national award and accolade - National Seafood Chef of the Year - from Seafish, the Authority on Seafood, in recognition of excellence and sustainable practice.

:plate:

The new gourmet restaurant "El Cenador", located in the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel El Mirador, is now open to the public and will be kicking off with a series of gastronomic sessions called "The Awakening of the Senses".

Palma, 20 October 2009 - In its continuous quest for offering excellence to customers in all products and services, the IBEROSTAR Grand Collection is now inaugurating “El Cenador”, the new gourmet restaurant of the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel El Mirador, a five star hotel situated just by the shore in Costa Adeje, on the south of Tenerife.

"El Cenador" is a gourmet restaurant that, under the command of the Canary Islander chef Jaime Marte*n Donate, is committed toward a perfect blend of local traditional cuisine and novel and sophisticated international techniques to offer a creative culinary experience deeply rooted in the Canary Islands' origins.

The exquisite menu will allow visitors to enjoy delectably innovative local cuisine that perfectly combines the essence of time-honoured recipes from the Canaries with international influences, resulting in the creation of new and exciting flavours in gastronomy.

The new restaurant at the hotel IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel El Mirador has recently opened its doors to host the cooking sessions "The awakening of the senses", which will be headed by Montse Estruch, chef and owner of the restaurant "El Cingle" (http://www.elcingle.com), in Vacarisses (Barcelona). For three days, various dinners will be organized, amongst them a special "only-for-women" event, in which dishes such as the "Cocktail gold dust with Australian hibiscus flower", "Grilled egg tremor and potato cooked with vanilla, caviar and gold caramel", "Small shore octopus on a corn flour ring" or the dessert "Gardens of Tenerife", prepared with coconut, pineapple and roses, will be tasted.

The "El Cenador" restaurant will be open Wednesdays to Sundays from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the hotel IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel El Mirador in South Tenerife.