Full details of the 2009 Guild of Food Writers Awards are now available at gfw.co.uk/awards and the Awards entry form can be downloaded from the site.

The Guild of Food Writers Awards were established in 1996, to be presented annually in recognition of outstanding achievement in any area in which food writers work and have influence. The awards remain the only awards judged entirely by professional food writers, journalists and editors.

There are twelve awards, including one new award for work on Food and Travel:

four awards for work presented in any media, whether broadcast or written:
the Kate Whiteman Award for Work on Food and Travel
the Derek Cooper Award for Campaigning and Investigative Food Writing or Broadcasting
the Michael Smith Award for Work on British Food and
the Miriam Polunin Award for Work on Healthy Eating;
one award specifically for television or radio programmes: the Food Broadcast of the Year Award;
one award specifically for websites or blogs: the New Media of the Year Award;
three awards specifically for books:
the Jeremy Round Award for Best First Book,
the Food Book of the Year Award and
the Cookery Book of the Year Award; and
three awards specifically for journalism:
the Restaurant Reviewer of the Year Award,
the Food Journalist of the Year Award and
the Evelyn Rose Award for Cookery Journalist of the Year.

The closing date for forms to reach the administrator is Tuesday 24 March 2009 and all materials must be with the members of the juries by Tuesday 31 March 2009.

The winners of each prize will be announced at the Guild of Food Writers’ Awards ceremony on Thursday 25 June at The Great Hall, Lincoln's Inn, London WC2A 3TL.

A delicious canapé menu will include wonderful sustainable wild seafood provided by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (alaskaseafood.org), our main sponsors for the 2009 Awards.

Fabulous wines on the evening will be generously provided by Bonterra (bonterra.com) and will be specially chosen to complement the canapés.

Scotland’s Food and Drink Event Diary 2009

From Dumfries and Galloway in the south to Shetland in the north, there is always something going on for the food-loving visitor to Scotland. Just some of these food festivals are listed below.

April

APPETITE FOR AYRSHIRE & ARRAN
Throughout April
Throughout Ayrshire & Arran
Appetite for Ayrshire & Arran takes place in April and is designed to show off the wealth of dining and fine food and drink opportunities that Ayrshire & Arran has to offer. Combining showcase events with special offers (including a tempting variety of fixed-price menus, exceptional food and drink events, retail opportunities and 'dine & duvet' offers), the project will demonstrate that Ayrshire & Arran is the perfect destination for enjoying fabulous local food and drink.
Website: ayrshire-arran.com.

CELTIC FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
26th April, 11am – 4pm
Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore, Perthshire
Going back to the Iron Age at the Scottish Crannog Centre needn’t mean mouldy old grub. The aroma of Celtic spit-roast at this food and drink festival would be enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The festival’s prehistoric cooking demonstrations include not just the spit roast, but pit cooking, bread baking and other ancient techniques, local smoked meats, dairy products and tasty herb and meat dishes all washed down with authentic beverages.
Website: crannog.co.uk

PAISLEY BEER FESTIVAL
April/May (TBC)
Paisley Town Hall, Paisley
The Paisley Beer Festival gives visitors the chance to taste what local breweries have to offer. The annual event attracts thousands keen to sample over 130 real cask conditioned ales and ciders, not to mention an array of foreign beers.
The four-day festival, held at Paisley’s Town Hall, will feature the acclaimed local Kelburn Brewing Company, which recently won the ‘Best Bitter in Scotland’ award for its Goldihops ale.
The brewers will pit their finest ales against the competition in a bid for the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded by a judging panel.
Website: paisleybeerfestival.org.uk

May

THE SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL
May 1st – 10th
All across Speyside, Aberdeenshire
Celebrate whisky, music, food and fun at the biggest ever Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival at the opening event of Homecoming Scotland’s Whisky Month. Whisky lovers can look forward to a 10-day extravaganza across stunning Speyside, a region which produces some of the most famous malts in the world.
The special Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme will mark the event's 10th anniversary, bringing some exciting new events, including a series of distillery open door days, smugglers’ trails and whisky/food matching dining opportunities.
There is also the Scottish Serenade - a dramatic musical celebration of Speyside's heritage and traditions. And don't forget to take in the way-marked Malt Whisky Trail. With only three out of the top 10 best selling malts produced outside Speyside, this is a festival not to be missed!
Website: spiritofspeyside.com

A TASTE OF DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
Sunday 3rd & Monday 4th May
The World Famous Old Blacksmith’s Shop Centre, Gretna Green
Savour the Flavours of Dumfries & Galloway at this tasty event celebrating Dumfries & Galloway’s food and drink. There will be plenty of delicious goodies for visitors to sample, enjoy and buy as food and drink producers from across Scotland’s south west showcase their treats, share their passions and tell the story of their food and drink at this friendly event.
Website: savourtheflavours.co.uk

LOCH FYNE FOOD FAIR
9th – 10th May (11am – 6pm)
Next to the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Clachan, Cairndow, Highlands.
A celebration of local food with a farmers’ market and food stalls including producers such as Winston Churchill Venison, Isabella’s Preserves, Gillies Fine Foods and Fyne Organics. Drinks are supplied by Fyne Ales plus specially selected wines from Europe and New Zealand.
Stalls open 11am - 6pm. Free admission during the day. No tickets required. (parking £3 per vehicle).
Website: lochfyne.com


SPIRIT OF THE WEST
16th – 17th May Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8XF
The Whisky Coast, Scotland’s west coast whisky trail has announced a spectacular weekend event on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2009 at Inveraray Castle as part of Homecoming Scotland’s Whisky Month in May. The ticketed two day event will be a celebration of Scotland’s west coast whisky and the rich culture and dramatic scenery in which it is created.
Spirit of the West is inspired by the historic community cultures, tales, mysteries and theatrical scenery that lie behind every single malt. Whisky tasting, food sampling and cookery demonstrations will run alongside historical trails, fashion shows, music, arts and crafts, golfing activities and a ceilidh on Saturday night.
Running from Arran to Skye and covering both mainland locations and islands, The Whisky Coast is a collaboration of 16 whisky distilleries, 20 hotels, restaurants that boast some of Scotland’s finest produce and picturesque golf courses.
Website: spiritofthewest.co.uk

TRAQUAIR MEDIEVAL FAYRE
May (TBC) Traquair House
Innerleithen, Peebleshire

Step back in time to see Traquair House as it would have been in medieval times. Spectacular battle re-enactments in the avenue, Living History displays in the house and grounds as well as falconry, jesters, early music and a delicious spit roast washed down with Fayre Ale brewed exclusively for the weekend by the original 18th century brewery at the house.
Website: traquair.co.uk

ISLAY MALT AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
23rd – 31st May Various venues, Islay
Feis Ile – the Islay Festival of Malt and Music – was founded by the local people of Islay in 1986 to celebrate the heritage and culture of Isle of Islay.
Since 2000 Feis Ile has been run in conjunction with the distilleries of Islay and Jura and Port Ellen Maltings. Each distillery has its own open day, putting on special events. Islay has a wealth of musical talent which is very much in evidence at the ceilidhs, while mainland artists are also brought to the island for the festival week.
Website: islayfestival.org

TASTE OF EDINBURGH
28th – 31st May
The Meadows, Edinburgh
The Taste of Edinburgh festival is an upmarket food and drink festival set in the beautiful outdoor surroundings of The Meadows. A celebration of Scottish food and drink, Taste of Edinburgh gives food lovers the chance to enjoy the best that Scottish restaurants, chefs, and food and drink producers have to offer. Festival-goers can sample dishes from 20 of Edinburgh’s top restaurants and enjoy food from the rising star chefs in Scotland, as well as Michelin-starred Martin Wishart and Andrew Fairlie.
Learn all the little tricks of the trade at the Chef’s Theatre, and find out more about picking a great complementary wine at the Wine Experience.
You’ll find unrivalled opportunities to get up close and personal with the chefs, and to enjoy plentiful tastings and demonstrations. So don’t miss this chance to enjoy a taste of the high life.
Website: channel4.com

June

TASTE OF GRAMPIAN
6th June Thainstone Centre, Inverurie
This one-day food and drink festival is a great day out for all the family. Visitors can discover and sample the wide range of high quality food and drink products from Grampian in the north east of Scotland. Local producers invite you to taste and buy the finest smoked salmon, mouth-watering shortbread, delicious ice-cream, sumptuous prime roast beef, creamy fudge and maybe a dram or two of the best Scottish whiskies from local distilleries and much more.
The festival programme also includes music, children's entertainment, arts and crafts, cookery competitions and demonstrations from local and celebrity chefs.

Website: tasteofgrampian.co.uk


ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW
25th – 28th June The Highland Showgrounds, Ingliston, Edinburgh
The Royal Highland Show 2009 is due to take place at the Ingliston Showground, Edinburgh, from 25-28 June as part of the nationwide Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrations. Fabulous food and drink are one of the highlights of the show attracting foodies from near and far. Over 100 Scottish food and drink exhibitors will attend alongside gourmet suppliers from across the UK. There are also cookery demonstrations and produce competitions with plenty of opportunities to sample along the way.
Website: royalhighlandshow.org

FLAVOUR OF SHETLAND
June (TBC) Victoria Pier
Lerwick
Flavour of Shetland is a major outdoor event showcasing the very best food, drink, music, craft and culture. Last year's cookery demonstrations were provided by Chairman of the Master Chefs of Great Britain George McIvor and fellow Master Chef Colin Bussey. The cookery demonstrations showcasing the range and quality of the islands’ produce, attract huge crowds.
The event will be buzzing with music performances, craft stalls and demonstrations, storytelling, children's activities plus a summer Up Helly Aa Viking parade.
Website: flavourofshetland.com

Bordeaux City is less than an hour-and-a-half from London by air. Take your tipple by the glass in a chic bar or by the bottle with local gastronomy in a side-street bistro. Whatever your pleasure, Bordeaux has something to whet every appetite and the region itself produces more than food and drink – there is so much to see and do in this tourist destination.

Here are a few happenings taking place in Bordeaux between April and June 2009:

April
Photography Festival (1st-30th April 2009)
Travel photographers exhibit at various venues open to the public around Bordeaux city, from galleries to bars. Ten photographers have travelled across the world to create these ‘works of art’. The festival exhibitions are free.
(t) 00 33 5 56 92 65 30

May
La Nuit des Musées (16th May 2009)
All Bordeaux’s museums will be open until 1am for one night only and entrance is free. La Nuit des Musées offers a chance to whizz round the city's finest temporary and permanent collections, as part of a European-wide cultural initiative. Many museums also mark the night with concerts.
(a) Tourist Office, 12 cours XXX Juillet (t) 00 33 5 56 00 66 00 (w)

Union des Grands Crus Wine Weekend (16th-17th May 2009)
This is the fourth annual ‘Weekend des Grands Amateurs’ with over 100 Grand Cru châteaux owners getting together to offer wine lovers from all over the world the opportunity to sample an outstanding range of Grands Crus wines. It is a great way of unlocking the secrets of the great wines of Bordeaux, meeting the people who make them, and spending a weekend tasting Grands Crus wines like a professional, in the world capital of wine.
(t) 00 33 5 56 51 91 91 (h) 9.00-12.30, 14.00-18.00

VTV (Velo Tout Vigne) Le Médocain (30th May 2009)
This bicycle race is held around Margaux and competitors cycle through châteaux properties that lay on tastings and festivities. This event is the southern Médoc’s version of Pauillac's Marathon, which is run through the vines. The race has three circuits between 25km and 75km, all departing from the town of Arsac.

June
Bordeaux Danse Musique (20th-21st June 2009)
A new event for 2009 baptised ‘Bordeaux Danse Musique’ – will take place just before the world’s largest wine fair Vinexpo at the Salon International. On the first day there will be dancing on the quays of Bordeaux and on the second day music will be celebrated with the ‘Fête de la Musique’.

Les Epicuriales (late June – July 2009)
This annual food fair provides something for the ears and the eyes as well as the palate. Approximately 30 restaurants offer dishes from around the world from stalls along the Allées de Tourny to the sounds of free concerts and street entertainment.
(t) 05 56 00 66 00

Guided Day Vineyard Excursions with the Bordeaux Office de Tourisme
These are just two tours (there are many more). They leave at 9.30am from the Office de Tourisme and returning at 6.30pm. Prices include guide, transport, visits, lunch and wine tastings.

Bordeaux, revealing the secrets of its great wines
(Every Wednesday and Saturday 1st April to 15th November)
A day discovering Bordeaux’s vineyards starting with a visit to the historic ‘Les Chartrons’ area from where wines were originally sold and then on to see two châteaux in the prestigious wine growing areas of Saint-Emilion (Wednesdays) or the Médoc (Saturdays). 55 Euros.

Art & wine for enthusiasts in Médoc
(Every Friday 15th May to 30th October)
A visit of three châteaux in the Médoc (Arsac, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Lynch-Bages), with lunch at Café Lavinal in Pauillac and a tour around an art gallery. 75 Euros.

Portes Ouvertes (Open Door Weekends)
On these weekends the châteaux of different Bordeaux appellations literally open their doors and welcome visitors wishing to tour their properties and taste their wines.
• (4th-5th April) Printemps des Vins de Blaye: Each year, more than 10,000 visitors discover the Citadelle of Blaye and taste the wines of some 80 winemakers.
• (4th-5th April) Portes Ouvertes en Médoc: Along the road from Bordeaux to the Pointe de Grave, the traditional Médoc area opens to visitors and presents its wines and cuisine.
• (19th April) Portes Ouvertes a Pomerol: Pomerol produces plummy, generous, long lived red wines considered the equal of the classified first growths of the Médoc and Saint-Emilion.
• (25th-26th April) Portes Ouvertes a Lalande-de-Pomerol: Over 20 participating châteaux organise entertainment to encourage visitors.
• (1st-3rd May) Saint-Emilion - Les Châteaux ouvrent leurs portes: Over 50 properties open and offer winery tours, free tastings, amusements and exhibitions.
• (9th May) Marathon des 1ères Côtes de Blaye: This will be the sixth annual marathon where participants run through the châteaux grounds and taste wines with traditional macaroons.
• (9th-10th May) Portes Ouvertes en Côtes de Bourg: There is a programme of vineyard visits (on foot, on horseback, by car.) and wine tastings with exhibitions and picnics.
• (16th-17th May) Vayres la Vie! Vayres le Vin!: This region is situated on the left bank of the Dordogne, between Bordeaux and Libourne.
• (16th-17th May) Portes Ouvertes en Côtes de St Macaire: St-Macaire is a town across the River Garonne from Langon (in Graves). The appellation is known for sweet white wines.
• (13th-14th June) Sainte-Croix-du-Mont en 4 saisons: A fun tasting of food and wine matching at which the winemakers are divided into four groups, each representing a season.
• (19th-21st June) Fêtons Saint-Emilion!: Saint-Emilion is a World Heritage site, with fascinating Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets.

This is just a small selection of events to be held in Bordeaux this Spring. For more information on any of the above, or if you would like to see a full calendar of events, please get in touch.

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Foodari Directors Jonathan Parker and Doug Wanstall met up with London Mayor Boris Johnson and London food supremo Rosie Boycott to explore ways of increasing the supply of local food into London. With the Olympics on the horizon it is the ideal time to champion local produce and develop the infrastructure for an ongoing local food legacy.

It is well documented that seasonal, local produce arrives in a fresher, tastier state with a reduced environmental impact than non-local food. But it is often forgotten that there are far-reaching health, economic, community and food security benefits from eating produce that is sourced from the local vicinity.

“We are really excited that both Rosie and Boris are so supportive of championing the local cause. I get so frustrated when I see foreign imports in my local supermarket when we have better local equivalents. For example apples on sale from South Africa when we grow some of the best apples in the world in Kent? It doesn’t make sense, and what would happen to the 7 million mouths that need feeding in London if this foreign produce that we rely on was not available? We are producers ourselves and are determined to make a difference.’’ Says Jonathan.

Foodari is uniquely placed with its social network and food distribution business, Foodari Direct, to educate consumers, whilst developing the relevant infrastructure required delivering sustainable, affordable solutions.

Let’s make 2009 the year where we make a difference and give consumers a real choice as to how they shop and what they eat.

TV celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt will be demonstrating how to cook some delicious dishes at Barratt’s Burrium Gate development in Monmouth Road, Usk on Sunday 18th January from 12 noon to 4pm. As Matt puts the kitchen in Barratt’s stunning four-bedroom showhome through its paces, visitors will be able to sample a variety of tempting treats and could win a fabulous meal for two at the chef’s award-winning restaurant.

Matt, who grew up in Newport, is a familiar face on TV, having represented Wales in the second series of Great British Menu and appeared in the BBC Two series Food Poker; he also featured in two series of the ITV1 Wales cookery programme Food for all Seasons and is the presenter of the BBC2 afternoon programme Market Kitchen.

Matt and his wife Lisa have transformed the former Foxhunter pub at Nantyderry (around five miles from Burrium Gate) into a highly acclaimed restaurant that has won a succession of awards including the AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales in 2004, Taste of Wales Dining Out Gold Award 2005, the Daily Telegraph Perfect Pub Best Food Award 2007 and the AA Notable Wine List 2008 and 2009. Visitors joining Matt at Burrium Gate on 18th January will be entered into a free prize draw with the top prize a meal for two at The Foxhunter; anyone reserving one of the homes at the development will also be treated to a meal at The Foxhunter (subject to completion).

Adrian Bird, sales director at Barratt South Wales, says: “We are delighted Matt will be cooking in our Longfellow showhome at Burrium Gate. We are particularly proud of our house styles at the development and it will be good to see a professional chef of Matt’s calibre putting the showhome kitchen to the test. We hope lots of people will join us as we learn from a real master.”

Burrium Gate offers a handsome collection of four and five-bedroom detached executive homes in a tranquil setting in the heart of the Usk Valley. The high specification, with an expansive choice of quality fixtures and fittings, includes superbly designed kitchens with a range of integrated appliances, luxurious living rooms, beautiful bedrooms, with en suites to the master and second bedrooms, in addition to large family bathrooms. Luxury and elegance is evident throughout.

An iconic part of Cumbrian food heritage has been given a new lease of life by brother and sister team, Martin and Helen Ainscough.

The much-beloved Miller Howe Hotel, in Windermere, Cumbria, has been given a complete make-over, while staying true to its Arts and Crafts heritage.

Founded in 1971, by chef patron and TV celebrity John Tovey, the hotel gained international renown and chefs such as Nigel Slater have trained in its kitchen.

Now the Ainscough’s have brought it back to its former glory.

Miller Howe was built in the middle of the First World War by wealthy industrialist and ship builder Thomas Fredric Harrison.

Raised in Windermere, Thomas was seeking a Lakeland Summer retreat and selected Miller Brow – a place described by Victorian journalist and novelist Harrier Martineau as ‘a view unsurpassed for beauty in the whole Lake District’. The property remained in the Harrison family until 1948.

In the 1980’s Miller Howe was one of the most fashionable destinations in the North of England. Former international newspaper editor Charles Garside took over from Tovey in the mid 90’s and continued to uphold the hotel’s reputation for unsurpassed luxury and exquisite dining.

Today the Miller Howe story continues in the hands of owners Martin and Helen Ainscough who have restored many of Miller Howe’s original features and reintroduced various appropriate arts and crafts pieces of furniture. Along with carefully selected modern works of art, the result is a stunning combination of a classic hotel with a contemporary twist.

Head Chef Andy Beaton, was born in Barrow-in-Furness. He worked for Raymond Blanc for three years, first at his Brasserie Blanc and to gain experience he worked at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons on his days off.

He returned to the Lake District to further his career and has been at Miller Howe for 18 months, preparing new menus to go with the hotel’s new look.

Hosted by: Stuart MacGill - wine lover, legendary Australian spin bowler and host of Stuart MacGill Uncorked on Lifestyle FOOD



Public event: 11am – 4pm, Saturday 14 February 2009
Southee Complex, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

After four days of closed door judging, the cellar doors of the Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show will open to the public from 11am until 4pm on Saturday 14 February for the Sydney Royal Wine Show Cellar Tastings.

With a history of over 180 years, the Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show has earned its reputation as one of the premier events on Australia’s wine calendar, and prides itself on the high judging standards of experts such as the late Len Evans, Brian Croser, James Halliday and the current Chairman of Judges, Iain Riggs.

The Cellar Tastings will provide wine lovers, aficionados and those simply wanting to know more about wine an exclusive opportunity to sample the newly awarded trophy, gold, silver and bronze medal wines under one roof.

An all inclusive ticket is AUD$50 and includes:

- Unlimited tastings of 2,300 Australian wines including the trophy and medal winners;
- Entry to an exclusive Judges’ Tutorial where you will learn all about the judging system, new varietals and trends, and, most importantly, how to taste wine like a professional;
- Tasting of Sydney Royal medal winning food products; and
- Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show Results Catalogue.

EVENT DETAILS
Event Sydney Royal Wine Show Cellar Tastings
Date Saturday 14 February 2009
Time 11am – 4pm
Location Southee Complex, Sydney Showground Cnr Showground Road and Grand Parade
Sydney Olympic Park 2127
Price AUD$50 per person

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Rasa Sayang, a restaurant in London serving authentic Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine, is officially declared open yesterday, on 14 December, by the Malaysian Transport Minister, Dato Seri Ong Tee Keat, who is also the President of the Malaysian Chinese Association. Over 250 people turned out for the opening ceremony which was also attended by the Malaysian High Commissioner Datuk Abdul Aziz Mohammed.

Rasa Sayang, which means “the feel of love” in Malay also expresses the sensory delights of food. The restaurant represents the multi-faceted culinary wonders of the Southeast Asian Straits. The cuisine of Malaysia and Singapore is an excellent example of the ethnic diversity of the two countries, drawing inspirations from Chinese, Malay, Indian, Indonesian, and also Western traditions since Singapore’s founding by the British in 1819.

Said Dato’ Seri Ong Tee Keat, “The opening of an establishment such as Rasa Sayang is definitely an excellent platform for Londoners to experience the diversity of traditions and the culinary wonders of our region.”

The restaurant is established by a Malaysian entrepreneur and a Singaporean food court consultant who share a real passion for food, which is evident in the menu containing favourite dishes such as Nasi Lemak (coconut scented rice with a variety of condiments), Beef Rendang (slow-cooked beef in exotic spices), Hainanese Chicken Rice (chicken cooked in superior broth and served with fragrant rice), and Straits Curry Chicken (tenderly stewed chicken in rich coconut milk curry). Over 250 people turned out for the opening, which included a Liondance ceremony.

The duo has extensive experiences in London’s restaurant scene with projects such as Inn Noodle, a restaurant specializing in authentic Shanghainese cuisine.

“Having been here for many years now, we understand how difficult it can be to find a restaurant that satisfies cravings for Straits cuisine,” said Teddy KC Chen, Managing Director, Rasa Sayang. “With the opening of Rasa Sayang we hope to share the gastronomic wonders of the Straits to Londoners and its visitors, and also to provide a place for Malaysians and Singaporeans to come and feast on the food they miss from home,” added Chen.

Rasa Sayang is open for a series of private functions from now till 18 December when it officially opens to public.

One of the world’s most successful and sophisticated food festivals is coming to Auckland, as Taste of Auckland provides four days of unrivalled gourmet delight.

From Thursday 19 March to Sunday 22 March 2009, foodie heaven will descend on Ellerslie Racecourse, with a celebration of the best food and drink the city and its surrounding regions have to offer.

Taste of Auckland is the first New Zealand Taste festival. The international festival that began with Taste of London in 2004 and has since spread to other cities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Dubai. Next year the festivals will be held in 20 cities.

Visitors to Taste of Auckland will be indulged and entertained and their taste buds tickled by tasting menus from the city’s best restaurants – including Clooney, Euro, Prego and Mudbrick Restaurant. A full list of the restaurants, which have been chosen from among the city’s elite, will be available from January.

Each restaurant will produce a menu of three of its signature dishes, in tasting-sized portions. Also on offer will be fine wines, champagnes and specialty beers which will be available from a range of bars and quality beverage purveyors. Well known wine connoisseur, Bob Campbell, will be one of a number of experts at the event sharing their knowledge on food and wine.

“Aucklanders have never before had the opportunity to experience and compare in one place at one time the offerings from so many of our premier eateries,” says event director Michele Harrod of DMG World Media. “Over four days, the city’s finest restaurants will be offering their signature dishes to create what is effectively Auckland’s most tantalizing degustation menu.”

But that is just the start of the experience. Visitors will also be encouraged to broaden their gastronomic horizons at the Fisher & Paykel Chef's Kitchen, educate their palate at Taste Wine, sample and buy authentic local produce from more than 80 fine food and beverage exhibitors at The Producers Market and discuss their culinary conundrums with Auckland’s best chefs at the Taste Magazine Chef's Table.

“This is more than just another food and wine festival,” says Harrod. “It’s a culinary occasion, revealing to Aucklanders just what fabulous, world-class food, wine and dining experiences are available right on their doorstep, and giving them the chance to sample and learn about new tastes and flavours at the same time.”

Visitors to Taste of Auckland can choose from among all the gastronomic delights on offer, purchasing their chosen dishes and drinks with Taste of Auckland Crowns, each equivalent to NZ$1. The signature dishes from each restaurant will cost from 8-14 Crowns.

With each Tasting Session running for four to five hours, visitors can indulge in an afternoon or evening of exquisite tastes and sensations, as well as browse the Producers’ Market and come away with new, exciting ingredients to expand their culinary repertoire.

Individual adult tickets range in price from NZ$25 to NZ$85, and corporate hospitality packages are available which include dedicated VIP hospitaltiy enclousres, full bar and waiting staff services. Presale tickets will be available from 18th December 2009.

Session Times
Thursday 19th March 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Friday 20th March 12:00 - 4:00pm
Friday 20th March 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Saturday 21st March 12.00 - 4:00pm
Saturday 21st March 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Sunday 22nd March 12:00 – 5:00pm

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With its excellent reputation for food and a huge choice of places to eat out Bath is a ‘foodie’ heaven! And now there are three more reasons to explore the city’s culinary delights: Jamie Oliver recently added his name to Bath’s food map; the best of Bath’s pubs will feature in the Michelin guide 2009; and cookery school, The Bertinet Kitchen, was recently awarded ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’ in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

Jamie Oliver
With its history of hospitality, Bath acts as a magnet for chefs wanting to make their mark here and Jamie Oliver, who recently opened up shop in Bath, decided it would make the ideal base for his flagship restaurant, Jamie’s Italian. Serving affordable and authentic Italian food the restaurant can be found in the chic shoping area of Milsom Place - a recently developed area of shops, restaurants and cafes between Milsom Street and Broad Street - which has been a huge hit since its opening in October this year. When opening his restaurant Jamie Oliver was asked why he decided to choose Bath. He said, ''I love Bath because it's a beautiful place, full of history, great people, wonderful produce and it's one of those places in the world which makes you feel special just being there.''

Pubs in Michelin Guide 2009
Visitors are spoilt for choice with the number of pubs that Bath and the surrounding area has to offer. A good selection awaits those who want to enjoy traditional or Modern British cuisine and two of Bath’s popular inns have been recognised by the Michelin Guide for their good quality food, fine wines and real ales. The Wheelwrights Arms, situated in nearby village Monkton Combe, and the Marlborough Tavern, just around the corner from the Royal Crescent, have both been selected and will appear in the ‘Eating out in pubs 2009’ guide.

Bertinet Kitchen
Bath is home to The Bertinet Kitchen, a superb cookery school where enthusiasts can learn from experienced chefs. Set up in 2005 by French baker, Richard Bertinet, the purpose-built school runs a range of relaxed and fun demonstrations and hands-on classes for food lovers of all abilities. The Bertinet Kitchen recently won the ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’ gold award in the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2008/09. The Excellence Awards celebrate ‘The Best in the South West’ and aim to promote and reward the very best in the tourism industry. Richard Bertinet says, “We have the most fantastic team working here at the school so I am just so proud of what we have achieved. This is a very prestigious award and by continuing to work together with local businesses it will really put The Bertinet Kitchen and our beautiful city of Bath on the map”.

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