As summer finally kicks in, so does the summer food fest, and this month is already set to be a cracker. Sandy toes and stinging cheeks characterise the sixth month of the year. On caustic waves of vinegar, here in Cornwall the fish and chip supper still has a place in my heart. Naturally, the pasty does too, and some time, when the chaos that is my desk has calmed down, the ‘tache and I have a pasty tasting blog to bring to you. As that little festival in Pilton takes the centre stage this month, there are food events from Falmouth to Falkirk and from Aberystwyth to Acle. We’ve heard news of just a few of them.
Yalumba Pop Ups
The only thing better than fine wine is the combination of food and fine wine. Recently crowned as the best winery by wine journalist Matthew Jukes, the Aussie institution is teaming up with a series of local eateries to create exclusive pop-up supper clubs. The idea behind these foodie themed evenings is to encourage pairing great wine with the best regional foods on offer.
Tuesday 9th, London, Cinnamon Kitchen
Six wines, four courses, two award-winning hosts, one of London’s top Indian restaurants and Australia’s oldest family-owned winery. Yalumba’s award winning chief wine maker will be speaking about the wines on offer. Tickets for the lunch are available on a first come, first served basis. They cost £80 and include all food, six wines, water, coffee and service. To apply, please fill in the contact form.
Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June, London, The Truscott Arms
An independently owned gastro pub in Maida Vale, The Truscott Arms’ award-winning restaurant, headed up by Aidan McGee (Launceston Place and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal) specialises in the finest British seasonal ingredients, and is recognised as a Three Star Sustainability Champion.
Tickets are available by calling The Truscott Arms on 020 7266 9198 (for Wednesday 10th) or via a competition being organised by Philglass & Swiggot, www.philglas-swiggot.com, tel. 020 7924 3394 (for Thursday 11th).
Tuesday 16 June, Bristol, The Pump House, Hotwells
Located in a historic old Victorian pumping station on Bristol’s harbour, The Pump House, under Chef Proprietor Toby Gritten, prides itself on providing a truly locally sourced menu. With regular foraging excursions and a focus on local producers, classic British dishes are influenced by the freshest, seasonal and wild ingredients.
Tickets are available via a competition being organised by Avery’s, www.averys.com, tel. 0119 214 146.
Thursday 18 June, Chester, Joseph Benjamin, Chester
Owned and run by brothers Ben and Joe Wright, the idea behind The Joseph Benjamin restaurant is simple – top quality food and drink in a comfortable and relaxed environment, prepared with honesty and integrity, and served with care and attention. The restaurant has held a Michelin ‘Bib Gourmand’ award (“offering good food at reasonable prices”) since 2012.
Tickets are available via a competition being organised by Corks Out,www.corksout.com, tel. 01244 310455.
Kacho sushi before it disappears
One of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had in Cornwall was eating fresh sushi at Kacho, and the review of the evening is one of Tasting Britain’s most popular posts ever. Masuyo who runs the place has updated the restaurant’s facebook page to inform fans that Hama-chan, the surfing sushi chef will be coming back to do sushi nights again on the 13th, 14th and 18th and 19th. Due to its size, booking with the restaurant is advised, and I think popularity has grown in recent months. Call Masuyo to book on 07974 527031.
Shellfish Cookery at Philleigh Way
On the Roseland peninsula, the Philleigh Way Cookery School offer cooking courses, accommodation, dining, weddings and more. Throughout the summer, they offer inspired woodfired sessions, where foods from meat to fish are all given their Cornish titles and cooked on the parilla; Portuguese Asado style. Dates and more information about the different ones in June can be found at www.philleighway.co.uk/category/woodfired-sessions. What I’m getting pretty excited about is the shellfish cookery course on the 17th, in which Fishmongers Wings of St. Mawes will be deomnstrating how to cook a variety of shellfish. And I will get to eat them all. AMAZING!
Sven’s pop ups hit London’s Old Street
MasterChef finalist, chef at the Ritz and now executive chef at Miele, Sven-Hanson Britt’s popups at cafe Rust were so popular that he’s decided to bring some of his chefing skill to the capital in June. At an as yet undisclosed venue, Sven will be cooking up a storm in London’s old street on the 25th and 26th of June. Master of provenance and sustainability, if I get the chance to come back to London so soon, I know where I’ll be headed. Events yet to be officially announced on www.tabl.com
Sail ale to the Azores and back
To sponsor the AZAB Yacht Race to the Azores and back, The Rebel Brewing Co are giving crew members bottles of their flagship ale: Sail Ale. Happening every four years, this year, the race will leave Falmouth, from the water way between Pendennis Castle and the famous Falmouth landmark Black Rock. Entering its 40th year, the 11th race will leave Falmouth at midday on Saturday the 6th of June. Falmouth’s luxury apart-hotel The Oceanic have some availability for sailing enthusiasts to stay and watch the race leave or come back on around the 16th.
Wild Food Walk in Mousehole
After visiting The Old Coastguard’s sister restaurant and pub in Zennor for a Forage and Feast walk last month, which I have yet to write up, I’m excited to see the wild food walk on the 13th June. A two hour walk from the Old Coastguard will take you across country to The Fat Hen Cookery School. On the excursion you will get the knowledge and information about local edible plants native to the area, from owner and wild food forager Caroline Davey. Her knowledge of local ingredients, from seaweeds to the most amazing kick-ass black mustard is fantastic, and she adds in medicinal uses too. Caroline from The Fat Hen Cookery School will prepare a light lunch of wild food canapés. Tickets are £40 per person and can be booked through the Old Coastguard website.
The booze
Rum
Falmouth’s inventive cross between a ship and a bar, The Brig are hosting a Grog night on Monday the 8th of June, where guests can sample Old J Spiced Rum.
Gin
In London’s Soho, The Gin Foundry will be hosting Junipalooza, a gin festival. Again, wish I wasn’t so far away for this one! June 13th and 14th in The Vinyl Factory, Soho