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Posted on 23 Nov 2016
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Didcot Food Festival is a foodie event not to missed!
The Didcot Events Food Festival is an idea born out of last years Didcot Bake Off as organised by Christine Wallace, a quarter finalist in the 2013 Great British Bake Off.
Ahead of the Didcot Food Festival which is taking place this weekend at Cornerstone Arts Centre- we had a catch up with some of the chefs who will be taking part in the live demonstrations. Yes that's right, live demonstrations will take place in the theatre! Come along, learn new skills and be captivated by the excitement of watching cooking live!
Have you ever been to Cornerstone in Didcot before?
'Yes I have, a fantastic building with great facilities'. Christine Wallace.
What can the audience expect from your live chef demonstration?
'Three quick and easy Taiwanese dishes from scratch in 45 minutes-- oriental cookery demystified!! It is so much easier than most people realise!' Pamela Chen Moore.
For those who are not familiar with Food Festivals, what can they expect from attending Didcot’s first food festival?
'A wonderful selection of producers, suppliers and cooks and food fanatics who want to get Didcot folks’ taste buds tingling'. Alexis Thompson.
How important is it for youngsters to get involved with cooking?
'It's a very important life skill! It helps to establish healthier eating habits, which has long term effect on health. It a great skill to have that really helps building relationship with the special people in your life -- there's nothing quite like bringing people together with home-cooked food that's made with LOVE!' Pamela Chen Moore.
What is your favorite meal to cook and why?
'Risotto, probably crab risotto. I love the subtle, sweet taste of crab and British crab is the best. And risotto is such a relaxing dish to cook. You’re standing at the hob stirring for a good 20 minutes to achieve that creamy, flowing consistency in the risotto. A perfect length of time to be mindful, maybe indulge in a glass of wine and all while you’re producing a delicious dish'. Alexis Thompson.
What is your favorite thing about working as chef?
'The team work you get from a functioning brigade, it’s such a buzz when you have a good service'. Andrew Scott & Nick Bennett.
What advice could you give to any aspiring cooks out there who are considering a career in the food industry?
'I’d say that no experience is wasted but always try to learn from people who are passionate about what they do - whether that’s simple pub grub, a Michelin starred restaurant or a little cake shop - work for people who love their craft and respect good ingredients'. Howard Middleton.
What was the best piece of advice you received when you started your career?
The best piece of advice I ever had and still use everytime I bake or cook is ‘read the recipe TWICE from top to bottom, look up anything you don’t understand and prepare all your ingredients before you begin. Make sure you have everything you need! Christine Wallace.
The Didcot Food Festival is taking place on Friday 25th & Saturday 26th 10am-5pm and on Sunday 27th 10am- 4pm. Entry to the Food Festival is £3 and the live demonstrations cost £5- this includes your entry fee. So for only £5- enjoy the Food Festival and also a live demonstration!
To find out more and to book, click here.
At Didcot's First Food Festival there will be 30 exhibitors of food and drink geared to the Christmas season with things to taste and buy. TV chefs on stage to talk to and interact with as well as their books to buy. Snacks and drinks will also be available! Not forgetting Nourish, Cornerstone's coffee shop will be in full swing and will also have some special additions to the menu including mulled ale, chai lattes and winter tea!