It was quite a challenge, but Essential Travel, the UK’s leading airport parking and  travel insurance specialist, has narrowed the list down to some awesome festivals you simply must put in your diary.

Yew Tree Beer And Pie Festival: 24 – 26 May 2013

The popular Yew Tree pub in Conderton, Gloucestershire will be playing host to the first annual Yew Tree Beer and Pie Festival. At this festival, you get to tantalise your tastebuds with some of the best pies and beers – all made by local suppliers. There will be a huge variety of pies and beers as well as some hot, yummy BBQs happening. Another plus is that you get to enjoy some live entertainment at the same time from musicians such as Wille and the Bandits, and Soul Remedy. All the hungry festival-goers also get to go for free.

Clitheroe Food Festival: 10 August 2013

You will have to have an empty tummy when you go to this festival in Clitheroe, Lancashire. Entrance to the festival is free of charge, but some of the activities will require you to buy a ticket at the venue. Obviously, with “food festival” in the title, there will be tons of delicious foods for you to choose from – and all produce and chefs are strictly local, all hailing from Lancashire. Foodies attending the festival will be treated to cookery demonstrations by Nigel Howarth and Matthew Fort. There will also be workshops, tutored tasting and over 100 stands to shop at. Not to mention all kinds of live music from choirs to bands, and also a lot of activities for children. There is something for everyone here.

For more information: www.clitheroefoodfestival.co.uk

Stratford Food Festival: 14 – 15 September 2013

Visit Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford Upon Avon in mid-September this year and you’ll come across the town’s biggest food festival – the Stratford Food Festival. The organisers are expecting about 20,000 visitors, so they’ve moved the event to the Stratford Racecourse for 2013. There will be many cookery demonstrations from local chefs as well as foodie talks about all kinds of food from the local suppliers of fresh produce. Stratford Food Festival has also just announced the famous chef who will be headlining the festival. Prepare to blown away by live baking demonstrations by the famous Paul Hollywood, star of BBC’s Great British Bake-Off. Paul will be giving three baking demonstrations on the Sunday as well as some meet and greet sessions. Tickets will be available on their website from July 2013.

Stratford Food Festival 2013 will attract even more visitors than 2012

For more information: www.stratfordfoodfestival.co.uk

Where: INN London, an organisation set up to showcase up and coming cities from around the world in London are launching their first city, Istanbul, at Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, London WC1. 

Date: 12th – 15th April 2013.  

For more details and to book tickets go to: http://www.innlondon.org/

Or email hulya@madebythechef.com 

Gokpinar Retreat Centre

I was really pleased to see that Turkey, represented by the Gokpinar Retreat Centre, is in Essential Travel’s Top Ten Culinary Holiday destinations. Of course we’ve long known that both Turkey and Cyprus are the destinations for a cooking holiday, right, and it is great that the rest of the world are finally catching up. Oh, and some of the other resorts look pretty tempting too!

Turkey

Gokpinar Retreat Centre, a culinary school run by Caravan Turkey, sits on the Aegean Coast on a hilltop overlooking the countryside and surrounding traditional village. It runs specialised cooking classes along with traditional Turkish accommodation.

The food is made with fresh, organic fruit and vegetables picked from their own garden. A popular feast in Turkey is Al Fresco barbecue, mainly because of their love of the outdoors. You’ll learn to make Turkish Coffee, baklava (a sweet pastry filled with honey), borek (a pastry filled with cheese, meat or vegetables) and Turkish Ravioli.
http://www.caravanturkey.com/cooking.html

France

Located in Dordogne, Cook in France, has a relaxed, friendly environment which is perfect for honing your creative cooking skills. All dishes are personally prepared by you, and, by the end of the week, you’ll be brimming with new-found cooking ideas. You can stay with the cooking school in warm, cosy, ensuite accommodation or you can find lodgings elsewhere and commute.

Learn to cook pastries, breads, soups, the best fish and shellfish and master the art of modern food presentation, all while soaking up the joie de vivre.
http://www.cookinfrance.com/

The UK

Bedruthan, in Cornwall, is a four-star hotel fully equipped with all the amenities and features of a luxurious London hotel, with a little extra. Overlooking the blue waters of Magwan Porth Beach, the resort is perfect for foodies and travel enthusiasts alike. If you don’t want to cook all day, that’s fine too because you can enjoy other activities, like a luxury spa overlooking the ocean!

You can learn to make cider apple butter, sloe gin and port, and cranberry jelly from the very beginning, or learn the secret to filleting, curing, salting and smoking the freshest fish. You can also do that with an extra modern, Asian-flavoured edge. Breads are also popular and you can knead your way to the softest, warmest most delicious bagels, olive and tomato bread, and focaccia.
http://www.bedruthan.com/

Thailand

At Thai Cooking you’ll start at the very beginning, learning how to prepare Thai cooking ingredients. Learn how to make delicious Hot and Sour Soup, Green Curry with chicken, Thai-style fish cakes and fried noodles, Panaeng Curry with pork and lots, lots more! In the evenings you can enjoy a cocktail on the tropical beach or a wind-down with a boat trip down the Mekong. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Doi Suthep Mountains, the school promises to deliver an unforgettable cooking experience, in style. While you’re there, make sure you use some of your free time to visit Thailand’s famous floating market.
http://www.thaicookingholidays.co.uk/

Spain

The secret of Cooking Holiday Spain lies in the brain of Italian-born, Spanish-raised master chef, Sergio Rifugio.

On your first day you’ll get the chance to take in the local Costa de Sol culture when you go out to Malaga Central Market to buy the items and ingredients needed for the cooking lessons. Just to give you a taste of what your time here will be like, imagine this: A journey through the breathtaking Ronda Mountains near the rustic Gaucin Village, where four different meals accompanied by regional red and white wines will be prepared. You can also visit the Olive Oil Mill and learn to use olive oil and spices in the traditional Spanish way.
http://www.cookingholidayspain.com/

Vietnam

Luxury Travel Vietnam offer a wide variety of Vietnamese tours, many of which include flights, airport transfers, hotel accommodation, tours around the city and of course, culinary classes.

There are three regions in Vietnam, each offering their own take on Vietnamese cuisine. In the North, many dishes are on a seasonal basis and the food is lighter and milder. Central Vietnam has very spicy, well-seasoned dishes. In the South, the food has a lot more vegetables, rice and seafood, with a touch of French, Cambodian and Thai.

You can also enjoy a tour in Ho Chi Minh City, through Central Vietnam and ending in Hanoi: all while staying in five-star hotels. You also have a choice of hotels depending on what package you book. www.luxuryvietnamvacationpackages.com

Mexico

At Active Gourmet Holidays guests start off with hands-on cooking classes in either the fully equipped kitchen or the outdoor kitchen under the palapa (thatched structure) overlooking the private beach. Yes, you read correctly: an outdoor kitchen with a private beach, in the popular city of Cabo. Local chefs will teach you how to make dishes such as Chilaquiles (toasted tortillas covered in green or red salsa, shredded chicken, and a little sour cream) and Tamales (a mixture of corn dough and filling that can be sweet, meaty, or spicy, wrapped inside banana leaves or corn husks).

It is a true summer holiday – lounge in your hammock with a book and a glass of wine, sip cocktails while wearing a straw hat and sample the food you’ve just made, while dipping your toes in the salty waters of the quiet beach.
http://www.activegourmetholidays.com/

Italy

Puglia is Italy’s third largest producer of organic foods, has over 300 days of sunshine each

pic of Masseria Montenapoleonecourtesy of http://www.golearnto.com

year and is home to some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. Masseria Montenapoleone is a luxurious five-star hotel, where you will learn to cook in professional kitchens. The local cook or the professional chef at Masseria will open their revolving kitchen doors and teach you how to cook authentic and tasteful Italian dishes.

The ingredients are locally produced by Masseria’s very own organic farmland and the surrounding area. Imagine starting the cooking procedure at the very beginning by collecting the organic ingredients and getting the opportunity to visit and chat to the various suppliers. The package also includes a visit to a local seafood market and an excursion to the wine museum. http://www.golearnto.com/course/overview/2216/organic+italian+cookery+holiday

Morocco

Marrakech is an unlikely mixture of creative energy, golden-age architecture, majestic palaces and friendly people. Chef Peta Mathias takes guests on a week-long journey that delves into the exotic cuisine of this interesting and appealing city. Guests get to lodge in two different locations during their stay; some 40 miles outside of Marrakech in the village of Atit Ourir.

Learn to make Rabbit Couscous, and anyone keen to learn how to guillotine and skin a rabbit can have their chance. You’ll also learn how to make olive bread in a wood fired oven, briouats (traditional, stuffed pastries) and salads.
http://www.activegourmetholidays.com/

India

Pic of Goan cookery school courtesy of http://www.onthegotours.com

Try an exciting, tropical-themed cooking course in Goa and learn to cook traditional, Indian food in a custom-built kitchen, situated on the banks of the Mandovi River in central Goa.
You’ll also have the chance to visit the local market where you will buy fresh produce, visit spice merchants and purchase a few useful Indian cooking utensils. Prepare to cook and sample dishes from South India, including the local Goan food, which has many noticeable Portuguese influences.
The different regions of India each have their own flavour and recipes that are passed down through the generations. So your culinary experience here will be truly traditional with age-old, trusted recipes.
http://www.onthegotours.com/India/Food-Tea-Spas/Cooking-Course-in-Goa

Isle of Wight Tomatoes

I’m sure most of us have eaten tomatoes and whether you love them or hate them, these amazing fruits (yes, not a vegetable in case you didn’t know) are versatile and internationally loved.  Most cultures eat them, be it raw in a salad or cooked in a sauce, as a chutney, a jam, sliced, in sandwiches, in a stew…you get the idea.

So, I was rather pleased to get a call inviting me over to the Isle of Wight to get a proper look at these precious gems and their origins.  Call me a nerd but as a caterer and chef, these kind of trips really do rock my boat!  The journey over was a bit rocky, to be expected on a ferry boat, and not good if you get motion sickness but I won’t go into any details!

The farm itself is huge and is land to a few mega greenhouses all kept at optimum temperature to make sure the tomatoes are grown in prime conditions.  As we walked around the site I couldn’t help but sneak tomatoes in my mouth for a little taster!  In fact, I kept popping those babies in my gob like it was my last tomato ever!  Seriously, they were and are amazing, juicy, sweet and delicious.  All those fabulous baby plums and cherries you see for sale in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons etc. are mostly from the Isle of Wight tomato farm.

The tomatoes are vibrant red in colour and full of flavour.  There are big ones of course, and of many different varieties, some so unique they are currently kept in their own greenhouse under lock and key in top secret official style!  Grown for specific businesses, until they are ready to be launched I can’t say a word…

I knew a bit about tomatoes but getting to meet the growers and see their sheer passion and hard work going in to making our salads and meals taste better gave me a warm glow of pride.  Do you know your Golden Pomodorino from your Jack Hawkins Beef or Angelle Plum? I didn’t but Isle of Wight Tomato growers put me on the straight and narrow!

Over 40 tomato varieties are currently being cultivated on the island and these growers want to keep challenging the public to get to know their great, home grown tomatoes.  I think it’s a lovely idea, as many of us never take enough time to really understand what we eat, where it comes from, how it’s grown and indeed what varieties there are.  We live in a diverse world people!

The abundance of sunshine and warmer climate on the Isle of Wight allows tomatoes to be grown for longer on the vine, which produces more sugar, making Britain’s sweetest and tastiest tomatoes, bursting with vitamins and minerals. Today, Wight Salads Group nurseries, nestled in the Arreton Valley are now the single biggest tomato grower in the UK.

And so on to The Tomato Stall.  You’ve probably seen their range of gorgeous, natural products at Borough Market amongst places and have become award winning artisans in their own right.  Based in the Isle of Wight not far from the tomatoes (and part of the Wight Salads Group) they take full advantage of the locally grown tomatoes to make a quality range of ready-to-use products. Their Isle of Wight Tomato Ketchup is naturally sweet with a slightly coarser more natural texture than ordinary smooth versions.  My kids thought it was the best Ketchup they’d ever had! I used it in a few different dishes including my Turkish vegetable stew and it added that extra little oomph to the meal.

Rolls with Isle of Wight Tomatoes

I also tried the Isle of Wight Oak Roasted Tomatoes which are frankly good enough to munch straight from the pot.  I couldn’t stop smelling these gorgeous fruits.  They were the perfect balance of sweet and oaky flavours.  I used it in a few dishes including in a soft wholemeal roll of prawn cocktail and lettuce, in a jacket potato with feta cheese crumbled on top and and in a simple salad of Italian leaves and sautéed asparagus (British of course) topped with some Sumak vinegar.  Not surprisingly this is one of their best sellers.

So, rush out and get yourself some of these lovely ruby gems available widely at most supermarkets.  They are worth every penny and once you’ve tried them, anything else will seem second best!

The Wight Salads Group supplies Isle of Wight tomatoes nationally to Ocado, Marks & Spencer, Sainsburys, Waitrose and Wholefoods.

For more information on the Isle of Wight Tomatoes and The Tomato Stall go to: http://thetomatostall.co.uk/

Melons in the Farmers Market

If you love a good farmers market like me, then how about trying some of these gems from around the world.  Any excuse to travel I say!

These top ten favourites have been kindly provided by Essential Travel  Make sure to leave a comment if you’ve been to any.

1. Winchester Farmers’ Market, Hampshire

This bi-monthly market exemplifies the spirit of the farmers’ market. All the incredible produce comes from local farmers and suppliers. From standard fruit and veg to organic soap made from goat’s milk, you’ll find an incredible selection. It’s this blend of top quality goods and innovation that has won Winchester the FARMA’s ‘Urban Farmers’ Market of The Year’ award.

2. Stroud Farmers’ Market, Gloucestershire

Stroud Farmers’ Market has been critically acclaimed by several major UK publications, taken home awards and become one of the most talked about markets in the nation. Running every Saturday between 9am and 2pm throughout the year, the market hosts up to sixty stalls that offer all the delicious, wholesome produce you’d expect from suppliers who grow their own goods. During the last weekend of each month a Flea Market joins the scene and gives shoppers an impressive range of stylised garden accessories and furniture to browse.

3. Bath Farmers’ Market, Somerset

Bath Farmers’ Market was the first of its kind in the UK, dating back to September 1997 as a response to Local Agenda 21 and the move towards localised solutions for national problems. The market, which began as a monthly initiative to do something positive for the whole community, has turned into a celebrated affair. From prize-winning cheeses to meat, seasonal fruit and veggies, pastries, cakes and homemade preserves, the produce delights anyone’s taste buds. The market’s pledge is for quality and fairness all round. www.bathfarmersmarket.org

4. Moseley Farmers’ Market, Birmingham

Moseley Market is another big, multiple award winner (most notably the 2012 FARMA ‘Best Market’ award), committed to benefiting the community. Held every fourth Saturday of the month, Moseley Market has over fifty stalls and offers a wide range of produce that’s as tasty as it is healthy. All surpluses made by the market are reinvested into the community, in keeping with its initial goal to add a new shopping experience for locals and visitors. www.moseleyfarmersmarket.org.uk

5. Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, Edinburgh

Scotland’s largest market is set against the backdrop of its spooky and beautiful castle, making it one of the most scenic locations on this list. It’s also a great market that offers a wide variety of locally grown and reared produce, ranging from game specialties like water buffalo to seafood delicacies like lobster, as well as veggies, micro-brewed beer and wine, crafts and more. There are over fifty stalls operating every Saturday.  www.edinburghfarmersmarket.co.uk

6. Chico Farmers’ Market, California

Chico is aptly known as the ‘City of Trees’, a nickname that becomes blatantly obvious the moment you drive into town. The almond and walnut fields, as well as the oak trees lining the streets, are part of the charm of this agricultural city in Northern California. It also boasts one of the nation’s most festive and friendly markets and over the years has developed a reputation for being a firecracker market that may be small compared to those in San Francisco or New York, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in good vibes, variety and top quality products. ”Fortunately Northern California is the bread-basket of America, almost any kind of fruit, vegetable, nuts and grain grows here,” explains Reid Seibold, one of the market’s key vendors and facilitators. “It’s one of the few climates where everything does well. We’re uniquely set to have a great farmers’ market here.”

7. Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, Barcelona

Barcelona’s famous La Boqueria market dates all the way back to the 1200s, when it was first used as a meat market for local farmers. What stands today is a colourful celebration of flavours, smells and textures that will appeal to all your senses at the same time. The variety of fruit, meat, vegetables and flowers is mesmerising and the market’s has become world-renowned. If you haven’t been to de la Boqueria, it’s because you haven’t been to Barcelona yet.

8. Port Louis Market, Mauritius

Mauritius is a small, lively tropical island off the coast of Africa. Most tourists come for the affordable, all-inclusive resorts, stunning scenery (including the beautiful Le Morne Peninsula – a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and impressive coral reefs. But the market in the capital city ends up turning as many heads as the natural attractions. Inside the main produce building you’ll find a hugely impressive selection of fruit, veggies and herbs .Outside you’ll find three separate buildings for beef, pork and seafood. Be sure to head inside early if you’ve got a weak stomach because the heat can make things a bit pungent by the early afternoon.

9. Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market, Sedgefield, South Africa

Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market has one of the premium spots in the world as its venue: the Garden Route of South Africa. Before you’ve had a chance to process the smell of the food and freshly cut flowers, your eyes are absorbing everything around you. The long, hilly road that takes you to Sedgefield, where the market is located, is punctuated by a number of spectacular vista points and stopovers. The market itself is outstanding. It has been the recipient of multiple awards since opening in 1999 and has spearheaded a nation-wide wave of markets that try to emulate the Wild Oats “Slow Food” ethos – visitors and locals are given the opportunity to discover exactly what they’re eating, where it comes from and whom they are supporting.

10. Medina Of Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco’s famous Medina is a spectacular display of human motivation, as the market sets up and closes with the rising sun each day. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina is by far the most mysterious and enchanting entry on this list. Rather than a cover band and buskers on the sidewalk for entertainment, you’ll find snake charmers, fortune tellers and sword swallowers. And the spices and local food are just as unmissable and hypnotic. It’s more like a bizarre dream than a traditional farmers’ market and it deserves to be visited in person to be fully appreciated.

Essential Travel is one of the UK’s leading online travel insurance providers and also offers priority access to the most sought after car parks, hotels and lounges at all major airports across the UK. Essential Travel is now part of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland.

For further information visit: http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk

Although I am feeling a little pang of jealousy since I’ve spent a few years trying to pitch this to various TV production companies and channels, I’m pleased for the lovely Allegra as it can only be a good thing.  Indeed, I watched the first two episodes, aired back to back last Sunday evening with admiration and smiles all round, especially at her attempts to master our language and food.

In the second episode she made our very traditional Gozleme (a kind of flat bread with fillings) that wasn’t quite as thin as it could’ve been and her slightly wonky technique with our traditional Oklavi (thin stick rolling pin) made me laugh but the finished product wasn’t to be sniffed at and looked rather tasty!  My image here is of a Turkish lady I spent time with while on holiday this year, making Gozleme.

Credit must go to Allegra and the Good Food Channel for putting our food on the map and I look forward to further episodes, wondering where she’ll be next.  As Turkey is such a large country with so many regions all with their own micro cuisine and dialects, let’s hope the programme can capture more of the true essence of Turkey, eclectic, hospitable, big hearted and full of mystery.

For a full listing of all the episodes click on the link below:

http://uktv.co.uk/food/homepage/sid/9226

And if you want to try some authentic Turkish recipes then check out our recipes page, or if you don’t fancy cooking it yourself then give us a call!