Capital way to spice up your festive fare

Published on Thursday 22 October 2009 22:18

SOME of Scotland's best-known chefs have been lined up for Edinburgh's first Christmas food and drink festival.

Michelin star-rated Jeff Bland, of the capital's Balmoral Hotel, and Tony Borthwick, head chef of The Plumed Horse, in Leith, will be among the headline guests at the two-day event.

The Assembly Rooms, on George Street, will be playing host to the latest major addition to the city's festive calendar, which will be held over the first weekend in December.

Organisers say "Foodies Festival Christmas" is being staged for the first time to capitalise on the growing interest in home dining and entertaining, inspired by hit television shows such as Come Dine With Me.

Visitors will also be able to sample signature dishes from leading eateries such as The Tower, Atrium, Dakota and Wedgwood, while there will be nosing and tasting sessions with wine connoisseurs, whisky gurus and rum experts. The event will 12 see leading chefs – including Roy Brett, owner of new Edinburgh eaterie Ondine – offering an insight into their favourite seasonal dishes and divulging their secrets for preparing quality festive fair.

Other chefs who have agreed to take part include John Quigley, of Red Onion, Paul Tamburrini, of One Devonshire Gardens, and Jacqueline O'Donnell, chef at The Sisters, all of which are in Glasgow.

The event is being launched on the back of the success of various summer "Foodies" festivals, which have been held across the UK in various locations, including Edinburgh's Holyrood Park, Hampton Court Palace and the Brighton Festival.

Edinburgh is already home to the successful "Taste" festival, which attracted huge crowds to the city's Inverleith Park in May.

Some 90 food producers from across Scotland are due to showcase their wares at the Assembly Rooms. Organisers hope to attract up to 10,000 visitors to the event and it is hoped that it will become a regular festive fixture in Edinburgh.

Event director Sue Hitchen said: "Foodies Festival Christmas will be a fantastic opportunity for visitors to find exclusive seasonal produce and festive culinary inspiration from the great line up of chefs who have agreed to support the event."

Lord Provost George Grubb said: "Edinburgh is a fantastic place to enjoy the festive season and I'm sure this new event will be a very welcome addition."

For more information, visit www.foodiesfestival.com.