NEWPORT FOOD FESTIVAL returns to the city today after a two-year Covid-enforced absence. This one promises to be better than ever. With more stall, more chefs, more food and undoubtedly more visitors, this is going to be one incredible day, celebrating the best of the food and drink around us.
Returning alongside the stall holders are the popular chef demonstrations. Local chefs will be displaying their culinary wares in the Newport Now Zone in Newport Market.
Among the chefs that will be appearing in the chef demo zone is Hywel Jones, patron of the festival and executive head chef at Restaurant Hywel Jones, at the Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa.
Other confirmed chefs include Anil Karhadkar, head chef at city centre restaurant Curry on the Curve; James Davies, head chef at Horton’s Coffee House; and Steve White, head chef at the Mercure Hotel.
We actually paid a visit to the Mercure when it opened, you can read our review, and interview with Steve HERE.
Since the first event back in 2010, the festival has become a highlight of the Welsh food festival scene, with traders considering it a key date in their calendar.
Understandably, everyone is looking forward to the festival’s return, Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of the council, said……..
“I’m very excited to see the return of the Newport Food Festival after an unavoidable hiatus.
“The festival has attracted fantastic producers and suppliers both from the local area and slightly further afield, and many thousands of visitors since its inception in 2010.
“I know it has been sorely missed and its return will be welcomed by all those who appreciate great food, a great atmosphere and a great day out.
As we’ve mentioned before the team here at SOUTH WALES LIFE have worked on hundreds of Food & Drinks shows over the years and all over the country. Yes, of course we love sampling the food and buying a little treat to take home. We and visitors to these events really enjoy the guest chefs who prepare some incredible dishes, within a very short space of time. Newport will be no exception this year. With expert chef demonstrations and some of the best producers that South Wales has to offer.
Last year’s festival saw some wonderful exhibitors, giving crowds the chance to sample and buy products. Everything from spicy treats to smelly cheese and sweet delights all washed down with lovely coffee – and maybe the odd tipple or two…
The emphasis is very much on community, bringing everyone together through a love of food and drink. As with the last festival, there’ll be a lot of people trying and buying, as well as enjoying the street entertainment and activities for all the family. The fact it’s busy however, is half the fun. The main emphasis throughout the day will centre on and around High Street and Newport Market.
CHEF DEMONSTRATIONS
11am, James Davies, Hortons Coffee House
James will be demonstrating how to make a delicious Lemon Tuna Salad and Chicken Curry Naan.
12 noon, Hywel Jones, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
Visitors will be able to watch Hywel create a dish of braised day boat turbot, sea vegetables, cucumber chutney, caviar and shellfish butter sauce.
1pm, Dave Roberts & James Westlake, Rafters at Celtic Manor
Double-act, Dave and James will be making Anglesey sea salt sea bass with celeriac puree and smoked chicory.
2pm, Steve White, Mercure Hotel
A festival regular, come and see Steve make a delicious lamb two ways.
3pm, Ben Periam, The Friendly Fox
Ben will be demonstrating the delicious dessert, Queen of Puddings.
4pm, Anil Karhadkar, Curry On The Curve
For the vegans among us, Anil’s Vegan Vegetable Jalfrezi is for you!
The NEWPORT FOOD FESTIVAL is for, and all about Newport and South Wales. What you’ll see are demonstrations of some culinary skills from some of our best local chefs the area has to offer. For more details on this fun, food packed day tomorrow, Saturday the 8th of October have a look at the short video above and just go HERE for more.
