The Big Feastival 2013 - The Electrolux Chef's Table

Peter and Jonray Sanchez-Iglesias
with the Electrolux Chef's Academy winners

One of the most exciting emails sent to me this year - 'you are invited to be a guest at the Chef's Table at The Big Feastival' which is to be held on the farm of Alex James in the Cotswolds.

Michelin Star chefs Peter and Jonray Sanchez-Iglesias from Casamia in Bristol cooked and plated up in front of us and introduced each of the courses. The sommelier from Casamia explained the matching wines which were superb.

Beautifully presented Chef's Table 

The diners seated around the table were fellow bloggers and journalists and we were all treated to a stunning four course tasting menu - silence fell when we were presented with our food, I think we were all speechless with delight.

Quiche Lorraine, Tomatoes and Mozzarella, Duck with Carrot and Fennel, Peaches and Cream

The food was exquisite, and not only did it look amazing, the food was a taste sensation too.

Peter and Jonray explaining the types of tomatoes used
 in their Tomato and Mozzarella dish

After the Chef's Table experience, we were feeling very happy and we had an enjoyable look round The Big Feastival, we were really lucky with the weather especially as it was the last weekend in August. As usual we headed for coffee and a look round the many stalls selling local produce, ice cream, brownies and more.We then made our way to The Electrolux Big Kitchen.

 Rachel Khoo was a joy to watch and she demonstrates how to make Paris Brest
with a surprise filling of brie, spinach, apple and a mustard mousse

We were all booked in for a cook-a-long at Electrolux Chef's Secrets with Nigel Haworth, head chef of Michelin Star restaurant Northcote,  he made this such fun and my jaw ached from laughing. Nigel wasn't very impressed with hubbies knife skills dicing a shallot but it all added to the fun.

We all made Pea and Broad Bean Risotto with baby leeks
using the latest induction hobs

I had been looking forward to the event for a few weeks and it exceeded my expectations. It's a great family festival and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves.

A huge thank you to Electrolux for a fabulous day and being such amazing hosts.

Coming up:  More from The Big Feastival a foodie and music lovers festival.

Taste of London 2013 - Review

                                         Electrolux Chefs' Secrets Featuring Tom Kitchin

This year in Regents Park, Taste of London celebrated their 10th food festival. Electrolux Chefs' Secrets was our first stop - Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin was offering a hands on masterclass to visitors, not only did they have the opportunity of cooking under the instruction of Tom, gaining hints and tips along the way, visitors also had the opportunity to use the latest Electrolux induction hobs to create their dish.

Electrolux Taste Theatre with Thomasina Miers was a short walk away from the Chefs' Secrets theatre. The audience were treated to a plethora of advice as the demo proceeded. We made our way back to the Taste Theatre to see Raymond Blanc and later in the day Pierre Koffman with Tom Kitchin.

Electrolux Chefs' Academy was full to the brim with ovens, hobs and extractors.  The Inspiration Range of kitchen appliances, including a steam combination oven, induction hobs and extractors were on display. Demonstrators offered one to one help and advice regarding the appliances and there was also a demonstration of the very impressive steam combination oven.

Belly pork being cooked in the outside kitchen of the Savoy Grill

Charcoal Grill Dingley Dell Pork belly with honey and apple also
Saltwater Shrimp Cocktail, celeriac and pink peppercorns

Taste showcases some of the finest food in London and is a great opportunity to sample tasting dishes. The currency used at the show are crowns, each crown is worth 50p and you buy a minimum of £10. Our two small plates of food cost 12 crowns and 8 crowns respectively which were never going to fill the hungry gap - more food on the plate would have represented better value.

Time for a coffee stop at Barista Baby Mobile pop up coffee shop.

Exotic Fruit and Vegetable Creations.
We were drawn to a Taste of Thailand where Thai eateries, street food, cocktails, entertainment and more took place. 

Artisan Spirits

Sweet or Savoury Gourmet Popcorn in the Producers Market

It was a lovely warm afternoon and we enjoyed a walk through beautiful Regents Park prior to the afternoon session. We only wish we had planned the day a little better because there is so much to see.

We attended Taste on the Friday afternoon as guests of Electrolux.

Quintessentially Epicure Luxury Food Festival

Quintessentially Epicure, a luxury food festival, takes place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th September 2011 at The Hurlingham Club, London.



Some of the world's most renowned chefs will be attending along with top international gourmet producers and the very finest wines and spirits from across the globe brought together from two days of epicurean bliss.



Click here for more information and to see the list of participating chefs.