Dozens of restaurants from across Devon have signed up to a new initiative and will be holding special events to celebrate the county’s best food and drink throughout the month of June.

More than 30 businesses are taking part in Devon Restaurant Month and have organised a series of exclusive promotions and offers, as well as unique menus as part of the campaign. Each eatery has its own dedicated listing which can be found at www.devonrestaurantmonth.co.uk.

Food and drink fans will be able to enjoy a wide range of discounts off meals, cookery demonstrations, wine tasting sessions, steak nights, fish and seafood evenings, four course lunches, Italian and French themed events, suppers, dinners and fine dining experiences.

Some high-profile restaurants and chefs taking part include Bovey Castle, the Tanner Brothers, The Horn of Plenty, Southernhay House Exeter, Mill End Hotel and Restaurant, Gorton’s, The Cary Arms and Torquay’s Michelin-starred The Elephant.

‘Devon Restaurant Month’ has also received the support of the county’s tourism organisations Visit Devon, Visit South Devon and Discover Dartmouth, as well as Taste of the West and Food and Drink Devon.

Jeff Cooper, Devon Restaurant Month’s Founder and Organiser, says,

“The amount of interest that Devon Restaurant Month has received has been just fantastic – each restaurant taking part has pulled out all the stops to come up with some exciting and innovative ideas. It is great that everyone is so passionate about celebrating the best food and drink that Devon has to offer. Each event is unique and now we really want to encourage people to take the opportunity to see where their nearest event is, book their place and go along and get involved.”

A competition has also been organised where entrants are being offered the chance to write their own ‘Devon Restaurant Month’ menu which will be prepared by one of Devon’s top chefs and served in their restaurant throughout June.

The author of the winning entry, and three friends, will be guests of honour at the Elizabethan Inn, in Luton near Newton Abbot, on Friday 1 June to sample their own menu with specially selected wine to complement the food.

Entrants should visit the website and submit their contact details, starter, main course and dessert, along with a sentence or two explaining why judges should pick the menu.

It is hoped that ‘Devon Restaurant Month’ will help lead to an increase in custom for the businesses involved and raise awareness of the quality and breadth of the county’s award-winning food and drink offer.

For more information about ‘Devon Restaurant Month’ visit www.devonrestaurantmonth.co.uk or the dedicated Facebook Page.

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This Stunningly Festive Bar & Restaurant Returns To The Heart of London’s Hyde Park A stunning winter retreat and a beautiful entertainment space, The Spiegel Saloon is part of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Presenting hearty winter food, a fully stocked and inviting bar and an abundance of free, live entertainment, The Spiegel Saloon is open for 6 weeks only and offers a cosy escape from the seasonal weather and the hustle and bustle of London at this busy time of year, Harking back to the days of old – Spiegel Tents were traditionally travelling ballrooms and entertainment salons that originated in Belgium in the early 19th Century – Winter Wonderland’s Spiegel Saloon is a charming structure hosting live entertainment each evening that includes cabaret, live bands and DJs. Plus a special Piano Juke Box night each Tuesday, in aid of the Kenyan Orphan Project. Entertainment is free and open to both diners and those at the bar.

The perfect meeting place for the festive season and with a warm welcome ready for all-comers, the Spiegel Saloon‘s 200-seater restaurant offers a delicious fixed-price menu with a selection ranging from seasonal dishes, such as The Spiegel Christmas Plate to firm favourites such as Bangers & Mash, Roasted Ham Hock and Fish Pie. With 2 courses for £14.95 and three courses on offer for £19.45, the Spiegel Saloon is a fun-filled experience for all the family that wont break the bank.

A well thought out Children’s menu is available for only £9.95 for two courses and is hugely popular with little ones who need refuelling after a fun time on the Winter Wonderland rides. If you’re just visiting for a drink, wrap your hands around body warming tipples such as Spiced Hot Farmhouse Cider, Mulled Wine or a Hot Toddy and watch the passers by at the Spiegel Saloon’ outside bar, or defrost inside in the welcoming and spacious bar area, complete with comfy sofas, lounge seating & live entertainment.

The Spiegel Saloon is the only fully heated and enclosed bar and restaurant within Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. This beautiful structure offers families, groups, diners and drinkers a warm and cheerful space in which to celebrate the festive season together. Please see below for a brief summary of some of The Spiegel Saloon’s Prix-Fixe Menu’s highlights: Starters include a mouth-watering Game & Port Pate, consisting of pheasant, venison and duck served with plum & apple chutney and warm, rustic bread, Roast Parsnip Soup or an Old School Traditional Prawn Cocktail. The Spiegel Christmas Plate offers a modern twist on the classic Christmas Dinner with succulent turkey breast served on a bed of bubble and squeak with all the trimmings. Vegetarians can enjoy the Spiegel Nut Roast and there are many other much-loved dishes to choose from. At only £19.45 for three courses, the desserts are not to be missed! Choose from a divine selection of Lemon and Ginger Cheesecake, Traditional Christmas Pudding or for something truly special; The Chocolate Soup Platter, a warm, rich bowl of melted chocolate for 2, complete with waffles, strawberries, marshmallows and profiteroles to dip in at your leisure! To book a table or to find out more information about listings, please go to http://spiegelsaloon.co.uk/ www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com T

The Spiegel Saloon at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is open 10am -10pm all week Restaurant open from 12pm Mon- Fri and 11.30am Sat & Sun Booking through the Spiegel Saloon Website: http://spiegelsaloon.co.uk/ Group or party bookings 0203 137 5416

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The new River Cottage Canteen & Deli at Plymouth’s Royal William Yard opened a few days ago, and true to its ethos of delivering fantastic food in a sustainable way, took delivery of local produce by boat.

Tamar Grow Local, SailTrade and River Cottage teamed up to trial the sustainable transportation of local produce at the launch of the new River Cottage Canteen & Deli in Plymouth for the launch. A locally built ‘Yealm Crabber’ sailed down the River Tamar, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, with a trial amount of fresh vegetables and honey from local producers destined for new River Cottage Canteen, at Royal William Yard. The boat carried sample potatoes, pumpkins, honey and Tamar Valley Apples for the Canteen to try. When it arrived at the harbour at Royal William Yard, Head Chef Joe Draper, and his chef team, took delivery of the produce for use in the Canteen.

“The boat trip, although a trial is historically how food used to be transported in the region. It’s a pilot to test if it works for River Cottage on this occasion, but the ambition is establish a more routine service once properly endorsed and certified to do so.” said Simon Platten from Tamar Grow Local. “We are very excited as this is another way Tamar Grow Local might help promote local producers in the area with one of the most important ethical food brands in the UK.”

The boat is a traditionally rigged and locally built Yealm Crabber well suited to travel using the wind and tides. It will be skippered by Andy Whiteford of Sailtrade and his son Jim. “SailTrade is hoping to make an environmentally friendly and low carbon contribution to local supply networks,” said Andy. “We have been encouraged by the enthusiastic response to further develop the idea and are grateful for the support received, especially from Tamar Grow Local and the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”

The new Canteen is based on the successful River Cottage Canteen & Deli in Axminster, which was originally set up by Hugh Fearnley – Whittingstall, campaigner, broadcaster and food writer, who’s River Cottage TV series, on Channel 4, captures the Nation’s interest in food provenance and sustainable living.

“River Cottage is committed to creating fantastic food that is seasonal, local, organic and wild. For the Canteen this is a fantastic way to source and transport local produce. We are really looking forward to working with Tamar Grow Local and SailTrade to create and transport great local food,” said Head Chef, Joe Draper.

“River Cottage support locally sourced produce and sustainable methods of transport wherever possible,” said River Cottage MD, Rob Love. “We are very interested in this project – it’s a great example of how River Cottage likes to get involved with the local food community.”

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall said: “We are very much looking forward to contributing the vibrancy of the local food community in Plymouth. The city and region have a strong market garden heritage and we have a great opportunity to source the best ingredients and create some fantastic food in a wonderful location.”

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This autumn Londoners will be able to experience traditional Spanish style tapas crawls in the city. Eat tapas, drink Rioja wine and experience a taste of Spain with the ‘Tapas Tour’, brought to you by Wines from Rioja and London Restaurant Festival in October. The Rioja Tapas Tour recreates the spirit of bar hopping that is typical to the Riojan region, where people pop into different tapas bars tasting speciality tapas dishes alongside glasses of Rioja.

On sale now, Londoners can purchase a Tapas Tour ‘passport’, allowing them to hop across five of London’s best tapas restaurants, where they will be offered a different tapas dish expertly matched to a glass of Rioja wine in each location. Visitors will be able to make their way around tapas restaurants Brindisa, Pix, Copita, Fernandez & Wells, and Ibérica during the weekends of the 8th, 9th and 15th, 16th October.

Ricardo Aguiriano from Wines from Rioja comments “The Tapas Tour is the perfect way to learn more about Spanish food and wine matching at London Restaurant Festival. Your passport will take you on a unique journey – tasting mouth-watering dishes such as Jamón Ibérica croquetas and delicious boquerones on tomato toast. With each dish matched perfectly to a glass of Rioja, you can guarantee fun conversation alongside fine wine and food during the Rioja Tapas Tour at London Restaurant Festival!”

Rioja Tapas Tour passports are available through London Restaurant Festival and are priced at £50.00, visit http://www.londonrestaurantfestival.com/2011/05/22/tapas-tour/ to purchase tickets.

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Harrods has unveilled its brand new Boulangerie and Patisserie department, located in the heart of the Ground Floor Food Halls. Expect a delicious range of new pastries, cakes and breads, all freshly crafted each day by some of the UK’s most celebrated bakers.

Each morning Harrods team of expert pastry chefs prepare over 100 new pastries, desserts and cakes for the department – from fresh fruit clementines and fraiser tarts to innovative green tea-infused crème brulées.

And in response to the latest demands from shoppers, an array of gourmet marshmallows flavoured with orange blossom and strawberry has also been created, alongside a range of savoury mini muffins, including sautéed leek and thyme and bacon and cheddar.

Complementing Harrods own selection are exclusive patisseries from award-winning chocolatier William Curley and renowned artisan baker Paul Hollywood. The Boulangerie and Patisserie is now home to Curley’s stunning patisseries, including a cream-filled Paris brest and a Venezuelan chocolate cadeaux, while a variety of Hollywood’s freshly made, exclusive breads – such as a Stilton and walnut loaf – are delivered from Kent each morning.

Completing the area is a brand new, beautifully designed counter. Here shoppers can enjoy perusing endless displays of patisserie, special occasion cakes, baskets of gourmet breads and a host of freshly baked seasonal exclusives.

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Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or someone who simply takes pleasure from trying new things, Mercure Hotels’ Wine and Dine experience brings the opportunity to broaden your field of discovery by experiencing an extensive taster menu and sampling fine wines during a stay at selected Mercure hotels around the UK.

An overnight stay at one of 18 stylish Mercure hotels includes a five course dinner of delicious dishes from a taster menu unique to each hotel, featuring seasonal, locally-sourced produce with a wide selection of traditional European fare. As part of the Wine and Dine experience, the meal is accompanied by two glasses of wine from Mercure’s acclaimed Grands Vins fine wine collection, specially selected to compliment the day’s dishes.
A long-time champion of regional cuisine and locally-sourced produce, Mercure features local speciality dishes on its menus of freshly prepared food on offer at each hotel, as well as wines distinctive to the region.

Mercure’s Grands Vins offering is one of the hallmarks of the hotel brand – an extensive wine list of high quality regional and international wines, sold by the glass as well as the bottle. This unique concept is designed not only to introduce grapes and varieties people may not be familiar with, but also to give guests the chance to sample high-end wines at an affordable price. The Grand Vins are categorised into four different flavour areas: “Fresh & Tasty”, “Fruity & Light”, “Balanced & Elegant” and “Spicy & Full-Bodied” and guests will be guided through the unique matching process by specialist staff at the hotels.

The wines are selected by experts including Mercure’s own Echansons. The Mercure Echansons are wine specialists – knowledgeable about everything from winemaking processes to wine regions to the all-important tasting – and are on hand to guide guests and offer advice on wine selection. Every year in more than 10 countries, a number of tasting panels are set up to make blind tests and select the wines that will be incorporated into the list of Grands Vins for the following year. The taste panels include enthusiasts and professionals who like sharing their passion for wine, including outstanding Mercure Echansons.

The Wine and Dine experience is available from just £65 per person, at participating hotels and includes a hearty breakfast the following morning. For further information visit mercure.com

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There’s no doubt that this summer has been the season of the pop-up, from campari bars in car parks to beach shacks on the South Bank and the good news is that it ain’t over yet.

The Botanist in Chelsea will be popping up for one weekend only, between 16-18 September, with a glamorous oyster and crustacea bar, bang slap in the middle of Sloane Square. Complete with daily performances from a solo saxophonist and copious quantities of Chapel Down (excellent sparkling wine from Kent) this has to be one of London’s most sophisticated pop-ups.

Whether or not you believe the myth that native oysters should only be eaten when there’s an ‘r’ in the month, September is widely heralded as the official start of the season and The Botanist’s oyster and crustacea bar will be serving a wide range of oysters including West Mersea pearls, Brown Sea Island Dorset rocks and Duchy natives.

Individually priced at £2 each, you can enjoy a quick shopping pit stop with an oyster and glass of fizz or indulge in a leisurely lunch with half a dozen or a dozen priced at £9.50 and £18 respectively.

If oysters leave you cold, there’s a selection of seafood available, fresh from Billingsgate Market. Choices include poached Isle of Benbecula (western Scottish Isles) langoustines served with lemon and mayonnaise, whole dressed Dorset crab and a classic Atlantic prawn cocktail with avocado.
For those who need or want to keep a clear head, sip on a refreshing ‘Pomona Fizz’ cocktail made with pomegranate, pear, honey, fresh lime and tonic for just £3, or push the boat out with some award-winning Chapel Down Vintage Reserve Brut, available by the glass (£6) or the bottle (£30).

The Botanist’s Oyster and Chapel Down Pop-Up Bar will open as follows:
Friday 16th September 11am – 7.30pm
Saturday 17th September 12pm – 7.30pm
Sunday 18th September 12pm – 5pm

The Botanist, 7 Sloane Square, London SW1 8EE

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Covent Garden opens it’s doors to the world’s first gay ice cream bar todat (Friday 19th August) at 3.00pm.

With a whole host of goodies awaiting the gay men of London, ‘Queens of the Dessert’ is a pop-up ice cream parlour with a difference by the brains behind ‘The Icecreamists’. Until Friday 30th September this strictly over 18’s ice cream haven will promise to bring the gay men of London ice cream treats galore and more.

Get ready boys for the treat of your lives with Mr Wippy aka Sandro Squillace baring all in the store’s window, showing you his wicked ways with ice cream.

‘Vice Cream’ masseur Jorge Khawam will be on hand offering customers complimentary massages and ice cream facials.

Jorge says, ‘Ice cream is great a medium for massage. The cream is a good moisturiser, the coolness tones the skin and the vanilla has natural anti-oxidants and cleansing properties.’

And if all that is getting your heart racing, then you can cool down and sample the ice cream delicacies on offer such as the cheeky ‘Whorenetto’ or ‘Brokeback Mountain’.

If ice cream’s not your thing ‘Queens of the Dessert’ are also offering a range of wines and beers to cool your down. ‘Vice Queen’ and manager Graeme Clarke said: ‘This is ice cream by queens for queens. We wanted to create a fun, adult over 18’s ice cream bar with a twist this summer.’

The Queens of the Dessert, 15 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7NG
Web Site: www.theicecreamists.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/theicecreamists

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With 2012 being the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, a cookery course based around some of the ship’s amazing menus has proved to be a huge draw.

Dordogne-based cookery school, CookInFrance, developed the Titanic idea as part of its Famous Last Suppers themed courses. Brainchild of British chef and CookInFrance owner, Jim Fisher, the Titanic courses are almost completely booked until the end of the year.

Although creating a ten-course banquet might seem a little daunting for some, the course is suitable for everyone whatever their level of experience.

As with all of CookInFrance courses, a range of techniques will be incorporated including knife skills and bread making.

The Titanic Courses begin in Autumn 2011 and more information on this and Jim’s other courses can be found on www.cookinfrance.com.

Cost are €130 EUR for a day’s course (per day for 1 or 2 days excludes accommodation) and €795.00 EUR for the full, all-inclusive five nights.

Titanic Final Banquet Courses:

First Course Hors D’Oeuvres
Oysters

Second Course
Consommé Olga
Cream of Barley

Third Course
Poached Salmon with Mousseline Sauce, Cucumbers

Fourth Course
Filet Mignons Lili
Saute of Chicken, Lyonnaise
Vegetable Marrow Farci

Fifth Course
Lamb, Mint Sauce
Roast Duckling, Apple Sauce
Sirloin of Beef, Chateau Potatoes
Green Peas
Creamed Carrots
Boiled Rice
Parmentier & Boiled New Potatoes

Sixth Course
Punch Romaine

Seventh Course
Roast Squab & Cress

Eighth Course
Cold Asparagus Vinaigrette

Ninth Course
Pate de Foie Gras
Celery

Tenth Course
Waldorf Pudding
Peaches in Chartreuse Jelly
Chocolate & Vanilla Eclairs
French Ice Cream

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Reaching out to new audiences, Newbury Racecourse – one of the UK’s best loved racecourses and local track to the Middletons – is the first racecourse to partner with renowned champagne house Veuve Clicquot, to offer a vintage afternoon tea which will ensure that racegoers can ‘take tea’ in truly quintessentially British style.

In time for Ladies Day on Saturday 13th August, this traditionally-inspired tea treat is available at the newly refurbished Brasserie, set amid 360 acres of picturesque countryside in the heart of the Racecourse. Drawing on the influence of the 1880s and the tradition of ‘taking tea’, this exclusive vintage tea offers three levels of indulgence on a traditional Victorian tea stand. The tea will be served with a selection of Twinings Deli Range in a delicate Porcelain tea set and a glass of bubbly.

Siobhan Glasbey, Regional Account Manager at Twinings, comments on the traditional art of taking tea: “As a fiercely traditional company we’re thrilled to be working with Newbury Racecourse to offer their afternoon tea. The modern afternoon tea is still steeped in tradition and people are always keen to understanding how tea was once taken, its history and etiquette, allowing them to have a bit of fun with the experience.”

TWININGS TOP TRADITIONS FOR TAKING TEA

• The teaspoon should never be left in the teacup, if you are not using it, it should be placed on the saucer. Forks should never be set back down on the table – instead, they are set on the side of the plate.
• Sugar to go in first, followed by the tea and then the milk. When tea started to become popular, the upper classes were able to afford porcelain china which didn’t shatter when adding the boiling water and so did not need to add milk first. Also, traditional superstition states: to put milk in your tea before sugar is to cross the path of love, perhaps never to marry.
• When holding your tea cup, these days you would loop your fingers through the handle and balance it with your pinkie finger. When the first tea came over on the ships they also brought Chinese crockery with them and the cups had no handle. There was no room for your pinky meaning when you tipped the cup to sip it would stick up in the air.
• When seated at the table, the napkin should be placed on your lap. The napkin should never touch the table once one is seated. Even if temporarily leaving the table, the napkin is set on the seat.

The upper layer offers a delicious selection of handmade cakes, from glazed lemon drizzle to decadent brownies and fruity tarts, all crafted by sous chef Michael Payne, who joined the racecourse from a four rosette restaurant. The middle layer is a generous helping of freshly baked scones with cream and seasonal jam and finally, the bottom layer, presents a delicate selection of finger sandwiches all prepared on site.

WHAT’S IN STORE THIS LADIES DAY
• Ladies Day at Newbury Racecourse is renowned as a sensational day’s racing with seven elite Flat races during the day.
• Gastronomic hospitality, including delicious designer cocktails at the newly launched cocktail bar.
• This year, Ladies Day has partnered with fashion brand, Coast, which is renowned for its colourful occasion wear fit for a day at the races.
• The renowned annual Fashion in the Field competition with the chances to win a luxury holiday to Florida and other great prizes up for grabs.
• A pamper zone in the Premier Enclosure hosted by Camp Hopson with beauty treatments from Benefit and SPC Skincare
• For the first time in racing history Newbury launches the Pampered in the Paddock – an exclusive Butler service available to racegoers

Afternoon tea will be available in the Brasserie and is priced at £29.95 for two people with champagne as an additional extra. Although manners are always expected, following the ‘How to Take Tea’ guide is optional.

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