All posts in Tasting Events/Shows

An Evening of Eastern Delights with Karina Baldry

Celebrated food writer Karina Baldry will bring Russian culture and customs to life at SamarQand Restaurant, near Oxford Street, on Tuesday 21 February as she weaves the stories and legends surrounding the creation of traditional Russian dishes into a special evening exploring Russian cuisine. (7.30pm, tickets £45. To book call SamarQand Restaurant direct on 020 7935 9393)

Russia on a Plate forms part of the week-long programme of special events leading up to the London Maslenitsa Festival (26 February, Trafalgar Square, FREE entry) – the biggest celebration of Russian culture outside Russia itself. Supported by Major of London, Boris Johnson, the event sees the London landmark transformed into a bustling bazaar offering traditional Russian foods and handicrafts while performances from some of Russia’s most acclaimed dance, theatre, folk, pop and jazz artists entertain the audience from the Festival’s main stage.

Other events taking place alongside the culinary evening include a fashion show at the Victoria & Albert Museum, showcasing designs by up-and-coming as well as established Russian designers, a photography exhibition at the GLA of images of London through the eyes of the city’s many diverse Russian residents and a one-off performance of ‘Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka’ at Shaftesbury Theatre by the renowned Gogol Theatre.

An evening of Vodka, Blinis and Central Asian food with the performers, artists and organisers behind the London Maslenitsa Festival.

‘Russia on a Plate’ will take visitors on a remarkable journey through Russian culture and history – as well as cuisine – as guests are served the stories connected to traditional Russian dishes alongside a variety of courses; each introduced by Karina together with the methods used to make them. To mark the forthcoming Maslenitsa spectacular in Trafalgar Square there will be a special focus on delicacies of Maslenitsa week.

Russian-born Karina Baldry (www.russiaonaplate.com) is the author of “Russia on a Plate” and the co-founder of Russian Revels (www.russianrevels.co.uk), an exciting new project to revolutionise the image of Russian food in the UK. With her team she forages though pre-revolutionary cookbooks, re-invents communist classics and creates radical interpretations of recipes from across the ex-USSR with the ultimate aim of unearthing and promoting luscious and original Russian dishes to a new audience.

Karina Baldry, author of ‘Russia on a Plate’ says: “Russian delicacies extend far beyond the stereotypical pickle and starchy dough; caviar and vodka. The food we’ll be covering for Maslenitsa takes in flavours from all around the former Soviet Union, from hearty dishes from the west, to spicy dishes from the south. This event will be a fresh and exciting opportunity for adventurous foodies to explore the unknown territory of true Russian cuisine, and a chance to finally dispel the myth of Russian food of being boring, uninspiring and bland!”

Tickets now on sale for one-off event, 21 February, Central London (further info: www.maslenitsa.co.uk)
Part of the week-long festivities for the Russian Maslenitsa Festival, (19-26 February), the largest celebration of Russian culture outside Russia itself
Learn the secrets behind Russian specialities such as ‘Pelmeni’ and ‘Bublik’ with the author of ‘Russia on a Plate’ Karina Baldry

Spiegel Saloon at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Spiegel Saloon at Hyde Park Winter WonderlandThis 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

Falmouth’s Christmas Festival 2011

falmouth christmas festival 2011Falmouth’s first Christmas Festival is a celebration of all things local. Set to run on the last weekend before Christmas, this event encourages visitors to stock up on beautiful, locally-produced gifts and food – everything you need for your Christmas festivities.

Overlooking the boats in the harbour beyond, the idyllic setting of Discovery Quay is perfectly suited for the quaint Christmas Festival. A brightly lit Christmas tree will stand above the Cornish Food & Drink Market where you can stock up on delicious Cornish treats. Expect tastings and tipples, traditional mulled wassail and seasonal food demonstrations by local chefs, including TV chef and restaurateur Rick Stein who has a fish & chip shop, seafood bar and delicatessen on the quay.

Market stalls will line the square, where you can pick up some hand-made stocking fillers including locally-made jewellery, art, candles and gifts. A central stage will also host daily carol singers and bands playing seasonal tunes.

There are several restaurants fringing the square, making good refuges if the cold gets too much. Santa’s grotto and an array of Christmas activities at the National Maritime Museum are also a big attraction for the kids.

FALMOUTH’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 15TH – 18TH DECEMBER More details on Falmouth Christmas Festival

Padstow Christmas Festival

padstow christmas festivalEmbrace the festive season with a trip to Padstow’s 4th annual Christmas Festival and see this Cornish fishing village come alive with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun.

Padstow has long been associated with fresh seafood and fine dining which makes it the ideal place to visit for a Christmas festival focused on food & drink. This year’s event boasts an amazing line-up of celebrity chefs including: Mark Hix, ITV’s Phil Vickery, Mitch Tonks, Saturday Morning Kitchen’s Tanner Brothers, Mark Sargeant, Michelin starred Nathan Outlaw, Rick Stein along with his son Jack and Great British Menu’s Paul Ainsworth.

As well as cookery demonstrations, a series of discussion panels will be exploring the top foodie issues in a lively discussion with expert panellists including The Guardian’s Matthew Fort and Rick Stein.

Centred on the quayside in a large marquee, a traditional Christmas market will be celebrating all things Cornish amidst a backdrop of carols, Christmas lights and live music. With delicious produce from across the county, food and drinks stalls will be selling everything from Christmas puds to local cheeses. Expect tastings and full tums as well as seasonal shopping, Santa’s grotto and some fabulous fireworks!

PADSTOW CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2ND – 4TH DECEMBER Full details on http://www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk/

Vinopolis Halloween Ball

halloween at_vinopolisIf you’re after a ghostly encounter with spirits guaranteed, head to leading attraction Vinopolis this spine-tingling Halloween weekend.

With a Halloween themed Bombay Sapphire cocktail with a twist, and two Absinthe tastings on the menu, the annual Grand Ball spook-fest will warm your insides before chilling you to the bone!

Come dressed to kill in your scariest attire and soak up the atmosphere in one of the capital’s most eerie yet stunning locations – deep beneath a Victorian viaduct at the illustrious London Bridge.

Included in the terrifying night is the opportunity to be photographed on the ‘black’ carpet, or dare to be snapped in the haunted black cab booth complete with ghostly chauffeur.

For an extra shot of Dutch courage, party-goers can enjoy four regular wine tastings and two beer tastings, along with a special serving of hearty Toad in the ‘Ole. Scary surprises, eerie acts and devilish DJing guaranteed to have you cutting some shadowy shapes on the dance floor help to round off the evening.

The Vinopolis Halloween Ball takes place on Friday October 28th 2011, from 5pm until midnight.