Michael Perlis Presents: Eileen Writes Part 4

Now Eileen Wright takes us to a food festival. I wish I could have been there — I love the kind of food she is writing about, although admittedly one of them might have made me a little skittish.
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Foodies are just as passionate about cuisine in England as they are in The United States.  Just twenty miles up the road (but an hour drive), in the town of Clitheroe, was the annual food festival.  Starting my walk through the market I strolled upon booths that carried proteins of all kinds: wild boar, kangaroo, bison, ostrich, zebra and wildebeest – my order, one of each please! I do need to find out if they all taste like cow.  As I reviewed the schedule I felt overwhelmed at what was offered: pudding feast, chef demos, bread making competition, BBQ Trail, Ice Cream Trail, and the open air market.

Eileen Wright and Paul Heathcote

First on my list was the chef’s demo. Unfortunately they were sold out but, I was first in “the queue” (line) and on the wait list (just in case patrons failed to show).  Luckily, there were spots available and I got a front row seat!  Four of the top chefs in the area: Paul Heathcote, Nigel Howarth, Steven Smith,  and Michael Heathcote from Lancashire, England were demonstrating three courses each (appetizer, main and dessert), as well as, pairing wines.  I was able to follow the cooking demonstration but I found it difficult to understand with the strong accent.  Upon completion of the demonstrations I found it necessary to pick up one of the recipe books and snag a picture with a chef.

Following, the pudding feast was just up the hill.  I have always heard of “sticky toffee pudding” and “Christmas pudding” but never realized that the word “pudding” meant “dessert”.  Much to my amazement the room was filled with: cakes, pies, cupcakes, puddings, cookies, brownies, cake pops; every imaginable flavor and combination of ingredients you could think of; a virtual Willy Wonka Factory and I got a golden ticket!

As I wondered back through the market on my way to the car I found it imperative to see if England has improved their wine preference as well as their food preferences.  Pleasantly, there was a wonderful selection of wines from Spain, France, Australia, and England (don’t laugh).

I was amazed to see more wine distributors than beer!