Yesterday I went to Chester Food Festival. This year it's moved to Chester Racecourse, which I thought was a better venue. I got there as it opened, and took some pictures straight away. So the lack of people is a bit misleading - it was very busy by lunch time.I watched cookery demonstrations from David Mooney of the Belle Époque and the ubiquitous Siomn Rimmer. I noticed both had comments on you know who and her frozen mash.....
It's a nice opportunity to meet and speak to small independent producers. In particular I enjoyed talking to Annie Laughton from Shropshire Fine Herbs. They grow their own herbs, in their two acre walled garden on the Shropshire/Powys border, and then use them to make cheese biscuits and canapé bases. Flavours include Dill, French Tarragon, Garlic Chive & Parsley, Lavender, Lovage, Rosemary and Thyme. Happily the Chester Cheese Shop and the Ludlow Food Centre sells their products.Also present were Green Garden Herbs, an independent nursery specialising in herbs and related plants. They grow over 400 varieties of aromatic, culinary, medicinal and ornamental herbs at a 5 acre nursery in North Yorkshire.
Green Garden Herbs
13 West Bank
Carlton
Selby
North Yorkshire
DN14 9PZ
Tel: 01405 860708
Web: http://www.greengardenherbs.co.uk
Email: info@greengardenherbs.co.uk
Whilst speaking to a lady from Posh Pickles I asked if the excellent delicatessen at 27 Church Street, Frodsham sold them. She told me that is her daughter's business and the shop would be closing this month (so get there fast). I think they're continuing their catering business, but stopping the retail premises. The shop is going to have new owners and reopen as a cheese shop (so watch this space).
I will make a point of visiting Al Dente, who make a very nice French Cassoulet (can it be French and made in Chester?) and a tender Lamb Tagine.
Al Dente Fine Foods Delicatessen
Five Ashes Road
Westminster Park
Chester
Tel: 01244 675994
If you're fed up of food, it's also the Nantwich Jazz Blues and Music Festival this weekend.
p.s. since writing this the deli in Fordsham has become a cheese shop (will visit when I can). Posh Bites have a deli in Ellesmere Port (will also visit when I can) and a new web site here.
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