July ended on a damp note.
I’m still to have my first barbecue of the year, partly because the weather always seems to know when my weekend begins and partly because there has been so much going on in Nottingham over the last month.
It has been difficult to pick the best because they were all good for different reasons, there’s been the relaunch of the John Borlase, the opening of OAKS, the Treat Kitchens win, the Barburrito master class, Greens Mill anniversary to name a few but here are my top choices for the month.
Food Festival – Chilli Fest. The Chilli Festival bought the exciting world of chillies to the East Midlands with a two day extravaganza on 11th and 12th July at Orchard Farm in Rolleston. The festival had over 70 stands with selections of spicy and non-spicy street foods, real ales and craft beers, cocktails and mocktails and plants as well as demonstrations, cookery, entertainment and competitions.
We’re still working our way through our haul from traders including The Real Thai Pie Company, Flavourmagic, Barefoot Biltong, Chili Junkies, Twisted Chilli and many many more so we’ll bring you our round up soon. Due to the success of the event, next years festival has already been announced for 9th and 10th July so make a note in your diary now!
Event – The Kitchen at the Cross Keys opening. You might have caught our feature on former chef to the Royal family, Des Sweeney, taking over the Cross Keys in Epperstone. It’s been big news with the Nottingham Post also running a double page spread (remember you read it on NottinghamLIVE first). It’s well worth a visit to this fabulous pub to sample food fit for a Queen. http://www.nottinghamlive.co.uk/live/a-royal-welcome-to-the-cross-keys-epperstone-nottingham/
For reservations:
thekitchen@live.co.uk /0115 966 9430.
Restaurant – Ruddington Arms. Whilst I write my own food features, I’m always keen to read other writers thoughts and recommendations, particularly local ones. Lynette Pinchess of the Nottingham Post has a dream of a job writing about local food and drink and being paid for it. I’d remembered a list she did on things everyone should eat in Nottingham. On it were the Donuts at the Ruddington Arms. I’ve got to admit she wasn’t wrong. These gorgeous cinnamon donuts come complete with the little mug of pouring chocolate and pistachio Ice cream. A dessert lovers dream.
The rest of the food at the stylish pub is top notch too and definitely well worth a visit. For more information visit: www.theruddingtonarms.com
Recipe – Mexican pork koftas. I’m a terrible hoarder. If I see a recipe in a magazine I want to try it ends up in the cupboard along with my cookbooks. This one is from the Christmas edition of the BBC Good Food magazine. It was in a make ahead canapé section but I halved the recipe, made larger koftas and had it as a delicious main course. Remember – Pork koftas are for life – not just for Christmas.
See the recipe here: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/mexican-pork-koftas
On the box – I love Celebrity Masterchef but I think the barrel was well and truly scrapped with some if this years ‘contestants. Rylan put on a good show but I can’t see him opening a restaurant any time soon, that said the series was hugely entertaining as ever with some great challenges for the ‘celebrity’ chefs.
Cheat – Buttered Bread Candle. I love my candles. I read about this one on another fabulous blog www.fortyfiedbeauty.com. Made by Village Candles, this double wicked baby will fill your home with the smell of freshly baked bread. Of course you won’t get the pleasure of eating it but you can convince your guests that you’ve been kneading away in the kitchen as you present them with that loaf from the bakers. You can buy the candle locally at Bubble Lush on Carlton Hill. www.bubblelush.co.uk
August looks like its going to be great month for foodies in Notts with lots to look forward to including the Nottingham StrEAT market on Smithy Row, food festivals at Wollaton Park and Clumber Park as well the Park Market and we can’t wait to see which make it in to our August favourites. Now can we just have some SUN.
By Tanya Raybould
