CITY PANTRY - London’s first street food delivery service delivering everything from Fried Chicken to Vietnamese baguettes directly to your desk

Two St. Andrews graduates have launched London’s first street food delivery service, bringing the best of both Whitecross market and Old Truman Brewery to the desks of office workers all over London. A fleet of motorcyclists wearing distinctive tomato helmets and carrying oven-hot bags deliver everything from gourmet venison burgers to crispy chicken wings direct to your building’s front door from Monday, December 2nd.

Stuart Sunderland, 32, gave up his career as a trader in Singapore to develop his street food idea, said:

‘Lunchtime has so much potential yet, more often than not, we settle for a boring sandwich or dreary canteen food. How about a hog roast in a bun sourced from Smithfield’s market early morning or pulled pork that’s been cooking for 16hrs? We drop it off at your office and promise your colleagues will drool with food envy as they sit staring at their miserable pasta salad. It makes for a refreshing change and the portions are huge!’

The ordering system is simple – you choose what you fancy from the 20 different vendors ranging in price from £5–£10 by 11am, indicate when you want your lunch to arrive, sit back and let City Pantry do the work. There’s a minimum order of £15 so get your colleagues together and if it’s over £40 they’ll knock off the £2 delivery charge for you. They will even send you some daily suggestions of what to order and if you want to impress your clients with something unique, they can provide a spread from a variety of vendors.

The service safeguards the employment of the market stall vendors who provide the food through the slow winter months. Ross Curnow of Mother Clucker, one of London’s most popular street food vendors with his range of free range fried chicken said:

‘It’s great, we get to keep doing what we love through what is usually a tough winter and workers all over London get to enjoy our food which they might otherwise not normally get a chance to try... it also beats a pre-packed tuna and sweetcorn sandwich any day!’

To see what’s on the menu visit citypantry.com

web: citypantry.com email: info@citypantry.com Tel: 0203 397 8376

British Chocolatiers Come Out on Top in International Chocolate Awards‏

British chocolatiers led the way in the filled chocolate categories of the World Finals of the International Chocolate Awards earlier this month, with the likes of Paul a Young and Damian Allsop beating off stiff competition from top chocolatiers from around the world.

The International Chocolate Awards World Final featured the best of the best from the fine chocolate industry. Over 600 products were entered into the country rounds held in Italy, the UK, the USA and Vancouver throughout the year. 102 products made it through to the world final to be re-judged by the grand jury, who travel from around the world to each round, and a panel of experts. These prestigious awards give out just one Gold in each category and a number of Silvers to only the world’s finest chocolate.

Paul a Young triumphed in the Plain dark truffle category, winning Gold for his 85% RAW Ecuadorian dark chocolate truffle, with Damian Allsop’s Madagascan water ganache and Rococo Chocolates’ Madagascan house truffle both picking up Silvers. Paul a Young also won best Dark caramel for his Sea salted caramel.

Damian Allsop’s Salty Liquorice water ganache was named best Flavoured dark filled chocolate, with Boutique Aromatique’s Mint & sweet basil and Rococo’s Rose & cocoa nib ganache awarded Silvers in the same category.

This is the first year of The International Chocolate Awards, set up to recognise the best fine quality chocolate from around the world. The Americas triumphed in the bean to bar categories of the awards indicative of the current shift in the chocolate industry. The UK is currently one of the most vibrant and creative countries in the world for filled chocolates. With more chocolate shops opening than in any other country and leading the way in terms of innovation of ingredients. The USA and Americas have seen a plethora of micro batch bean to bar manufacturers launching and creating complex and stunning bars of chocolate. 

The International Chocolate Awards are designed to reflect international tastes and offer a level playing field for international entries. They return next year, with dates already announced for the Italian national competition (4-7 February 2013) and British national competition/European Semi Final (3-8 March 2013). Next year will also the scheme expand to more countries, with an Israeli competition already planned (10-12 February) and more national competitions to be announced in due course.

Seven London Cookery Schools Up for Top Industry Award

Seven cookery schools in London have been shortlisted as finalists in the inaugural British Cookery School Awards, which is headline sponsored by Kenwood. The British Cookery School Awards were launched in June of this year to celebrate and honour cookery schools’ hard work and dedication to driving Britain’s passion for cooking good, homemade food.

The winners of the British Cookery School Awards’ 14 categories will be announced at the awards event, hosted by Nigel Barden, at the Vintners’ Company, EC4, on Tuesday 13th November.  The winners of each category will receive a top-of-the-range Kenwood kitchen appliance, as well as a trophy and the accolade of being a British Cookery School Awards 2012 champion.

The Awards honour the achievements of cookery schools from across the UK, celebrating all sizes and specialities. The categories celebrate both individuals and whole cookery schools, as well as placing special emphasis on their impact within the community and on using good, locally sourced ingredients. Blackheath Cooks, Divertimenti, L’Atelier des Chefs, Leith’s School of Food and Wine, Food at 52, Rachel’s Kitchen and School of Wok are all finalists.

London cookery schools are in the running for the following categories:

Best English Cookery School (sponsored by Dr Oetker UK Ltd)
Blackheath Cooks Ltd
Leith’s

Best Small Cookery School (sponsored by Kenwood)
Food at 52

Best Large Cookery School (sponsored by Pyrex)
L’atelier des Chefs
Leith’s

Best Specialist Cookery School (sponsored by the Bart Ingredients Co)
School of Wok

Unsung Hero: Backroom Staff Member
Divertimenti
Food at 52
L’Atelier des Chefs

Best Young Rising Star (sponsored by Dr Oetker UK Ltd)
Divertimenti  
L’Atelier des Chefs
Rachel’s Kitchen
School of Wok

All seven schools are also in the running for the People’s Choice: Britain’s Favourite Cookery School Award, voted for by the public.

Head judge of the British Cookery School Awards, Nigel Barden, said: “It was amazing to get such a good response to the Awards. It was gratifying that such store is set by using local, ethically sourced ingredients and that many establishments are integrated so well into their communities. This is reflected in their on-going relationships with youth clubs, community centres and schools, which provide the opportunity to cook, often for the first time. The range of these awards helps celebrate some remarkable individuals and cookery schools.”

www.britishcookeryschoolawards.co.uk

Respect Jamaica 50 - JAMAICA TAKES OVER THE O2 TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

This summer, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Jamaican Independence, The O2 and its multiple venues including indigO2, will be transformed into a Caribbean oasis as over 50 artists take to the stage as part of Respect Jamaica 50.


The two week extravaganza, from July 25 to August 6, will include a multitude of legendary Jamaican singers, DJs, writers, comedians, actors and poets from Damian Marley and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry to Shaggy and Jimmy Cliff showcasing the cultural depth and diversity of this esteemed nation. Supported by the Jamaican Government, Respect Jamaica 50 will add a sprinkling of Caribbean flavour to what’s set to be a great summer for Jamaica!


Tickets are available through www.aeglive.co.uk

Jamie Oliver presents The Big Feastival with Alex James on 1-2 September 2012

Jamie Oliver presents The Big Feastival with Alex James taking place on September 1st and 2nd at Alex’s farm in Kingham, Oxfordshire.

Music by Paloma Faith, Texas, Noisettes, Razorlight, Gaz Coombes, Guillemots, Sister Sledge, Producers and The Cuban Brothers will be paired with cooking demos from Jamie Oliver, Theo Randall, Simon Rogan, Bruno Loubet and Alex James.

Celebrating three of the things closest to both Jamie and Alex’s hearts – food, music and family – in order to raise funds and awareness for The Jamie Oliver Foundation, The Big Feastival promises to be a boutique festival experience in a picturesque English countryside location just 90 mins from London.

Two days of tasty grub, awesome music performances, a chilled out vibe and general all-round, family-friendly, fantastic entertainment.

Tickets are available now from: www.thebigfeastival.com

Carnaby launches Carnabingo - meet, eat and tweet in Carnaby to win prizes

Eat around the world with the wide choice of international cuisines in Carnaby. There’s everything from fine English fare, fragrant and spicy Thai, Chinese and Malaysian, Spanish, French, Italian and excellent burger joints too. These are alongside plenty of traditional pubs, wine and cocktail bars to let your hair down in, with a choice to suit every budget. To celebrate the diverse food and drink offer, Carnaby launches the Carnabingo game.

How to play… People can pick up the promotional Carnabingo card in one of the 16 participating Carnaby bars, restaurants and cafés, or download a copy at carnaby.co.uk and get snap happy with their smartphone.

•         Order one of the recommendations on the Carnabingo card such as pie and mash at Mother Mash or a glass of wine at Antidote.

•         Take a snap of the dish or drink on their smart phone

•         Tweet it to @CarnabyLondon using the hashtag #carnabingo

•         Once they have tweeted four venues in a row (downwards, upwards or diagonal on the card), tweet @CarnabyLondon #carnabingo #4inarow to win a prize.  Prizes include a Carnaby £50 goodie bag, lunch for 2, or a coffee school lesson at Speakeasy.

Complete the WHOLE card, and tweet @CarnabyLondon #carnabingo #fullhouse to be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury prize including a night in the Soho Sanctum Hotel and dinner for two.

Participating venues:
Carnaby Burger Co – Posh fries - @CarnabyBurgerCo
The Diner – Diablo burger - @DinerSoho
Sacred – A flat white
Antidote – A glass of wine
Speakeasy – A milk coffee - @SpeakeasyW1
Aint Nothing But – A pint of beer - @AintNothinBut1
Zebrano – A mojito - @ZebranoBars
Kua Aina – ½ pound bacon avocado burger - @KuaAinaUK
Fornata – Pasta Casereccia - @Fornata
The White Horse – Fish and chips - @Whitehorsesoho
Cinnamon Soho – Bangla scotch egg - @cinnamonsoho
Tapas Brindisa Soho – Tortilla - @Brindisa
Flat Planet – El Diablo flatbread - @flatplanetHQ
Mother Mash – Pie and mash - @MotherMash
Cha Cha Moon – Singapore noodles - @thechachamoon
Soho Sanctum Hotel – Dorset Scallops - @SanctumSoho

Players can share their recommendations and memories on @CarnabyLondon.
The promotion runs from 1st – 30th June 2012. All tweets must be received by 30th June.
For full terms and conditions go to www.carnaby.co.uk  and keep updated by following @carnabylondon on twitter.

Searching for Competitive Cooking Couples for Prime Time Food Series for Sky 1

Are you a passionate amateur cook?

Do you want to make money from your culinary skills?
Would you like the opportunity to put your food product or recipe on the market?

Splash Media is currently looking for competitive cooking couples (friends/partners/colleagues/relatives) to take part in a primetime food series with Gizzi Erskine for Sky 1.

If you love to cook and fancy making some money out of your skill then now is the time. Whether you make the best cupcakes or your family can’t get enough of your homemade stew, this really could be the opportunity of a lifetime to turn your homemade cooking into a profitable business. 

We’re looking for people with a flair for cooking who’ve also got a business brain. To find out more or apply please call             0207 255 5401       or e-mail on poonamodedra@splashmediatv.co.uk 


 (Applicants must be over 18 and available for 2-3 days filming between April and July)

GEFILTEFEST JEWISH FOOD FESTIVAL - Sunday May 20th at London's Ivy House

The third annual Gefiltefest Jewish Food Festival will be held on Sunday May 20th 2012 at London's Ivy House (appropriately the former home of the dancer Anna Pavlova).

The festival is a full day of more than fifty food demonstrations, lectures and workshops.  

Claudia Roden will be interviewed at the festival and there will be plenty of food to taste. More information at www.gefiltefest.org. All profits from the event are donated to food-related charities.

CELEBRITY CHEF LEVI ROOTS COOKS UP A RECIPE FOR CHANGE TO LAUNCH WORLD FOOD NIGHT

Celebrity chef Levi Roots is urging people everywhere to cook up a recipe for change and take part in the first ever World Food Night.

The food-lovers’ celebration will take place on February 24th and will see people across the UK cooking up delicious food from around the world in support of refugees.

A pack full of recipe ideas from countries like Eritrea and Bolivia, tips and giveaways will be sent to participants as part of the initiative, which is in support of the charity Refugee Action.

There will be top prizes for people who raise the most money, including the chance to enjoy a meal from Levi’s London eatery Papine.

Levi, who has voiced a film in support of World Food Night, said: “World Food Night is a great opportunity to share a meal with friends while raising awareness and funds for a great cause. Food can cross boundaries of culture and nationality, but it can also help people retain their culture. Many refugees have fled war and persecution but give a lot back to the UK. I would encourage anyone to hold a dinner party, learn more about refugee issues and cook up a recipe for change!”

Levi wanted to get behind the World Food Night initiative after he came to the UK as a young man from Jamaica and experienced how difficult it can be to adapt to a new culture.

He said: “For me, food has always been a key part of maintaining my own culture and it is a great way to break down barriers while having some fun!”

The fundraiser comes hot on the heels of the British Future State of the Nation Report 2012 entitled ‘Hopes and Fears’ which revealed that 68 per cent of people think immigration has been good for British food, with people from the West Midlands the most enthusiastic about the diverse food which is now available.  

Dave Garratt, Chief Executive of Refugee Action, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Levi Roots and already have lots of people signing up to support refugees through World Food Night. We work with people who have fled war and persecution and need protection. But refugees also have an enormous amount to give back to the UK, including through food and culture. Most of us love to try new foods and World Food Night is a chance to do just that, while raising awareness and cooking up a recipe for change!”

To get your fundraising pack and watch Levi’s film you can visit www.refugee-action.org.uk/wfn. To find out what other people are planning you can follow Refugee Action on Twitter at http://twitter.com/refugeeaction and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/RefugeeAction.

Share a Whole Lamb at A La Cruz Winter Supper Club on 1 February 2012

A whole lamb – cordero entero – is the celebration feast of feasts in Argentina. For the first time, A La Cruz in Farringdon, London EC1, will host its lamb supper club on Wednesday 1 February 7.30pm – and you are welcome to come by yourself or with a couple of guests. Slow cooked on the asador, the lamb is supported on metal crosses, a la cruz. Some four hours later, the lamb is crisp and meltingly succulent, and is ceremoniously carved by the host to share with the party. Until now, only guests of the owners and bigger groups have enjoyed the privilege of this spectacular dinner.

Tickets at £40 are available from A La Cruz, 42 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 0HU. Tube: Farringdon, Angel, 10 minutes walk.
Telephone 020 7837 1999
eat@alacruz.com

Cordero Entero Menu

1 February 2012

Plate of 3 starters

Empanada: Argentine style filled pastries beef, spinach & ricotta

Provoleta: Grilled provolone cheese and crusty toasted bread

Mollejas: Grilled beef sweetbreads with lemon juice

Taster of beef fillet from the charcoal grill

Cordero Entero a la cruz: Whole lamb on the asador

Sauces: Chimichurri, and yoghurt & mint

Espinacas a la crema: Creamy spinach

Asadas a la sal: Rock salt baked baby potatoes

Salads with palm hearts, beetroot, beans, tomatoes, free-range egg

Panqueques: Traditional Argentine pancakes filled with dulce de leche

Septima wines will be specially selected to match and available to buy by the glass or bottle.


Along with other landmark restaurants in the vicinity - Smith’s of Smithfield and St John – A La Cruz is an essential destination in the meat trail which has established itself near Smithfield Market. Meat at A La Cruz is sourced from some of the premium farms in Argentina, and meat fans will take great delight in enjoying tender, flavoursome Ribeye, Sirloin and Rump steak, perfectly pink lamb, chorizo and chistorra sausages, morcilla grilled pork black pudding and mollejas beef sweetbreads. Starters include many dishes which will please vegetarians.

Whilst it is hard to take your eyes off the spectacular open Grill area, you will not miss the bold artwork of Turner shortlisted artist David Tremlett. His wall drawings adorn the large, bright dining room. Regular fans of A La Cruz feasting include The Meat Club and the Saracens Rugby team.

Tastecard - Is it all it's cracked up to be???

I have been kindly asked to delete this post by Tastecard's lawyers. I regret having to do so.

If you have had a positive or negative experience with Tastecard, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Cafédirect is giving away a £500 gourmet experience - Ethical hot drinks brand is searching for the perfect pairing of coffee and dessert

For everyone addicted to the Great British Bake Off or who fancies their chances on Come Dine with Me, Cafédirect could have the perfect foodie competition.

The ethical hot drinks brand is challenging Britain to create the perfect dessert recipe to pair with a cup of coffee for the chance to win £500 worth of vouchers for gourmet London cooking school L’atelier des Chefs.  The winning recipe will also star in Cafédirect’s limited edition Coffee and Dessert Matching Cookbook.

Just as different wines have distinctive regional characteristics depending on elements such as the soil, climate and altitude, so the same is true for coffee grown in different locations across the world.  Wine is often matched with food by sommeliers to enhance the flavours of both – and Cafédirect is encouraging the public to explore coffee in the same way.

It is pioneering a unique coffee matching experiment, asking coffee lovers everywhere to pair their award-winning single origin coffees with desserts to create a whole new after-dinner experience.

All people need to do to win is to submit an original dessert recipe to match with one of Cafédirect’s single origin coffees*.

Theirry Akroman, Cafédirect’s own coffee connoisseur, notes: “Choose from the citrusy notes of Kilimanjaro or the vanilla hints of Mayan Palenque, the rich chocolate undertones of Machu Picchu or the sweet spiciness of Cloud Forest – or enter one for each! Whether it’s a simple lemon tart or a sumptuous chocolate roulade we’re looking for the best flavour match with their chosen Cafédirect coffee.”

The winner will receive £500 to spend at the famous London cookery school L’atelier des Chefs, which has a host of courses to inspire any foodie, from the novice who’s never picked up a rolling pin to the seasoned pastry chef. The winner’s recipe will also become part of a limited edition Coffee and Dessert Matching Cookbook, which will also feature the top 16 desserts and coffee combinations as picked by the discerning panel of judges.

Plus the winner will also get travel and a night’s accommodation in London for two.

Visit www.facebook.com/cafedirect <http://www.facebook.com/cafedirect> for tasting notes and tips from Thierry on what flavours match each coffee and to enter your recipe.

Closing date is midnight, 25th November 2011.  All entrants must be 18 or over.  For more details, to submit your recipe and for terms and conditions please visit: www.facebook.com/cafedirect

The Long Table Launching on 25th November 2011 - Outdoor Night Food Market in Dalston

The Long Table, a collaboration between The Bootstrap Company, who brought you the Dalston Roof Park, and The Loft Project launches on 25th November 2011.

They have joined forces with some of London's most innovative street food vendors and restaurants to bring you London's first outdoor night food market in a disused space in Dalston.

Hawksmoor, Moro, Big Apple Hot Dogs, Fin and Flounder Oyster Bar are all on board, as well as a host of other street vendors including Yum Buns, Yam The Cassava, Donut Girl, The Rotisserie Company. Last but not least, The Loft Project stall will be showcasing one of Nuno's signature dishes with a street food twist.

With British weather conditions taken into consideration, the night market is covered and there is a central banquet-style table, The Long Table, where eaters are invited to collectively feast on their market finds.

Launching on the 25th November, The Long Table will be open from 6pm until 12am every Friday night up until Christmas.

Follow the sound of live music, sensational smelling food and animated conversation and you'll find The Long Table in the heart of Dalston next Friday night.

The Long Table, Abbot Street, Dalston, E8 2DL.

London Cocktail Week – 7th to 16th October 2011

A unique celebration of the capital's unrivalled cocktail culture

Like no other place, London's drinking scene articulates our modern golden age of cocktails - and throughout the week, over one hundred of the city's best bars will be throwing open their doors for our brilliant Cocktail Tours. Each bar involved will serve their own bespoke London Cocktail Week drink available at a reduced-price for those wearing a London Cocktail Week wristband.

Free transportation around the city will also be provided with dedicated London buses running every night of the week - plus master classes, tastings and parties are happening all over town - time to Drink Up London!

For more information, visit their website on www.diffordsguide.com/london-cocktail-week.

Oktoberfest at The Botanist Brewery and Kitchen - FREE TASTING SESSIONS

Each Thursday throughout October, The Botanist Brewery and Kitchen's master brewer Mark Wainwright will be hosting tasting sessions in their micro-brewery and talking about how he produces a unique range of craft beers and ales in-house.

Tastings will be on offer between 5.00pm and 8.00pm on October 6th  October 13th  October 20th and October 27th providing the opportunity to discover some original styles and twists on traditional seasonal, bespoke brews.

The sessions are free of charge however numbers are limited. Please call 020 8948 4838, email enquiries@botanistbreweryandkitchen.com or speak to a member of staff to book your place.

The Botanist Brewery and Kitchen

3-5 Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AA

Website: http://thebotanistkew.com/

Twitter: @_thebotanist

London Restaurant Festival - 3rd to 17th October 2011

The London Restaurant Festival is a citywide celebration of eating out, designed to raise the profile of restaurants involved and increase covers. The Festival, created by restaurant critic Fay Maschler and her business partner Simon Davis, was launched in 2009. With the help of key partners, in its first year the Festival saw some 400 restaurants from across the capital running special, fixed-price Festival Menus, with about 10,000 meals being enjoyed by Londoners and visitors. Building on the awareness generated by a very successful inaugural Festival, 2010 saw nearly 600 restaurants serve up 30,000 covers as well as the likes of Alain Roux and Raymond Blanc joining culinary forces with Claude Bosi and Bruno Loubet respectively in unique, specially created events. During this time, the city’s restaurateurs work together to offer food lovers the chance to explore some of the capital’s finest cooking – from its high-profile Michelin-starred restaurants to coveted neighbourhood bistros.

The London Restaurant Festival comprises two main elements: Festival Menus and Festival Events. Attractively priced Festival Menus, designed to showcase a restaurant’s individuality and cooking style, are the bedrock of the annual celebration and the means to increase revenue for the participating establishments.

Unlike other Festivals, the London Restaurant Festival is not a singular, one-location event for which a single ticket can be purchased. It is an umbrella festival under which a host of activity and individual events take place.

For more information, visit the website on www.londonrestaurantfestival.com.

New Channel 4 TV show wants to hear your funniest Christmas dinner disasters!

In a seasonal food special, Jamie Oliver will tackle the nation’s most common yuletide blunders to guarantee a stress-free Christmas.

Christmas dinner can often be a recipe for disaster. Botched Brussels, dropped desserts, scorched birds, food poisoned in-laws... most of us have had our share of kitchen calamities at Christmas!

Whatever the mishap, from the funny to the tragic, and the stressful to the very familiar – we want to hear your stories. And Jamie will help guide us through the worst of it, plying us with tips and tricks and lots of laughs along the way. 

Tell us all about your funny festive flops for the chance to star in the show…

Email your story and contact details to: christmas2011@freshone.tv

Call on: 020 3375 5127 / 5099

Real Food Harvest Festival - 23rd to 25th September 2011 at the South Bank (FREE Event)

London’s The Real Food Festival, held each May in Earls Court, introduces The Real Food Harvest Festival, an all-new FREE event celebrating British autumnal produce.

The Southbank Centre will play host to the first Real Food Harvest Festival from 23rd – 25th September 2011. Bringing around 120 producers, a top line-up of chefs, livestock and entertainment to an expected 50,000 people. The Real Food Harvest Festival offers a great opportunity to taste and buy the best the UK has to offer, at this exceptional time of the year.

Founder of Real Food Festivals Philip Lowery commented, “Autumn is an exciting time to be staging a food festival and to be able to bring the best of what we do in Earls Court to such a wonderful outdoor setting is a real bonus. Harvest Festivals are celebrated throughout the British countryside and we really want to bring that energy and celebration to the capital and continue our goal of reconnecting people back to where their food comes from. We are also delighted that we can create a free Festival for Londoners”

Since Pagan times in Britain harvest festivals have taken place at the end of September when the full moon nearest to the autumn equinox falls – the harvest moon. It is a festival of feasting, merriment and romance. With this in mind The Real Food Harvest Festival will be much more than just a food market. There will be livestock, taste workshops and loads of interactive activities for kids (and their parents too…) including butter-making, bread kneading and even butchery classes.

With plenty to eat and drink while you are there and all sorts of music and street theatre, the Real Food Harvest Festival offers a great day out for all the family.

For more information, visit the website: http://www.realfoodfestival.co.uk/home

A SWEDISH CHRISTMAS COMES TO HARRODS

The innovative and unusual flavours of Sweden arrive in London on 3 October 2011

This winter, Harrods is launching an exclusive range of Swedish products, many of which will be completely new to the UK.  The array of Swedish treats will be available from 3 October 2011 up until Christmas, with limited edition Swedish dishes also on the menu at the Sea Grill restaurant.

One of Europe’s up and coming food destinations, Sweden is known for its unique and diverse set of pure natural ingredients, including berries, seafood and game. The delicious range available in the Food Halls includes Almnäs Tegel, a delicious mature cheese, Kalix Löjrom, caviar from the tiny whitefish living in the Gulf of Bothnia and an organic lingonberry jam.

For those who want to try some of the ingredients in action, the Sea Grill will also be serving two dishes created by Alexander Meier, the head chef at Swedish Lapland’s renowned ICEHOTEL between 3 and 19 October 2011. An innovative take on traditional Swedish food, the dishes will be Arctic char with dill butter, asparagus and morel cassolette, fried cherry tomatoes and assorted crayfish and King crab mousseline with candied tomatoes, clams, lingonberry vinaigrette and autumn salad.

To taste these gorgeous ingredients and recipes in their native environment, fly direct to the ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland this winter with the experts Discover the World (www.discover-the-world.co.uk/icehotel), three night trips from £1,093 per person.

Patara Restaurants Celebrates The Oyster Festival

Fine-dining Thai restaurant Patara has collaborated with Maldon Oysters to celebrate the Oyster Festival with two new oyster dishes on its menu, which will be available at all four Patara restaurants in London throughout October and November 2011.

Patara’s chefs have created two new oyster dishes, combining traditional Thai cuisine with excellent seasonal produce from Maldon Oysters. The Rock Oysters (Three: £5.50; Six: £9.50) will be presented in two ways – raw and cooked, in the following styles:

Maldon Rock Oysters with mint, coriander, lemongrass, Thai vinaigrette, lemon and crisp shallots.

Maldon Rock Oysters deep-fried in soda batter served in its shell with bean-sprout and chilli sauce.

Champagnes by the bottle available to enjoy with the oysters include Moutard Brut Reserve (£35.80); Laurent Perrier Brut (£56.20); Veuve Cliquot Rosé (£66.40); Moet et Chandon (£148.10).

About Maldon Oysters

The Maldon Oyster and Seafood Company, established in 1960, is now one of the largest producers of Pacific oysters in the UK, with 3,500 acres of the River Blackwater under its management. All Maldon oysters are cleansed in water that passes through an ultraviolet filter system to kill any bacteria that may have been present at time of harvest. This process is monitored by the local health authority and DEFRA. www.maldonoyster.com

About Patara

The Patara restaurant group has been creating contemporary fine Thai cuisine for over twenty years and has four branches in London and a further five worldwide in Singapore, Vienna, Geneva, Beijing and Bangkok. Patara’s London venues are run by Saipin Lee, recently named alongside Nigella Lawson, Ruth Rogers and Angela Hartnett in the ‘Women 1st Top 100 Most Influential Women’ listing for 2011.

www.patarathailand.com/london