Crail food festival promises to deliver a mouthwatering blend of food and drink, with some firm favourites returning to the festival and a host of new exhibitors including MasterChef The Professionals winner, Jamie Scott, there really will be something to whet everyone’s appetite.
The festival, now in its sixth year, sees the East Neuk village of Crail come to life with local food and drink producers showcasing Scotland’s wonderful larder.
With street food pop-ups, Ask the Chef tasting sessions, a chocolate larder, a children’s tea party, a producers market and a cookery theatre, it’s a great day out for the whole family.
The festival will kick off on the evening of Friday 10 June in the Crail Community Hall with a feast of food prepared by local lassies the East Neuk Cooks, award winning Crail Ale to quench the thirst, quizzing and live music by ‘The Shiverin Sheiks who combine a bombastic mix of rock’n’roll, country, gospel and 1950s pop.
Highlights include:
· Producers Market at Crail Community Hall (10.30 - 16.00 both days)
36 artisan stall holders will allow you to try before you buy some of the finest local cheese, chutneys, gins, and many more.
· Cookery Theatre at Crail Kirk Hall (10.30 – 16.00 both days)
If Saturday Kitchen Live is your thing, then grab a seat at one of Crail’s live cookery demonstrations. Seating 90, it’s first come first served at the Kirk Hall to see and hear from some of Fife’s finest chefs share their cookery tips.
· Ask to Chef Tasting Sessions at Crail Legion Hall (11.00 – 16.00 both days)
These informal sit-downs will allow festivalgoers to talk to and learn from local chefs, food writers and producers and taste their dishes.
· The Chocolate Larder at Marketgate (10.30 – 16.00 both days)
Iain Burnett The Highland Chocolatier has gathered together some of Scotland’s finest chocolatiers so that visitors can talk to the makers, taste their sample boards and buy some truly artisan Scottish chocolate.
· Children’s Tea Party at The Marine Hotel (11.00 – 16.00 both days)
A parents’ pit stop for young (and old) legs to have some refreshments, listen to stories, have play or just relax while parents have a refreshing cup of team between venues.
· Eat, Drink and be Merry on Marketgate (Saturday 11.30 – 15.00, Sunday 10.30 – 15.00)
A wonderful collection of food and drink will be on offer on the Maketgate to enable visitors to sit and relax, listen to acoustic music while sampling fish tacos, meatball wraps, Penman pies and much more.
On the Saturday evening a Festival Dinner will be held at the Crail Kirk Hall where Justin Maule, a classically trained chef will be serving, amongst other things, roast pork chop, shallot crowdie and a marmalade ice-cream, created specially for the festival. The dinner is a celebration of all things Scottish and will include cocktails, entertainment and more.
Come back for more on Sunday with the Sunday Lunch being served (from 10.30 – 16.00) at the iconic Crail Harbour, where street food vendors and local producers will come together to host a massive picnic for visitors. Shellfish, smokies, ice cream, hog roast and vegetarian dishes will be served while you wait, all washed down with local craft beer or homemade lemonade.
Graham Anderson, the Event Manager said: “Fife provides a world class offering of food and drink and what better place to enjoy it but in the historic Royal Burgh of Crail, nestled in the East Neuk.
"Now in its sixth year the festival is gaining strength and popularity and we have a fantastic mix of homegrown produce on display over the weekend. I’d urge all foodies, music lovers and those looking for a great day out to come to Crail Food Festival, you won’t be disappointed!”
Crail Food Festival is supported by EventScotland, a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, and Fife Council. Paul Bush OBE said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Crail Food Festival through our National Programme. Graham and his team have once again developed a fantastic programme of events, showcasing the very best of the region’s local produce.
"It is also fitting that the festival is part of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design celebrations offering both locals and visitors a chance to explore some of the East Neuk’s rich architectural heritage as part of the event.”
• More information and to purchase tickets visit crailfoodfest.co.uk