AS SOMEONE who loves food, and festivals, it’s not often I get the chance to indulge in my two passions at the same time — let alone in a beautiful outdoor setting being warmed by the summer sun. For those with similar interests, who don’t think eating a day old hotdog in a far flung field of Somerset at a music festival really fits the bill, the Taste of London festival offers the perfect alternative.
For four days in June, Regent’s Park is transformed into a haven for everyone from your refined gourmands through to your everyday epicures. Or just those who love to eat, drink and appreciate food.
Packed with produce
The annual festival offers the opportunity to sample products and produce from over 200 global producers, as well as the chance to taste food from 40 of London’s top restaurants — the ones usually packed to the brim with visiting celebrities or featuring lines out the door. Taste Festival is your opportunity to dine like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis at newcomers Duck & Waffle, partake in some Peruvian from Lima and enjoy the gastronomic delights of Gaucho, Le Gavroche or Tamarind, all in the no fuss atmosphere of an outdoor park.
For its 10th anniversary the festival will also host a series of culinary exclusives, including three generations of the Roux dynasty — Albert Roux, Michael Roux Jr and Emily Roux. Plus, with other options such as interactive cooking demonstrations at the Electroux Chefs’ Secrets and a Masterclass from Laurent Perrier, it’s looking like the best line-up yet for the London hosting of this international festival.
Fire up the barbie!
And, for those Australians missing their summer barbies, this year’s festival holds something extra special — BBQ enthusiasts are being invited to go head-to-head to provide their grilling credentials in a BBQ Challenge, for the chance to be crowned the 2013 BBQ Champion. Ten finalists will battle it our live at the Weber BBQ Experience on 22 June, with a panel of judges to choose the BBQ’er extrodinaire. For the change to enter go to the Taste Festival website and tell them what makes you the ultimate BBQ champion.
Taste of London festival is from 20 to 23 June at Regent’s Park. Tickets are available from tastefestivals.com/London.
