With plans for the last Eat Drink and Be Local Seafront this Sunday, 1 September, all mapped out and a fair forecast on the cards, the committee and I are beavering away behind the scenes to plan for the week long food festival that will be with us before we know it at the end of September.
The 7 day celebration of all things food and drink in Guernsey starts on Monday 23 September and runs through to Sunday 29 September.
Monday to Friday will see a fantastic selection of events, held at various venues across the Island, all with a food and drink theme.
Saturday and Sunday will see the weekend finale to the Food Festival Week, held on Crown Pier. I shall revisit the plans for the two-day festival at a later date, as in this piece I want to cover the amazing events planned for midweek.
On Monday (23rd), Wednesday (25th)and Thursday (26th), we have The Petit Train Food and Drink Safari! A never been done before event, the itinerary is as follows:
1830– Depart Train Station, Albert Pier
Arrive Octopus restaurant and Bar for Herm Oyster Tasting & Fizz
1905– Depart Octopus for next destination
Arrive at Balthazar for Tapas, wine and a cocktail masterclass
1940– Depart Balthazar for next destination
Arrive at The Old Government House for local gin tasting and tasters from their renowned Curry Room
2015– Depart the Old Government House for next Destination
Arrive at The Slaughterhouse for a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and 2 scoops of their famous Vanilla & White Oreo home-made ice cream
Depart 2045 to finish the safari at 2100.
On the Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday, Rocquette Cider are holding guided toursof the orchards and cider works, followed by a tasting of cider, cheese and chutneys all made on the farm.
To celebrate the Eat Drink and Be Local 2019 Guernsey Food Festival The Farmhouse are serving their unique Rocquette Cider Menu throughout the Food Festival week. So why not enjoy a Special Food Festival Cider Lunch at the Farmhouse after the tour! Also available every evening during Food festival week.
On Tuesday and Thursday Wallow Farm are holdingFarm and Charcuterie Tastingtours; an opportunity to earn all about their pedigree breeding cycle, what it takes to make a good charcuterie pig, some history of the Oxford, Sandy and Black rare breed and an insight into a day in the life of a Wallow pig.
At the end of the tour, enjoy a tasting platter of salamis, whole muscle cuts and some of our cooked products, eaten rustic style in the fields at the farm.
On Tuesday, (afternoon and evening) especially for Food Festival Week, Tours of Guernsey in association with The Liberation Group are offering a chance to celebrate local food as you are led on a guided tour through the streets of St Peter Port.
Stopping off at four local Brewery establishments you will hear about the rich and interesting history of both the town and the island and sample the best of local fare.
A soft drink will be included at each stop, this can be exchanged for a locally produced alcoholic beverage at two of the establishments and vegetarian requirements to be advised when booking.
And on Friday Herm Oysters are holding a farm tour in Herm.
The Oyster Farm Tour begins with a short journey from St Peter Port on Herm Travel Trident. We will meet on the farm at 1300h and start with some introductory information about the farm and what you will be seeing during the tour.
We will discuss aquaculture and the mechanics or the farm, including the uniqueness of the Guernsey oyster industry. The tour takes about one hour and is held rain or shine.
Prepare to get wet feet and bring appropriate footwear or go barefoot!
Tastings take place immediately following the tour and include one glass of sparkling wine and three oysters per person.
To Book any of these events, and support our wonderful local artisan producers please see the EDABL Guernsey Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EDABLgsy
Or the dedicated food festival page on the Visit Guernsey website:
https://www.visitguernsey.com/see-and-do/events-festivals/eat-drink-and-be-local-food-festival-week/
Charlotte Dickson, EDABL, Guernsey
