Photo of
August 5, 2013
[Blue skies have been ordered for Foodies Festival in Edinburgh][1]
Blue skies have been ordered for Foodies Festival in Edinburgh

This weekend, Edinburgh’s Inverleith Park is once again playing host to Foodies Festival.

Taking place for three days from Friday, the popular event has become a firm fixture on the food lover’s calendar since it launched in 2007.

At its heart is the Chef’s Theatre where some of Scotland’s top kitchen magicians will be working their skills in front of the crowds.

Those taking part this year include Michelin-starred Jeff Bland from The Balmoral Hotel; Craig Sandle of The Pompadour by Galvin; Great British Menu contestant Mark Greenaway;  Mattia Camorani of Cucina at Hotel Missoni; Neil Forbes of Cafe St Honoré; Graeme Pallisterof 63 Tay St; Paul Wedgwood of Wedgwood, the Restaurant; Iggy Campos of Iggs and John Quigley of Red Onion.

The theatre will be compered over the three days by Foodies veteran Jacqueline O’Donnell of The Sisters in Glasgow.

[Gyles Brandreth is among the celebs rattling the pans][10]
Gyles Brandreth is among the celebs rattling the pans

Comedy cooking

As well as culinary lessons from the experts, Fringe Festival acts Gyles Brandreth and Stephen K Amos will be donning chef hats and giving comedy cooking demonstrations.

Keeping with the comedy-theme, chef Mark Greenaway is hosting a comedy cook-off in the Chefs’ Theatre. Two pairs of Fringe comedians will attempt to re-create a dish he prepares for them in front of the audience.

Man Vs Food

The specially-designed BBQ Arena will feature hourly BBQ classes and Man Vs Meat competitions where contestants cook their own chicken wings, ribs, sausages and burgers, and are then given one minute to eat as much of it as possible.

There is also a Wine Village and a new market section called Homeware Village which offers visitors the chance to shop for kitchenware and gadgets.

New VIP area

In 2013, food-lovers can enjoy the new dining and VIP area serving signature dishes from pop-up versions of top Scottish restaurants.  There will also be a wide variety of tent and pagoda bars throughout the site selling cocktails, wine and champagne.

Of course, there will also be drinks master classes in the Drinks Theatre and the extensive Producers’ Market will be selling a vast array of artisan goodies from local producers.

Street food

Introduced last year, the Street Food Avenue is returning.  In 2013, Edinburgh crowds can tuck into hog roasts, exotic meats, tapas, churros, burritos, Moroccan tagines, South American prime beef, sausages, pizza, Jamaican and Thai street food.

The Children’s Cookery Theatre, run by Edinburgh-based cookery school Chocolate Mama’s, gives youngsters the chance to get involved with hands-on classes showing them how to make a Bulgarian breakfast sandwich, Italian pizzas, Greek cuisine including feta salads and Spanish banana empanadas.

The entertainment stage features live music acts performing every day until 8pm.

Foodies runs from Fri 9th-Sun 11th August.

Tickets cost from £12 for a day ticket. Over on the Big Deal site, you can buy two tickets with show guides for £15.

[There will be no need to feel peckish at Foodies][12]
There will be no need to feel peckish at Foodies