The countdown is on for Genesis Crafty, local producer based in Magherafelt, County Derry, as it prepares to showcase its award-winning bakes at the BBC Good Food Show on its return to Belfast Waterfront next weekend, 10-12 November 2017.
Genesis Crafty is a family run business originating from six brothers who had a passion for baking. Today, over 220 people work out of the Magherafelt bakery their parents, Joe and Roberta McErlain, founded in 1968, making Genesis Crafty goods as well as own-label ranges for major names such as Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Waitrose and Brakes.
The home-grown brand join a great range Northern Ireland’s very best producers of food & drink exhibiting at the show, as well as top celebrity chefs and experts, including BBC’s The Big Family Cooking Showdown presenter, Nadiya Hussain, The Hairy Bikers, Michelin-star chef Michel Roux and MasterChef’s John Torode.
The weekend will be full to the brim with demonstrations, tastings, chef interviews, book signings and more. Here is a taster of what’s on;
The Big Kitchen
This unique theatre experience will bring guests closer to the celebrity and expert chefs who will be cooking up a storm and uncovering top tips for warming autumnal foods. Watch the top chefs and experts bring recipes to life, live on stage. A Big Kitchen seat is included within the ticket price.
Eat like a Local
BBC Good Food’s unique ‘Eat like a Local’ demonstrations will also take place in the Big Kitchen theatre. These sessions will showcase home grown talent using the best of Northern Ireland’s produce to create inspirational dishes. Local chefs will include Stephen Toman, part owner and chef at Michelin star restaurant, OX, Stephen Jeffers restaurateur and owner of Forestside Cookery School and Chris Magowan, Michelin star trained chef from Wine and Brine, Moira. Eat Like a Local is a free additional session available to add to booking.
The BBC Good Food Stage
After watching the chefs create mouth-watering recipes live on stage, the BBC Good Food Stage is the place for visitors to go get culinary queries answered as Good Food’s Editor-at-large Barney Desmazery, invites questions from the audience and chefs reveal the secrets of their success. The BBC Good Food Stage is a free interview stage on the show floor.
The Tasting Theatre
Guests can taste and learn from the experts at the Taste the Greatness Experience presented by Discover Northern Ireland and hosted by Northern Ireland’s Paula McIntyre. Experts including local restauranteurs, producers and Great Taste winners will talk through the produce and the region they derive from, whilst guests sample a selection of Northern Ireland’s food and drink. Sessions are priced at £4.
The Whisky Blending Lab
New for 2017, The Whisky Lounge will be hosting whisky blending workshops throughout the Show. Visitors will be able to taste and learn about classic whiskies before creating their own blend to bottle and take home. Sessions are priced at £10.
Eating & Shopping
Entertainment and inspiration aside, a visit to the Show offers a range of tasty eating and drinking options throughout the weekend including the Good Food’s own Pop-Up restaurant, and new this year, street food vendors Linen Hill Kitchen & Deli, Pheasant Hill Farm, The Fancy Fox and Broughgammon Farm join the show offering locally sourced food-to-go.
Visitors can also browse, sample, chat and buy from local producers at The Producers’ Village and The Food NI Pavilion or get great deals from big name cookery brands.
Commenting on this year’s event, Rachel Poletti-Gadd, Show Director for the BBC Good Food Show, said: ‘Following the success of last year’s event, we are pleased and excited to bring the BBC Good Food Show back to Belfast this November. Northern Ireland is home to many unique cooking styles, cuisines, traditions and recipes, and the culture of the region is personified in its signature foods and dishes.’
‘This year’s show is set to be bigger, better and more comfortable than last year’s and, once again, we have an impressive list of talent and exhibitors on board who are just as excited to share this experience as we are.’
Commenting on Food NI’s involvement in the Show, Lindsay Curran at Food NI, said: ‘For the second year running, Food NI’s involvement in the BBC Good Food Show celebrates the award winning ingredients and innovative producers that Northern Ireland yields. The reputation of Northern Irish food and drink is rising year on year, and the opportunity provided by events like the Good Food Show means we can showcase the best of local cuisine to a national audience.’
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