Novelli and Nairn top foodie fest bill
chefs, POAP will feature a full programme of demonstrations each day by local chefs and food experts.
“As well as the Cookery Theatre, brilliantly staffed by students from Perth College UHI Hospitality Department, we will have an adjacent Food Pavilion where local producers can showcase and sell their individual lines,” said Vicki.
“Perthshire can boast a wide variety of top names from major producers to small artisan operations and they will feature alongside fledgling and evolving businesses.”
POAP 2017 will also focus on the diverse communities and their culinary cultures which make up Perthshire’s broad food offering.
She added: “We hope to encourage relevant local businesses to host stands featuring their native foods and drinks which are incredibly popular throughout Perthshire.
“This could include stands from Polish, Chinese and Indian communities bringing an international flavour to the whole food festival.”
POAP, supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), will again feature the popular ‘pop-up restaurants’ area where local eateries offer bitesized samples of their typical menu favourites.
And workshops are being planned where small groups can get a handson experience in some aspect of the local food and drink sector.
Last year two of the producers showcased at POAP secured overseas contracts and Vicki emphasised the benefits of joining in the foodie fun.
“Stands cost only £100 for the two days and it’s a very cost-effective way to bring your produce, restaurant or talent to the attention of a captive 10,000-plus audience passing through the showground.”
Looking forward to his guest appearance at POAP on the Friday, Jean Christophe Novelli said: “It’s always a great thrill for me to visit Scotland and I’m so looking forward to my first-ever trip to Perth.
“Taking part in Perthshire On A Plate will be a real pleasure. Perthshire has a wealth of wonderful produce and I hope to create dishes that will delight and inspire using the finest local ingredients. And all with a little French twist!”
Jean-Christophe said he was also looking forward to meeting the talented local chefs and hardworking producers at the event and taking time to wander around Perth Show, which has been at the heart of the local agricultural community for more than 150 years.
“The Scots and the French have always enjoyed a special relationship and I look forward to strengthening the Auld Alliance bonds with the people of Perthshire and the many visitors to Perth Show,” he said.
“And to stay in a chateau (Knock Castle) is a real thrill. Perthshire On A Plate looks set to be a real highlight for me this year.”
Restaurateur and celebrity chef Nick Nairn– who will guest on the Saturday, sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland – said: “I am absolutely delighted to be part of this year’s Perthshire On A Plate, showcasing the fantastic produce the region has to offer.
“I am passionate about spreading the word about Scotland’s fabulous natural larder and will be cooking up recipes at the event which will enthuse festival-goers about the wonderful produce that surrounds them in Perthshire.
“Perthshire is obviously very close to my heart and I’m looking forward to meeting the farming community and the wealth of local food and drink producers who will be at the event.
“Perth Show has long been a mainstay on the local calendar and Perthshire On A Plate is a fabulous addition to the annual offering.
“It will also be great to chat with the Perth Show visitors and I look forward to being a part of the 2017 event.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the food festival should contact Perthshire Chamber of Commerce on 01738 448325 or Perth Show on 01738 623780.