Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival seeks business support for April 2011 'Spring Harvest'

It may be cold outside, but Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival organisers are already busy preparing for the spring harvest, putting together an exciting line up of foodie events for April 2011 and are calling for businesses to get involved now or they may miss out on some great opportunities.

“This spring we will be celebrating everything that is great about Sussex produce and our wonderful international Brighton food offer and we welcome everyone who wants to get involved, by holding events or sponsoring our main attractions which attract thousands of food and drink lovers,” said Nick Mosley, festival director.

This year, the festival will include the first ever city-wide Brighton & Hove Restaurant Week, inviting restaurants, cafés and gastropubs to offer diners ‘prix fixe’ menus which will be promoted through the food festival website and official brochure, with restaurants offering £10 lunch and £15 dinner menus; and cafés serving up a £5 deal. Food outlets wanting to get involved should register their interest at www.brightonfoodfestival.com.

The Brighton & Hove Foodie Awards will kick off and open for votes on the first day of the spring festival, April 1st at Hotel du Vin, with a British Beer Festival at Pub du Vin, following a hilarious chef’s pancake race in central Brighton.

Said Paula Seager, MD of Natural PR, which runs the Brighton & Hove Foodies: “We received over 5,000 votes for the best restaurants, food pubs, cafés and food shops in the city last year and we hope to attract even more support this year. The food outlets are fantastically supportive and competitive and we are looking for sponsors to help us make 2011 even more of a success – those who are interested should contact us through www.brightonfoodawards.com.”

Other events in planning include a Big Sussex Market in New Road, a Champagne and local sparkling wine festival, a Sussex gourmet food and drink trail (on a vintage bus!), the Live Food Show, a Food and Fashion day at Moshi Moshi and much more.

Continued Nick Mosley: “Our spring harvest event is growing in importance and as ever is an inclusive community event which provides fantastic consumer fun and creates a high profile business marketing opportunity, so we urge everyone who can to get involved.”

See www.brightonfoodfestival.com

Waiters Race launches Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival

Top Brighton & Hove restaurants kicked off the Brighton Food Festival with the first ever waiters race at Brighton Racecourse on Wednesday 1 September at the Fun & Foodie Race Day, commentated by Simon Holt.

Aziz Ziriat, aka HaHa Hooray, from HaHa Bar & Grill, took first place, closely followed by George Fernando, aka Hardings Hero, from Hardings Catering, with Mirco Mai, aka Italian Stalion, from Hotel du Vin, coming in third place. Runners up were New Pongpipattana Chai from Sabai Thai Gastrobar, Milo Keep from Terre a Terre and Helen Colekolek from Table.

Rosettes were presented to the winners by Deputy Mayor Anne Norman in the paddock, whilst festival-goers enjoyed delicious Sussex fare served at market stalls across the racecourse.

Moshi Moshi sake tasting evenings

Most people think that Japanese sake should be drunk warm, but real connoisseurs drink it cold. Learn how to appreciate this increasingly popular drink at one a tutored sake tastings at Moshi Moshi from 7pm on Sunday 5 or Sunday 19 September as part of the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival.

You'll get to try six different sake from the Akita region of North Japan, accompanied by zensai tapas plus a platter from the hot menu or an “omakase” selection of sushi or sashimi specially selected by Moshi’s Head Chef.

The Saké


Lady Chic (an undiluted genshu)

Namacho (a single-pasteurised honjozo)

Amakarapin (a junmai)

Fukurokuju Junmai

Minato Tsuchizaki (a yamahai futsu-shu)

Aki no Ta (a junmai ginjo)
Namacho (a single-pasteurised honjozo)



The Food


A selection of three zensai tapas
A choice of the following:
Omakase sushi platter, 
Omakase sashimi platter, 
Tempura platter
, Kushiage platter
 or Yakitori platter
A Dessert

Tickets are £35 or £30 for Moshi Moshi members (only 1 reduced ticket per card)

To book your seat please email Moshi Brighton info@moshibrighton.co.uk or phone 01273 719 195 with your booking and your choice of menu. The tasting will be of approximately 2 hours duration.

Moshi Moshi, The Opticon, Bartholomew Square, Brighton, BN1 3HB • www.moshibrighton.co.uk

Hotel du Vin announced Wine Tasting themes for September 2010

Brighton's Hotel du Vin has announced 18 wine tasting sessions during the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival this September. Following the festival's theme 'Taste the World', you can experience fine and unusual wines under the guidance of the experienced sommeliers.

Each session consists of 3-4 wines, lasts approximately 45 minutes, and is priced at just £10 per person.

For more information or to book in advance call Hotel du Vin on 01273 718 588

Wednesday 1st September
6.00pm Discover Spanish Wines
7.30pm Sparkling wines vs Champagne

Monday 6th September
6.00pm Chardonnay Style
7.30pm Unusual wines of the world

Wednesday 8th September
6.00pm Discover Sherry
7.30pm Expression of Sauvignon Blanc grape

Monday 13th September
6.00pm France vs USA
7.30pm Sweet and Fortified Wines

Wednesday 15th September
6.00pm Discover the Loire Valley
7.30pm A Tour of South America

Monday 20th September
6.00pm Languedoc Terroir full of surprise
7.30pm Expression of Shiraz grape

Wednesday 22nd September
6.00pm France vs England
7.30pm Old World vs New World

Monday 27th September
6.00pm Champagne vs Sparkling wines
7.30pm A Taste of Rose Wines

Wednesday 29th September
6.00pm Discover Spanish Wines
7.30pm Unusual Wines of the world

Food Festival 2010 launches at Brighton Racecourse

The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival teams up with Brighton Racecourse for a day of foodie fun and racing for all the family to enjoy: the Fun and Foodies Race Day from 12-6pm on Wednesday 1 September.

Tuck in to our local and unique produce market with food to sample and buy from Sussex and around the World. Watch demos from restaurants and producers on the Live Food Stage, and take a punt on the charity Waiters’ Race where top Brighton restaurants will battle it out with a half furlong sprint! You can take part in the public judging of the best hot food products as part of the National Chilli Awards.

There’s also plenty for the kids with a fun fair, a visit from Dr Who and the Daleks, and side stalls to fundraise for the Sparkles and Surprises complex special needs charity.

The Fun and Foodies Race Day is guaranteed to be a fantastic introduction to the 2010 food and drink festival - so join us and tuck in to a great day out!

Take advantage of an exclusive 2 for 1 entry deal with the voucher available in the official festival brochure (out now across the city) or online at http://www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk/horse-racing/fixture-details.php?detailId=127p. Under 16s go free!

My Gosh Marvelous!!

My Gosh Marvelous Vintage Cocktail Night confirmed for festival on Friday 24 September at the fabulously atmospheric Brighton Ballroom in Kemp Town Village.

Check out the video of a recent MGM night (and get excited!) at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LRE0qNGS7s&sns=tw

Get whisked back to the glamour of 1930s and 1940s Hollywood as the My Gosh Marvellous team relive the magic of movies and musicals. Enjoy classic drinks and luxuroius cocktails inspired by the silver screen to a 14 piece big band soundtrack, singers, dancers... including coochie girls and Fred & Ginger elegance. Guests are invited to dig out their top hats and ballgowns for an evening of decadent vintage fun!

From 8pm. £10 tickets in advance, now on sale, from www.brightonballroom.com
Brighton Ballroom, 83 St Georges Rd, Kemp Town Village, Brighton

Tesco Wine Fair comes to Brighton this September

The Tesco Wine Club Fair is coming to the Brighton Centre on the weekend of 11-12 September, bringing hundreds of wonderful wines and thousands of wine fans together once again. Through tastings, you'll have the opportunity to compare and contrast different varieties and styles, and there'll be experts are on hand to give you those gems of information that really make the difference.

There's a wide variety of wines from over 14 countries and ranging from full-bodied and intense to easy-drinking and refreshing. Fairtrade, organic, boutique, limited edition, big brands – you’ll find them all here – and with an additional 15% off the current Tesco.com prices, you’ll be able to stock up on your favourites at amazing value.

Take advantage of an exclusive 2 for 1 offer on tickets – visit www.tescowinefair.com/brighton.html and enter promotional code 'TWCF241' for two tickets for £10.

Hotel du Vin gets in festival spirit

Brighton's Hotel du Vin and Bistro is hosting two major dinner events and nine wine tasting evenings during this years Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival.

Every Monday and Wednesday evening take part in a Wine Tasting session where you'll experience fine wines from around the world under the guidance of Hotel du Vin’s experienced sommeliers. With two 45 minute sessions (one at 6pm and the other at 7.30pm) you can join in one, or make a night of it!). £10pp

Cigar fines can indulge their habit on Friday 10 September at a special Cigar Dinner in association with Hunters & Franco and Moet Hennessey. Enjoy a specially sourced 3 course meal with cigars and wines matched to each course, with champagne on arrival and a tot of whiskey to round off the evening.

One of the biggest dining events of the festival is the gala dinner, and this year it's hosted in the stunning Dome Room of Hotel du Vin. The kitchen has teamed up with the Spanish Food Company to create a gourmet meal using produce sourced directly from small farmers and producers in rural Spain. Each course is expertly matched by stunning Spanish wines from the Codorníu estates. Tickets are now on sale at £75pp – but book soon as they're going fast!

Hotel du Vin are also offering some amazing accommodation deals during the Food Festival – get a double room for £75 when you spend £75 in the bistro. The deal is available on selected dates, midweek in September. Call for availability.

For more information on any of these events or to book call 01273 718 588 • Hotel du Vin, Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AD • www.hotelduvin.com/brighton

Terre á Terre Pops Up on the Pier

Brighton's famous vegetarian restaurant Terre á Terre has teamed up with Brighton Pier for a one-off seaside themed banquet in the Dome concert hall at the pier head.

Running from 7pm on Monday 20 September, the dinner features a gourmet 3-course menu, welcome 'Brighton Rock' cocktail and a half carafe of organic wine per diner.

Places must be booked in advance and are very limited so email pier@terreaterre.co.uk or call 01273 729 051 today!

During the festival month, Terre á Terre will also be running a special Levantine mezzo menu featuring the cuisines of Turkey and Palestine (you can sample this free during the World Food Trail weekend on Saturday 4-Sunday 5 September). They've also teamed up with the Duke of Yorks Cinema for its 100 year anniversary month, with a screening of 'Julie and Julia' with accompanying 'shock corn' and chocolate box lap snacks (advance tickets from Duke of Yorks Box Office 0870 755 1228).

Hanover Beer Festival joins the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival 2010

The whole month of September just isn't big enough for the Food & Drink Festival anymore – with so many foodie events to squeeze in we've now expanded into October!

So we're pleased to say that the Hanover Beer Festival is now part of the official line-up for 2010. Running on Friday 1 October (7-11pm) and Saturday 2 October (family-friendly session 12-3pm, 7-11pm) at the Hanover Centre, the beer festival will feature 36 real ales alongside ciders, perries and local wines. This is the 23rd Hanover Beer Festival and promises to be a corker!

Advance tickets are now available for £5 from local pubs including Dover Castle, Sir Charles Napier, The Geese and The Greys. Limited £6 tickets will be available on the door.

Special accommodation rates for festival foodies!

Brighton's Hotel du Vin is offering festival goers fantastic rates on accommodation on selected dates this September. Enjoy a one-night stay for two people from a very attractive £75 per room per night when you spend £75 in the bistro.

Available dates are: Wed 1, Thu 2, Mon 6, Tue 7, Wed 8, Mon 13, Tue 14, Wed 15, Mon 27, Tue 28, Wed 29 September 2010. (subject to availability).

For more information or to check availability call Hotel du Vin on 01273 718 588

Terre-ibly Clever Dining From Terre-a-Terre

Terre á Terre has announced some unique foodie experiences for the 2010 Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival. They’ll be popping-up on Brighton Pier for two English seaside themed gourmet dinners in the Dome at the end of the pier, working with the Duke of Yorks Cinema for their 100th birthday month with foodie screenings (complete with nibbles), and hosting a special menu of eastern Mediterranean mezze.

For more information visit www.terreaterre.co.uk or email Olivia Reid at shop@terreaterre.co.uk

Doggy Delights

Brighton’s Pup Aid 2010 festival is teaming up with the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival this September to offer dogs and their owners some shared gourmet delights courtesy of Due South. This boutique music festival (acts to be confirmed but it’s sounding exciting!) and dog show raises awareness of the cruel practice of puppy farming whilst raising money for Shoreham Dogs Trust. Pup Aid is on Sunday 19 September at Stanmer House, Brighton

For more information visit http://thepet.net/pupaid/

Local Produce, International Flavours

In keeping with our international culinary theme for 2010, on Saturday 4 - Sunday 5 September you can participate in a city-wide World Food Trail. Starting at Brighton Station and winding through North Laine and the Lanes, pop into participating restaurants, bars, foodie shops and pubs for tastes of the world. Free samples, themed menus, music and culture will all be on offer with countries represented so far including Japan, India, Spain, France and South America, with many more to be announced shortly.

For more information about this event, or how to participate, please email nat@brightonvisitor.com or call 01273 77 00 44.