FEAST 2011

A unique student led food festival which is supported by a string of award winning chefs is set to be the date in Scotland's culinary diary.

A collaboration between Queen Margaret University and Jewel & Esk College, FEAST 2011 is supported by an impressive line up of culinary experts including Tom Kitchin (The Kitchin in Leith) and Derek Johnston (Masterchef 2008 and chef at Greywalls, East Lothian).

Part-funded by EventScotland through their Food and Drink funding programme, FEAST 2011 begins with a unique dinner on the evening of Friday 1 April, at Queen Margaret University with the legendary Albert Roux OBE as guest of honour. 

Serious foodies are in for a real treat; Trevor Laffin, lecturer in hospitality at Queen Margaret University, has pulled together an impressive line up of developing talent from some of Scotland's top kitchens.

Young chefs who work alongside Martin Wishart, Tom Kitchin, Dominic Jack and Malcolm Webster will each prepare canapés, a starter, fish dish, main meal or dessert.

Trevor Laffin explained: 'Guests will have the rare opportunity of having each dish from their meal prepared by a different young chef from these top restaurants. We are also delighted that Albert Roux has agreed to be our guest of honour. Many of the world's top chefs have trained with Albert Roux. It will be a privilege to hear him talk and for the young chefs to prepare their own dishes for him. This is a one-off event that people who are enthusiastic about food will not want to miss.'

Following this the Jewel & Esk College campus will be the venue for the food festival on Saturday 2 April.  A celebration of regional Scottish food, FEAST explores the quality and diversity of Scottish produce.

With top chefs such as Tom Kitchin, Derek Johnston, Fiona Burrell (New Town Cook School) and Yogesh Utekar (Indian Master Chef from Mumbai) demonstrating signature dishes, FEAST is sure to appeal to food buffs.

A big hit with visitors last year were the taster dishes prepared and served by students. Once again, students from both centres will be showcasing taster dishes from eight specially selected Scottish regions. 

People will have the opportunity to taste top quality produce and learn more about Scottish food and drink whilst the hospitality, tourism and event management students will be participating in an outstanding and unique learning opportunity. A producers' market will be a key feature of this year's FEAST ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to sample and purchase.

'FEAST is a celebration of regional Scottish food. We want visitors to be able to sample lots of dishes and to experience the wealth of culinary talent which we are so lucky to have in Scotland.  We won't be scrimping on tastings!' said Gordon Hodgson, Head of the Faculty of Service Industries from Jewel & Esk College.

'FEAST is a truly unique event and gives folks a great opportunity to see the Scottish culinary elite at work and to experience a range of excellent Scottish produce. People will also have an insight into the learning experience of future talent and to support our young students in that.'

The FEAST 2011 dinner will take place on Friday 1 April at Queen Margaret University (tickets priced £95 each). Tickets for the dinner should be ordered from Sarah Whigham, Events Manager at QMU on events-qmu.ac.uk.

FEAST 2011 food festival will take place at Jewel & Esk College on Saturday 2 April from 10am ' 4pm. The latter will also include a Producers' Market. Tickets can be bought online at www.qmu.ac.uk/feast  via Paypal or from Jewel & Esk College or Queen Margaret University, priced £12 for adults, £5 (Concession available for students and children under 16 years of age), children under 5 years go free.