Newport Food Festival

Saturday was the 5th annual Newport Food Festival, and by far the best the city has held, in my humble opinion. It's been a long time since I've seen it so busy, and hopefully a taste of things to come with the new developments opening in the coming months.

As per usual, Mr P and I headed in at lunchtime, sans breakfast and on the prowl for some great food. We were not disappointed! Last years festival was overrun by chutney stalls and not enough fresh cooking, whereas there was an abundance of choice this time around.

Trying to do the rounds first, the smell of the hotdogs coming from the Parc Pantry were just too good to resist, so we joined the queue. Deciding to share a 'Festival Dog' would turn out to be one of the best decisions of the day.

Usually I'm not a big hot dog fan, I cannot stand the pointless dry processed rolls that fall apart and the plastic 5% meat sausages that inevitably come with it. This was a complete game changer!

A 10" 'proper' sausage (with a crispy skin to boot) nestled in a pillowy soft seeded roll. Topped with Pastamore roasted pepper sauce, chunks of Caws Cenarth sundried tomato and chilli cheddar, with a generous helping of crunchy onions. This hot dog hit all the right spots, combining tastes and differing textures! I loved the fact that all the toppings are well publicised that they are local suppliers, especially as both of the above were also exhibiting at the festival.

All washed down with a 'Gingerella', which yes, I bought just for the name.

Satiated for a little while, we carried on for a wander up and down the stalls, picking up some really lovely treats along the way.

Macarons and flapjacks from Clams Cupcakes...

A couple of bottles from my favourite local brewery, Tiny Rebel...

And some vegetarian delights from The Parsnipship. Yeah, that's right, vegetarian. The Glamorgan Crumble was snaffled up so quickly by my devoted carnivore husband that I had to hide mine from him. I'll be looking out for these guys in the future, that's for sure.

We took a break from the shopping and ventured into the indoor market just in time to watch Simon Crockford from the Celtic Manor show just why he's head chef across the hotel's six restaurants. With a total coolness that wouldn't be out of place on Ready Steady Cook, he knocked up a pork sharing platter, including an incredible ham hock pie, loin, chop and accompaniments in about half an hour. Without breaking a sweat. Great to watch, and I'm looking forward to trying out the recipes for myself with the recipe cards that were handed out.

By this time, we were definitely ready to eat again, and I was more than happy to see that my favourite souvlaki crew, Meat & Greek were grilling up a storm.

I know I've gone on about these guys all summer, but the souvlaki pittas really are the bomb. Especially when you go all out, extra halloumi is a necessity. Tzatziki and houmous too... I promise you there's some pork under there!

We had a great few hours out, and picked up some wonderful drinks and nibbles of which I'm looking forward to finishing off! Well done Newport Food Fest, I'm looking forward to the next one!

Cheers!

 

Cardiff Food Festival

For the last few years, we've popped down to Cardiff Bay to experience the annual Cardiff Food & Drink Festival, which lasts (this year) from Friday 10th - Sunday 12th July.

We were umming and aaahing whether to go this year, but when I found out that my favourite street food crew were there, it was a decision maker. By the time we rolled into the City, it was way past my lunchtime and I was feeling the hanger, so I jumped right into the huge queue for Meat and Greek. There's not much that can make me queue when I'm that hungry, but it was worth it...

The chicken souvlaki, expertly cooked over coals, coated in tangy tzatziki and of course with extra halloumi. Whenever there's the option, always extra cheese.

Once I'd got my Greek fill, we wandered around the bay to find some food for Mr. P. Stumbling upon another recent favourite, Dusty Knuckle Pizza, he opted for the salami version.

Good choice too, I'd say. (Of course, I stole a slice in the interest of being a good food blogger).

With happily full stomachs, we meandered in and out of the stalls. It was a little too busy for my liking, and I almost lost a few toes in the scrabble. We came home with a few small goodies, but nothing peaked my interest enough to fight the crowds, who seem to go a little crazy when there's a free chunk of cheese involved!

Some of the stalls are certainly looking a little tired, and there's only so much overpriced chutney and fudge that you can really care about.

But in my eyes, the stalls are just a sideline to the real fun of the day. The food piazza is bustling with show cooking and interesting local cuisines. Grab some freshly cooked grub, pick up a Pimms and find yourself a spot in front of the bandstand.

There's not much better than a blue skied day down Cardiff Bay!