There’s plenty on the menu to suit all tastes during the upcoming Crieff Food Fest.
The highly-anticipated event runs from Sunday, October 6, until Sunday, October 13, at a variety of locations in the town.
And organisers have said the inaugural edition of the culinary showcase will be choc-a-bloc with lip-smacking treats for the young and old alike.
Organised by Crieff Community Council, a spokesperson for the group said: “This innovative inaugural event from Crieff Community Council is just one of many regeneration projects that can put the spotlight back on the town and promote its very many commercial and natural attractions.
“We’re very pleased with the support from many Crieff businesses – too numerous to mention here – and hope that next year’s Food Fest will persuade even more traders and caterers to participate and show their support for the town.”
The programme features the chance for youngsters to create their own pizza, while there’s freshly-shucked oysters and lobster bisque for the more sophisticated palettes.
The event also includes a variety of tasting opportunities – including gin, whisky, rum, beer, pickles and preserves, coffees, bread ‘n’ broth, tapas, chilli con carne and traditional sweeties in abundance.
Events include talks, presentations and other activities such as a food-themed film at Strathearn Arts, kids’ cookery classes, a pub quiz, a filleting workshop with In Praise of Fish, a spoon-carving workshop, a hog roast in James Square, baking lessons at Campbell’s, a community apple pick and fruit press and a three-course Indian banquet from Praveen Kumar.
Crieff Guides will start the event in James Square from 10am until 2pm on Sunday, October 6, by melting marshmallows and biscuits using a fire to make ‘smores’.
As part of the festival, treats and offers will be available at G’s Bistro, OJ’s, McNee’s, Houseproud, Gordon & Durward, Ellie’s Cellar, Alan’s Pet Shop, Remake’s Food for Good, Bennan Flooring, Montanaro and Crieff pubs The Tower and The Meadows – among others.
For more information, see the Crieff Food Fest Facebook page.
Alternatively, scan the QR code on the many promotional materials around the town.
Some of the Crieff Food Fest activities include:
Sunday, October 6 – Free smores in James Square, 10am to 2pm.
Monday, October 7 – Rum and cake-tasting at Gill’s, 9am to 5pm. Kids’ cookery class (beginners), Strathearn Community Campus, 10.30am. Scottish tapas night, MacRosty Park Cafe, 5pm to 7pm.
Tuesday, October 8 – Summer Harvest range tasting at Gill’s, 9am to 5pm. Kids’ cookery class (intermediate), Strathearn Community Campus, 10.30am. Bread ‘n’ Broth, Crieff Connexions, noon. ‘Meet Farmton Farm’, Food for Good, 7pm.
Wednesday, October 9 – Alan’s Chilli and Chutney at Gill’s, 9am to 5pm. Coffee tasting at Petit Yellow Velo, 9am to 4pm. Kids’ cookery class (gourmet), Strathearn Community Campus, 10.30am. Bread ‘n’ Broth, Crieff Connexions, noon. Pub quiz, The Tower, 8.30pm.
Thursday, October 10 – Gin and jam tasting at Gill’s, 9am to 5pm. Coffee tasting at Petit Yellow Velo, 9am to 4pm. Bread ‘n’ Broth, Crieff Connexions, noon. Pop-up with Praveen Kumar, Crieff Food Co, 6pm. Screening of ‘The Taste of Things’, Strathearn Arts, 7.30pm. Q&A on ‘The Secrets of Food Shows’ with Adeline Ramage Rooney, 8pm, The Tower.
Friday, October 11 – Lochlea whisky tasting at Gill’s, 9am to 5pm. Coffee tasting at Petit Yellow Velo, 9am to 4pm. Bread ‘n’ Broth, Crieff Connexions, noon. ‘Make Your Food Last and Wellbeing’ at Amethyst Cathedral, 7pm. Fish filleting demo with In Praise of Fish, 7pm, Strathearn Community Campus. Music event, Burgers and Bars, The Tower, 7.30pm.
Saturday, October 12 – Beer and cheese tasting at Gill’s, 9am to 5pm. Coffee tasting at Petit Yellow Velo, 9am to 4pm. ‘Grow your own Pizza’ at Crieff Food Co, 9.30am. Spoon-carving workshop, MacRosty Park bandstand, 11am. Coffee brewing and skills workshop at Petit Yellow Velo, 2.30pm. Music event, Burgers and Bars, The Tower, 7.30pm.
Sunday, October 13 – Gin and whisky samples at Gill’s, 10am to 4pm. Best bakes showcase in James Square, noon. Hog roast and music in James Square, 1pm.