BBC Good Food Summer Show

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Posted at 4:02PM, 13 June 2008 by Holly Jones - Former researcher, bbcgoodfood.com

I've been exploring the wonders of the BBC Good Food Summer Show for the last two days and having a bit of fun - all in the name of research of course! Thousands of people will descend on the Birmingham NEC this weekend in search of foody gadgets, tempting tasters, gorgeous gifts and, more importantly, to get a sneaky peak at their favourite chef.

The demos at the shows are a brilliant way to pick up cooking tips and recipes. Stars like Gordon Ramsay and James Martin will be gracing the stage and whipping up some real treats for the crowds. If you're a keen cook there'll be some inspirational cooking. Personally, I like to marvel at the likes of Mr Ramsay, just five feet away, battering a steak.

Star struck? You bet.

This year Simon Rimmer is at the show too. As far as I know it's his first time (don't quote me on that), so I'm looking forward to seeing if his cheeky chappy persona will migrate from camera to stage. HereÃ¢ÂÂs hoping.

Of course our faves from the mag are also out in fine force. Jane Hornby and Sarah Cook whipped up some fishy delights and two summery desserts in 30 minutes - it seemed simple. When I get home, maybe I'll find out. Barney Desmazery and Sara Buenfeld are also about this year so keep your eyes peeled.

But there's more to the show than gawping at Messieurs Martin, Rimmer and Ramsay. Much more.

But there's more to the show than gawping at Messieurs Martin, Rimmer and Ramsay. Much more. From wine to food tasting, workshops to talks, it can be a pretty educational day out.

But for me, it's all about the shopping.

Olives, sausages and breads, wines, whiskys and ciders. Row upon row of stalls mean that there are bargains to be found and samples to be had. The aisles buzz with the chatter of happy shoppers and gleeful taste buds. The chocolate fountains always do well, as does (my personal fave) Debbie & Andrew's sausages, and I can't begin to describe how upset I was when I found out they weren't doing sandwiches yesterday! Luckily there were plenty of alternatives and as a keen foody it was probably time I ventured out a bit more anyway.

I won't go on and ruin the surprises in case you are going over the weekend, but a few of my favourites this year were Fish in a box, Aspall ciders, Love Food Hate Waste, and Rachel's Organic - their milk is delicious.

So grab a big bag, get some comfy shoes on and pop down. If you love gardening, outdoor pursuits and any opportunity to feather your nest, don't forget the Gardener's World Live, Country File and Good Homes Shows are all at the same venue and included in your ticket. For a taster of what's happening at Gardener's World Live, visit the gardenersworld.com's video blog.

If you've been this time or over the last few years, let us know what your best bits are. And if you do want to pop along, you can still get tickets from bbcgoodfoodshow.com. Enjoy!

Comments

julie

17 June 2008, 12:08AM
julie

i went yesterday for the first time as it was my 40th on saturday as i wanted to see james martin and he,s great,he also signed my book.the food is great and so is the drink.I went with my hubby and the kids and they enjoyed it too.

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Heather

19 June 2008, 1:47PM
Heather

Hi i went on Thursday. I was disappointed that Gordon wasn't in the proper theatre like last year. I was only four rows from the front this year but couldn't see a thing because the person in front of me was about 10 feet tall!! Bring back the tieried seating!! Good show though - lots of samples - no lunch required!!

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John

4 July 2008, 12:12PM
John

Unfortunaltey I could'nt make the show this year due to work commitments. Your article certainly filled me in with everything I needed to know!! I overheard an interesting discussion yesterday whilst on a very long train journey from Plymouth to Birmingham; it was about the standard of train food and how they thought it compared to that at the BBC's summer show. They where specifically talking about a bacon sandwich?!? Would love to her your thoughts as Bacon butties are qiute big in Bolton!! Cheers :-)

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