More than 40 exhibitors confirmed for Taste North food and drink event
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Food and drink demonstrations, an exhibitor marketplace and fun family activities will be among the highlights at this weekend’s Taste North festival in Wick.
It takes place on Sunday at Wick High School between 11am and 4:30pm. Last year's Taste North at the same venue attracted more than 1400 visitors.
Caithness-born chef Grant MacNicol will be returning to give two demonstrations in the Taste North Cookery Theatre.
Grant said: “I am delighted to be back in my home county doing demos of some of my favourite dishes I cook for my clients all over the world. Caithness is where it all started for me as a chef so I’m very happy to share what I’ve learnt over the years.”
The first demonstration at 11.30am will see Grant preparing a "Mac ’n’ Crab" dish, and he will return to the stage at 2.30pm with a mystery bag of ingredients in the style of TV's Ready, Steady, Cook.
Grant will also be judging the entries to the annual Taste North Challenge baking contest. Grant’s Angry Seagull food truck will be outside serving up a range of hot food, while Coast will have crêpes, waffles and hot drinks.
Inside, Wick High School’s canteen will also offer a range of food to visitors.
For those looking for some cocktail ideas and inspiration, Mr C’s masterclass will take place at 1pm.
Taste North is part of a series of food and drink events and activities supported by Venture North, the destination management organisation for Caithness and Sutherland.
More than 40 food, drink, craft and homeware exhibitors are confirmed. Family activities will be provided by the RISE Dance Academy fundraising committee.
Venture North chairperson Ellie Lamont said: “We are super-excited that Taste North is returning for its ninth year. Over the past nine years Taste North has evolved into an annual tradition, even continuing through the difficult years of pandemic restrictions.
"Our festival has become a platform for celebrating local flavours, showcasing talented chefs and introducing new suppliers to our community and visitors every year. We are committed to delivering an even more memorable event in 2023.”
The winners of the Taste North Challenge will be announced at 3.30pm at the Taste North Challenge Stand. Bakers are challenged to create a new innovative baked item using at least one “hero” ingredient from Caithness or Sutherland.
The entry deadline for the challenge has been extended to this Friday for bakers to register their entry forms, with entries brought to Taste North by midday on Sunday. The challenge is sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce North Highland and Mackays Hotel in Wick.
Kirsty McNamara, strategy project coordinator for Venture North, said: “As part of this year’s application process, we wanted to learn about our exhibitors’ sustainable practices. We were delighted with the information we received – from ensuring use of sustainable packaging and using local suppliers and ingredients to renewable power sources and circular business models.
"It is clear that businesses in the region, both large and small, are considering how to reduce their environmental impact in innovative ways.”
This year’s Taste North is funded by Foundation Scotland and NRS Dounreay and supported by Venture North.
The full Taste North programme, exhibitor listings and Taste North Challenge information can be found at https://www.venture-north.co.uk/taste-north or on the Taste North Facebook page.
