7th April 2008

RAYMOND BLANC TO DEMONSTRATE HIS COOKERY SKILLS AT THE FINE FOOD AND WINE SHOW IN WINCHESTER

The district of Winchester is hosting its second official Fine Food and Wine Show in the grounds of its famous Cathedral, and will be combined with celebrations for the launch of Raymond Blanc’s new restaurant in Winchester city centre.

The Fine Food and Wine Show will be situated in the historic grounds of Winchester Cathedral’s Outer Close and will run from 3rd-5th May 2008.

Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc will be on hand to demonstrate two of his signature dishes at the show on and to discuss his cooking techniques. The first cookery demonstration will take place during the Gala Evening on Friday 2nd May 2008 and the second will be held on Saturday 3rd May 2008.

Following a successful debut last year, which attracted over 4,000 visitors, the Fine Food and Wine Show will include a new kitchen theatre where demonstrations, presentations, tastings and displays will take place over the three day show.

The show will also feature over 45 food and wine exhibitors from all across Britain selling a wide range of delicious and interesting high quality products. There will also be several specialist food and drink stalls, including Swiss cheeses and freshly cooked raclette; products from the Dordogne to include foie gras; and rarities like smoked butter from Cumbria.

The programme for the three day Fine Food and Wine Show is as follows:

Saturday 3rd May 2008
11am – Raymond Blanc Demonstration
12pm – Chocolate – from Bean to Bar the Bendicks way
1pm – Wine tasting with ‘Caviste’: new world wines versus old world classics
2pm – ‘Olive Oil Tasting' from Pure Spain with Spanish olive oil expert and producer Inma Lopez
3pm – Wine Tasting: award winning Chilean wines from Cono Sur
4pm – ‘Olive Oil Tasting' from Pure Spain with Spanish olive oil expert and producer Inma Lopez

Sunday 4th May 2008
11am – ‘Olive Oil Tasting' from Pure Spain with Spanish olive oil expert and producer Inma Lopez
12pm – Wine Tasting: award winning Chilean wines from Cono Sur.
1pm – Cookery demonstration with Andy MacKenzie, executive chef at the Lainston House Hotel
2pm – Wine tasting with ‘Caviste’: tasting of sweet wines from around the world
3pm – Wine Tasting: award winning Chilean wines from Cono Sur
4pm – ‘Olive Oil Tasting' from Pure Spain with Spanish olive oil expert and producer Inma Lopez

Monday 5th May 2008
11am – ‘Olive Oil Tasting' from Pure Spain with Spanish olive oil expert and producer Inma Lopez
12pm – Cookery demonstration: how to make a genuine Spanish Paella with the Head Chef from ‘El Sabio’
1pm – Wine Tasting: award winning Chilean wines from Cono Sur.
2pm – Exploring flavour combinations: a range of exciting foods to dip in Bendicks' delicious milk and dark chocolate fountains
3pm – Wine Tasting: award winning Chilean wines from Cono Sur

Entrance to the show costs £2.50 for adults and children go free. One ticket allows re-admission during the entire three days.

Gala Evening, Friday 2nd May 2008, 6pm-9pm
Come and meet Raymond Blanc and join the party at the Gala Evening, where visitors will be greeted with wine and canapés on arrival. The Gala Evening will be held in a huge stylish marquee featuring all the show’s unusual stands, where many of the exhibitors will be offering special treats for guests. During the evening Raymond will be on hand to demonstrate his signature dishes, as well as holding a book signing. This will be followed with a port and chocolate tasting with Bendicks and Caviste. Each guest will receive a complimentary bag including goods from the evening’s sponsors. At 9pm guests can continue the party at Raymond Blanc’s new restaurant, which is offering all Gala Evening guests a special supper, including a complimentary bottle of wine.

Tickets for the Gala Evening cost £10 and are available from the Cathedral Box Office on 01962 857 275.

Raymond Blanc’s new restaurant, Brasserie Blanc, has recently opened on Jewry Street in Winchester. It is the seventh site of this high-street chain and is the first in a small cathedral city.

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For media information please contact:

Susie Tempest at susie@saltmarshpr.co.uk

Sarah Habicht at sarah@saltmarshpr.co.uk

Tel: 020 7928 1600
Fax: 020 7928 1700

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