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Food events that are second to naan - World Curry Festival 2010 added to autumn foodie event menu

Posted: 13 years ago

I've tried to start writing this article three times now, but failing miserably when my stomach starts to growl like a half-sedated pitbull and I start to drool like one as well. Trouble is, it's the thought of what the first food festival's main marquee will smell like after a couple of hours of frying, browning and stirring. Do not read if you are NOT within sight of a decent sandwich-shop/ cafe/ big fridge.

World Curry Festival 2010

From 1st to 3rd October, Leeds will host the World Curry Festival 2010, a celebration of how to prepare, how to create and, best of all, how to eat various examples of the world's vast array of curries. It's not just about stumbling into 'Maharajah's' on the High Street, drunk as a skunk on Saturday night and ordering 'the hottest thing you've got' these days - curry means skilled cooking and traditional methods, handed down by generations.

Jean-Christophe Novelli

During the course of three days (1st October is 'trade day', the 2nd/3rd are 'public'), world-renowned, regional chefs and personalities will present demonstrations throughout the day in the city's Millenium Square, all in the name of curry. Michelin-starred Jean-Christophe Novelli heads up the presenters (on the 3rd)

Hardeep Singh Kohli

A good comical show is sure to happen when Hardeep Singh Kohli takes to the hob, the night before on 2nd October. Many other chefs are due to be added to the bill, plus there will be numerous stalls, bars and Q&A sessions held in the Square. Tickets for the day (11am - 5pm) are £6 (£25 VIP) or £20 for Hardeep's evening show.

Other autumnal foodie gigs worth considering include more Hardeep Singh Kohli getting 'nearly naked' (figuratively-speaking) as 'The Nearly Naked Chef' in Kilmarnock and Sale during October (£12-£14), and featuring more hilarity with a chef's hat on.

Other foodie events coming-up

Hyper Japan 2010

There is the excellent 'Hyper-Japan' festival which, although a celebration of Japanese pop-art, culture and lifestyle, also features a healthy bias towards food and drink from this amazing country. Hyper Japan, incorporation Eat Japan, takes place in East London's Old Truman Brewery and costs £5-£8 per day (10.30am-8pm).

London Restaurant Festival 2010

Finally, London Restaurant Festival 2010 is just that - a chance to sample the very best cuisine in the capital's top restaurant as part of a guided tour by either a special Routemaster bus or by walking - three courses eaten in three restaurants. Tickets start from £85 and are selling out fast, especially the Shoreditch Tour one featuring John Torode on 16th October.

Paul Pledger