Stuck for Christmas presents? Here are a few suggestions for the food lover from the pages of Squidbeak:
Put together a bespoke cheese hamper from the Courtyard Dairy’s fabulous cheese selection and have it delivered. Andy Swinscoe, cheese affineur will prepare a gift box of artisan cheeses made by small traditional producers. Mention Squidbeak for the complimentary addition of pickles and crackers. T: 01729 892902
Give a gift voucher for one of the fascinating Yorkshire Food Finder events. Either a Kitchen Social in which Sue Nelson demonstrates dishes using fabulous Yorkshire produce: £90 for demos, lunch and wine; or choose one of their food trails visiting farmers, growers and producers, finishing with a three course dinner at a top restaurant. From £125. T: 01904 448439
Wild food foraging, fungi foraging, vegetarian wild food, bread baking, butchery and a two day coastal forage and fish day are some of the courses in Chris Bax’s Taste the Wild adventures. Prices vary from £85 for a day of foraging to £285 for a residential coastal foraging weekend. T: 07914 290083
Sean Baxter is the Staithes fisherman who works with Chris Bax on the coastal fish weekend, but he also runs his own highly recommended Real Staithes days.Coastal Craft days involve a walk across the foreshore to discover fossils and jet, and learn about nature, wildlife and the region’s industrial past. The highlight is the crab and lobster picnic at Sean’s fisherman’s hut at Port Mulgrave. A treat at £75p.p. T: 01947 840278
York likes to call itself the home of chocolate, Terry and Rowntrees were born there. The York Cocoa House serves a wonderful chocolate menu in their café, both savoury and sweet and they run courses at all levels from a drop-in make your own lolly (£4) to truffle making or chocolate model making (£17.50). A gift voucher for a course and a box of Cocoa House truffles and you’re sorted. T: 01904 675787
Andy Annat the barbecue expert, will be running Barbecue Boot Camps during 2015 where you will learn how versatile the barbecue can be. Students learn butchery then watch Andy’s demos and do plenty of hands-on barbecuing. Importantly there’s plenty to eat and drink. £110 per person for a full day’s course. Gift vouchers available. T: 07586 262753 E: [email protected]
For the gourmet, there is still time to book your loved one on one of the Obsession dinners prepared by one the world’s leading chefs. The Galvin Brothers, Vivek Singh from Cinnamon Club, a team from Great British Menu and more. Tickets are £115 for 5 course dinner, canapés and a glass of champagne. T: 01254 244503
A visit below stairs comes as standard at Cooks at Carlton, which is Yorkshire’s newest cookery school based in the beautifully restored kitchens of Carlton Towers. In January you can attend a masterclass with Adam Smith, head chef of the Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey or learn to make bread, game, macaroons and chocolate. Prices £70-£140. T: 01405 861662
And of course any of the restaurants in Squidbeak will be happy to supply gift vouchers.