The distinctive aroma of crisp apples provided an unexpected but welcome greeting for visitors entering the Good Food Show Winter at the NEC in Birmingham. This sensory introduction came from the JAZZ apple stand, handing out slices to passers-by on the way to the VIP area, offering what one attendee described as one of the best bites of apple they had ever tasted.
A VIP Experience and Culinary Exploration
The VIP lounge offered a welcome respite with comfortable seating, warm drinks, and a convenient cloakroom. Those holding VIP tickets enjoyed additional perks including chocolate tasting, a goodie bag, and a glass of fizz – a welcome refreshment before tackling the enormity of the event. With more than 300 stalls to explore, many offering samples, it was a day demanding stamina.
The journey began ambitiously in the alcohol section, sampling everything from spiced rum to apple and cinnamon liqueur. This was swiftly followed by culinary recovery in the form of spicy chilli jam on crisps and a generous sampling of far too much artisan cheese, showcasing the event's vast range of vendors selling everything from chocolate liqueurs to seaweed.
James Martin's Masterclass and a Memorable Moment
The undeniable highlight for one visitor was the live cooking demonstration by TV chef James Martin. For those familiar with his Saturday morning television presence, seeing him in the flesh at the Big Kitchen area was a fantastic experience. The chef demonstrated his skill by preparing a three-course meal in just 30 minutes.
The menu featured kataifi wrapped prawns with an unusual whipped cream and lime dip, a gorgeous piece of steak with a beer-cooked onion and bernaise sauce, and a frangipane tart with apple sauce. While the audience didn't get to taste the creations, Martin's experienced showmanship and entertaining disdain for air fryers kept everyone engaged.
A Gesture That Made the Day
The most memorable part of the demonstration, however, was a spontaneous and heartwarming gesture. James Martin called a young girl onto the stage who had drawn him a picture. The budding chef was then gifted a signed apron and chef whites from Martin, which she happily took back to her seat, smiling from ear to ear.
Witnessing the celebrated chef encourage a youngster to keep cooking was a lovely moment that truly encapsulated the spirit of the event. This single act made the entire day worthwhile for many in attendance, proving that the most valuable experiences often come from unexpected human connections.
The demonstration provided fantastic inspiration, with attendees leaving eager to try out some of the techniques they had learned, though some may choose to leave the whipped cream covered prawns to the professional. The Good Food Show Winter continues at the NEC, with general admission tickets starting from £28.
