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TV chef is dish of day at Leeds food festival
ORGANISERS of a Leeds food festival have revealed their secret ingredient – celebrity chef James Martin.
The Saturday Kitchen presenter, originally from Malton, is the star attraction of the first day of the Leeds Loves Food festival next Thursday.
The housewives' favourite will host a live cookery demonstration in the heart of the city as well as judging a cook-off between a host of eateries as part of the festival activities, which run until July 5.
He said: "As a Yorkshire lad, and with a passion for cooking, I am delighted to be involved in Leeds Loves Food.
"This festival is a great way to showcase the fabulous restaurants in the city, whilst providing a fun four days for all the family."
He will be serving up dishes in front of fans at the Merrion Centre between 2pm and 2.45pm, followed by an appearance in the Leeds Loves Food kitchen in Millennium Square from 6pm until 7pm, when he will judge the cook-off final.
Restaurants including Casa Mia, Toast and Bird by Vineet at Alea casino – voted Best Newcomer in the Yorkshire Evening Post Oliver Awards – will compete through the day to bag a place in the final.
James developed a love of cooking from a young age, working in the kitchens of stately home Castle Howard where his father was catering manager.
He went on to study catering at Scarborough Technical College, where he was spotted by Antony Worrall Thompson who took him to London to work in two of his restaurants.
In 1994, at 21, he opened his first bistro and has barely been off our screens since his debut in 1996 on Ready Steady Cook.
Festival organisers believe James will be the icing on the cake at this year's event.
Cath Follin, Leeds City Council's city centre manager, said: "Our city has an excellent range of restaurants and high quality local food producers. This exciting event featuring James Martin is just one of many we have planned for the festival."
The festival is organised by Marketing Leeds, City Centre Leeds, the council events team, and Leeds Restaurant Association.
Other attractions on Thursday include a Harvey Nichols Foodmarket suppliers market, an evening of cocktail mixology at Reform bar and a night of Italian food and opera at Casa Mia in Chapel Allerton.
For more information and to register for events visit www.leeds lovesfood.com.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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