food/drink
A FEAST FIT FOR A KING
It’s pretty much guaranteed that in its 2000year history that Cardiff Castle has seen its fair
share of feasts, soirées, and parties. All this fun
isn’t resigned to the history books, however, as
the Castle’s Welsh Banquets gives anyone the
opportunity to drink and be merry medieval style.
The evening consists of Welsh food and
entertainment all in one of the oldest parts of
the castle: the Undercroft.
“We’re very lucky to be in the Undercroft in
the castle, which dates backs to the 1400s,”
says Phil Harris, who is in charge of the
entertainment at the banquets; “it’s very
atmospheric.”
Expect to be served chicken in a port and
redcurrant sauce, and Welsh Merlin liqueur
chocolate mousse, by hosts in full Welsh
national costume. There may even be a song, a dance and a Christmas carol or two.
The popular banquet is all booked up for Christmas, but they take place regularly throughout the year so
keep informed and book early. HA
Welsh Banquet, Cardiff Castle. Tickets: £39 per person. Info: 029 2087 8100 / www.
cardiffcastle.com
ARTISAN MAN WITH A VAN
The Artisan Cook, aka Jean Meritan, brings his
authentic wood-fired oven to a place near you, as
long as it’s big enough to accommodate his van.
Jean takes vehicle cuisine to a whole new level as
he’s replaced the deep fat fryer with a wood-fired
oven... in his van. Instead of serving up chip butties
and burgers he is making freshly baked pizza.
Meritan is set to serve up a different form of street
food, with a pizza inspired by the culinary culture
of the south of France. You can regularly find the
artisan man with a van stationed in the Sully BP car
park on weekday evenings. MN
Info: www.theartisancook.co.uk
CHRISTMAS WHISKY
If you’re thinking of getting an alcoholic beverage to warm the cockles of
a loved one’s heart this winter, but feel a little lost in all the choice, then
we have an expert here to help. Andy Baillie, manager of Spirited Wines
in Cardiff, recommends having a try of some Bunnahabhain whisky –
pronounced boona-harven, in case you need to ask for it. From a long time
ago (14 years old) and a distillery far, far away on the west coast of Scotland,
it’s designed to be a Christmas drink.
“This is one of the classic Scottish malt whiskies,” says Andy, “pale gold
in colour with pear, baked apple and black pepper flavours, and a touch of
orange on the finish.” If you’re a fan of trying before buying then Spirited
Wines have opened a bottle up so you can have a taste before wrapping up a
bottle and putting it under the Christmas tree. HA
Bunnahabhain Christmas Whisky, Spirited Wines, Cardiff.
Price: £39.99. Info: 029 2037 7449 / www.spiritedwines.co.uk
REAL ALE AND ROMANS
The Saturnalia Beer Festival enjoys a historic blast from
the past as it gives its salute to the anceient Roman
festival Saturnalia (ancient Rome’s answer to Christmas).
Saturnalia, a major annual festival of the Romans used
to recognise the day where slaves were temporarily freed
of their duties and swapped roles with their masters, so
they too could join in the merrymaking. In post slavery
Britain, however, it’s a chance to don a toga and get your
hands on some real ale.
The Saturnalia Beer Festival will include a variety of
Roman foods (fingers crossed for some Lumbuli Assi Ita
Fiunt – that’s roast stuffed testicles to you and me) and
will conclude with the Saturnalia Ramble through old
roman roads. HW
The Saturnalia Beer Festival and Saturnalia Real Ale Ramble, Llanwrtyd Wells, Sat 11
+ Sun 12 Jan. Info: www.neuaddarmshotel.co.uk / www.green-events.co.uk
BUZZ 30
pic: NATHAN MORGAN
ABERGAVENNY CHRISTMAS
FOOD AND DRINK FAIR
Abergavenny Christmas Food And Drink Fair is the
best choice for all those who love Christmas wrapped
up on the culinary front. With over 90 hand-picked
producers attending, there will be no shortage
of traditional, rare and exotic food. The Fair will
also host a variety of passionate food talks, not to
mention cooking demonstrations, games and even
some challenges for the Head Chefs. Sweets lovers
will not be forgotten – Christmas Sweetie Fest will
celebrate everything that is sugary. VS
The Market Hall, Upper Brewery Yard,
The Corn Exchange and The Priory,
Abergavenny. Sun 8 Dec. Info: 01873
851643 / www.abergavennyfoodfestival.
com