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OBSESSION 2017 by Carl Housbey
The last few weeks for me have been amazing, as I’ ve been lucky enough to have eaten fantastic food expertly prepared by multi Michelin starred Chefs from the UK, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, China, and Japan. However, the most amazing thing is that I did all this without travelling any further than Lancashire.
How on earth did you manage that? I hear you ask.
The answer is very simple, I was at Northcote in Langho for their annual gastronomic festival called Obsession, which this year ran for 17 nights and showcased the talents of 23 different world renowned chefs.
Obsession first started in 2001 when Chef Patron Nigel Haworth decided to create his own version of a food festival that he’ d cooked at in California a couple of years earlier. Obsession 1 as I now call it, was held over 4 nights, and was so well received that it was decided to hold it again the following year for the whole week.
This annual festival has grown every year, and has become the must do event in any true foodie’ s calendar, as not only do you get the chance to eat dishes from restaurants that have waiting lists many months long, but you also get to meet the Chefs themselves.
So far there have been 137 different chefs at Obsession, and the list reads like a who’ s who of culinary legends, with the likes of Heston Blumenthal, Raymond Blanc, Pierre Koffmann, and Michel Roux Jnr to name just four.
This year’ s line-up was no exception, and included rising star Michael O’ Hare, almost as well known for his hair as his food. Then we had James Close the only new 2 Michelin Star Chef in the UK for 2017, or how about Isaac McHale from Clove Club recently awarded No. 1 restaurant in UK by The Sunday Times, or Ana Roš the World’ s Best Female Chef 2017.
I could go on but I’ m sure you get the idea by now that I was in for some fantastic food. The only problem is it’ s impossible to tell you about my eight nights of culinary delight and stay within the limits of my monthly column, so I’ m making use of that well known phrase“ A picture paints a thousand words”
I have chosen one photograph from each of my nights that I think best represents the skill and artistry of the Chefs, and I am sure you will agree that photographer Allen Markey has provided me with excellent images which will hopefully make your mouth water.
By now you will be eager to book for 2018, but let me tell you that reservations sell out almost as quickly as Glastonbury Festival tickets, however if you’ re not a fan of mud, and prefer a proper bathroom then get yourself to Northcote where you will find their extremely comfortable, well-appointed rooms fit the bill perfectly.
Tickets for Obsession 18 will go on sale in November, but don’ t wait until then as Northcote is a great place to stay all year round, so get booking via www. northcote. com or 01254 240555.
To stay up to date with my adventures: follow @ carlhousbey
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