by Maggie Clemence
Salisbury’s gastronomic celebration, Taste Salisbury, has drawn its curtains on yet another year of culinary indulgence. The meticulous organisers ensured a diverse array of offerings, spanning from the refined nuances of beer tastings to captivating demonstrations by renowned celebrity chefs.
This gastronomic extravaganza unfurled over four days, artfully weaving its tapestry of events across multiple locales, from the cultural haven of Fisherton Mill to the intellectual sanctuary of Salisbury Library. Our journey led us to the festival’s culminating day, Sunday, where the epicentre of epicurean delight merged in the main square. Here, a multitude of food stalls beckoned with an international symphony of flavours, ranging from the fiery zest of Mexican and Caribbean cuisine to the comforting embrace of Croatian and Italian delicacies.
In pursuit of impartiality, we embarked on a tasting adventure, savouring the offerings with hungry palates. A standout amongst these delectable offerings were the locally crafted cheese toasties by The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Company. It became evident that Emma and Andy, the culinary artisans behind this creation, had meticulously sourced high-quality ingredients and dedicated immense effort to blend flavours harmoniously, elevating this seemingly simple dish into a remarkable culinary masterpiece.
Another revelation awaited at Suzette’s Pancakes in Salisbury, where the pancakes, busting with a moist and fluffy texture, were crowned by the ladies’ artistry crafting their own subtly sweet sauces — a delightful personal touch.
“The Foodie Sunday” unfolded in collaboration with the acclaimed Gritchie Brewery, owned by the distinguished English film director Guy Ritchie. Within the main tent, for a mere ten pounds, visitors could embark on a journey through Gritchie Brewery’s beer offerings, expertly paired with an assortment of Wiltshire cheeses, redefining the classic pairing of wine and cheese in favour of a novelty combination.
The Market Place, the entertainment epicentre, was cleverly divided into two segments: one hosted captivating cookery classes, while the other set the stage for musical performances and notable announcements. Amidst the latter, Salisbury Mayor Atiqul Hoque presided over the awards ceremony for the Bake Off Salisbury competition—an event steeped in culinary prowess. Meanwhile, within the former segment, the audience collected wisdom from a Devizes local chef, whose focus on healthy cooking techniques and the optimal extraction of nutrients from everyday ingredients proved enlightening.
In a heartwarming gesture, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust’s dedicated staff distributed various tasty soups, raising awareness about their noble endeavours.
In summary, Taste Salisbury curated a multi-faceted experience, catering for a diverse spectrum of tastes, ensuring it remains a quintessential Autumn outing for families seeking to enjoy the best local gastronomy.
