We have definitely become a nation of foodaholics, surrounded as we are by so many TV programmes focusing on food matters. Be it celebrity chefs appearing on  “Ready Steady Cook”, or Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and the like fronting their own programmes. And of course, how many of us are looking forward to the return of “Saint Delia” next week, in her new programme - Delia Smith’s How to Cheat at Cooking.

Our interests are much broader now,  than just eating what is on our plate, as more of us are committed to wanting to use fresh, local produce to support local suppliers and cut down on food miles etc etc.

The Toorak and Carlton Hotels at TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay have picked up on this trend by offering Pick of the Crop Weekends and West Country Flavours Breaks. As well as menus which use the best of local produce, you can take a trip to a local vineyard - Old Walls Vineyard at Bishopsteignton -or tour around the local organic farm at Occombe Valley, part of the Devon Coast and Countryside Trust. There’s also a Sharpham’s cheese tasting, and of course, what visit to the West Country would be complete without sampling a traditional clotted cream tea.

Watch out too, for the next Local Food and Craft Market taking place at TLH Leisure Resort In Torquay. A couple of weeks ago on a glorious sunny February Sunday - more like the French Riviera than the English Riviera - there was a fantastic local farmers market and local gift fair. We’re hoping to put another one on in October, to coincide with the Autumn Pick of the Crop Weekend. Definitely well worth a visit, and you’ll probably be able to pick up some early gifts for Christmas when local craftspeople will be selling handmade jewellery, wooden gifts, candles, soaps and even elephant dung writing paper!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 at 5:40 pm and is filed under Taste of the West, Torquay News. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.