14 May Siesta Fiesta in Cambridge
The Spanish Culinary Craze Hits Town – Until recently admitting you had a love affair with Sherry, would have classified you as dull, boring and old for your time. Being a Sherry lover myself, I am glad that ‘the dust’ has been brushed off these amazing tipples. Since 2010 specialist Sherry bars have been popping up all over the country with 35 alone in London. Sherry has indeed become trendy. In search of these bars, you should head off to Kings Cross, Soho and Bermondsey – in the trendy places in the big smoke.
This Spanish fortified wine fits perfectly into the new bite-size way of eating and a perfect companion in tasting menus too. One of my favourite restaurants in Cambridge, Alimentum, not only has a very interesting Sherry menu but is a keen promoter of this drink in their tasting menus too. Cheese, starter or dessert, they certainly know how to pair the food with Sherry unlike one of the well-known chefs in London who stays away from these pairings.
With the renewed popularity of Sherry, Spanish food couldn’t miss out too. Trendy Spanish restaurants opened their doors in London, specialising in regional specialities, offering long Sherry menus showing off the versatility of this drink. Even Arzak opened their doors in London! Many people probably are unaware, that the flavours of this drink can range from a bone dry sherry to a rich and sweet one.
When you talk to people about Spanish food, Paella is the first thing which springs to mind. Although a wonderful dish, Spanish food is so much more than this one-pot meal. A fine Jamon is hard to beat just as much as the salty and tangy Spanish anchovies. Ingredients which score high on my Tapas list. Spain is also the playground of Michelin star chefs. In San Sebastian, there are more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world, which not only attracts many foodies but the culinary brigade of the world for inspiration too. It’s not a secret, that the Spanish are quite patriotic and have their way of doing things. One of their favourite Spanish sayings is ‘rules are there to be broken’, referring to follow your own taste and choose what you want to eat and how to pair it. I found this very enlightening and my recent visit in San Sebastian definitely changed my view on a few things. If you’re interested in finding out, then have a look at my travel blog ‘the Globetrotter foodie’.
The Cambridge food scene is booming, but a Tapas bar still hasn’t made it up this way. One of my dear friends keeps ‘threatening’ to open one though and I am secretly hoping, that Stazione is going to open a Tapas bar in his new to open restaurant in Wheeler Street ( apparently he will open a concept new to Cambridge), but for the time being our only Tapas fix we can get either at La Tasca’s or trendy Tapas from Que Rico Tapas at home or at the Free Press Pub.
For one day only!
If you like Sherry and Spanish food, then Siesta Fiesta at Childerley Long Barn (in Dry Drayton) is where you should be this Sunday. Under the sounds of Flamenco music, you can enjoy a rich variety of authentic cuisine, wines and of course a wide selection of Sherry. Live the Mediterranean way; feast on delicious food and drink and have a siesta in the stunning grounds. This feast isn’t just for the grown-up’s, it’s a great day out for the family too.
Must do
Two things which caught my eye on the programme, are the sherry tutoring and master class and Rachel McCormack, the Catalan cooking specialist, rustling up a Paella in a wheelbarrow!
Street food
With such a vibrant food scene and the new to launch street food market, Food Park, some of the traders of Food Park are part of Siesta Fiesta too!
No need to drive
No need to drive or sorting out a taxi as there will be a shuttle mini-bus service from the city centre out to Childerley Long Barn throughout the day, kindly provided by festival friends Airport Lynx. The mini-buses will transport you in style from Cherry Hinton Road and Bridge Street branches of Cambridge Wine Merchants.
Facts Siesta Fiesta
- Childerley Long Barn in Dry Dayton
- Another Eat Cambridge Fringe event
- In partnership with Cambridge Wine Merchants
- Picnics available from the food stalls
- Tutored tasting or masterclass with sherry experts from Cambridge Wine Merchants
- An Introduction to Sherry. With Sarah Pollard. £5. Two 45 minute sessions. 1 pm and 3 pm
- Fino Masterclass. With Sarah Pollard. £7.50. 45-minute session. 5pm
- Wine samples available throughout the day. Three samples for £1. *Three samples included in ticket price*
- Live Music
- Spanish Produce
- Street Food
- Farm Tours
- Garden Tours
- Fiesta Atmosphere
- Mini Bus shuttles will transport you in style from Cherry Hinton Road and Bridge Street branches of Cambridge Wine Merchants kindly provided by Airport Lynx.
Sherry wanging
A Spanish Stallion
Tickets
Adult: £8
Group of four: £20
Concession: £5
Children: Free
Go to www.childerleyevents.com for more details.
Tickets on the door available. £10 per adult.
See you there!
Gerla
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