First Taste Lancashire Event of 2013

On Wednesday 30 January The Villa, Wrea Green, will host the first Taste Lancashire Produce Event of 2013 with a menu created by Head Chef, Matthew Johnson who features local producer, Pugh’s Piglets.

Marketing Lancashire’s Taste Lancashire Produce dining events, in partnership with some of the county’s finest restaurants, help demonstrate the abundance of superb produce available across Lancashire and the creativity and talent of local chefs. Diners enjoy a locally sourced, three course meal for £20 and get to meet and hear from one of the rural producers who has contributed to the special Taste Lancashire menu.

The Villa is situated in the pretty village of Wrea Green, conveniently located just a few minutes from junction 3 of the M55.  Originally an impressive 19^th Century gentleman’s residence, the house reopened in May 2010 following extensive refurbishment and today boasts handsome and well proportioned public spaces, 31 luxuriously appointed bedrooms and a Taste Lancashire Quality Assured restaurant.

Matthew Johnson has held the position of Head Chef since 2010 and previously worked at Ribby Hall, The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey and in restaurants in Melbourne, Australia.

Speaking about the Taste Lancashire event Matthew said “We have a dedicated team at The Villa and feel very strongly about using locally sourced produce of the highest quality. Pugh’s Piglets of Garstang have been rearing pigs for over 45 years and their skill and knowledge is second to none. When we look to creating new menus and developing new ideas, we know can count on them for a premium product that customers will really enjoy.”

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Matthew’s menu follows:

Starters

Leagram’s Nannykin Goat Curd salad, shallot, cauliflower, beetroot mousse

or

Roasted parsnip soup with honey veloute

*******

Mains

Pugh’s Piglets porchetta medallions, with potato Anna layered with black pudding,

roasted parsnip, poached rhubarb, sautéed sprout leafs and cider veloute

or

Lentil hotpot with roasted root vegetables

*********

Desserts 

Buttermilk pannacotta, pineapple fritter, apple sorbet, apple sherbet

or

Chocolate and pistachio cake with vanilla parfait

To your table at The Villa’s Taste Lancashire Produce evening, on Wednesday 30 January 7.30pm, call 01772 804040.  Early booking is advised. Cost £20 per head.

As part of a programme of activity to raise the profile of Lancashire produce, Marketing Lancashire has developed and promoted a series of these Taste Lancashire Produce evenings. The restaurants and producers benefit directly from the income generated by consumers attending these events and through the creation, sourcing and celebration of these special Lancashire menus.  

The marketing of this event forms part of the Food Connect programme, for which Marketing Lancashire has secured funding from Defra’s Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).  The funding is to support food tourism activities, which includes the marketing of events which bring together suppliers, chefs, restaurateurs and customers, to demonstrate the breadth of local food on offer in Lancashire and the skills that can create exciting and ‘mouth watering’ dishes.

For more information about other Taste Lancashire events go to www.visitlancashire.com/taste

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Media enquiries: Anna Izza, Communications Manager, Marketing Lancashire

on 01772 426459  or [email protected]

Notes to Editors

1. Marketing Lancashire is the new name for Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board (from 1^st April 2012)

Our activities in marketing and communications, commercial membership, `Welcome to Excellence` training and place marketing are all designed to grow the visitor economy and develop the destination as a great place to visit, live and work.

In 2010 the Lancashire attracted 60 million visitors who contributed £3.25 billion to the local economy and helped support 55,227 jobs.

2. Taste Lancashire is funded by Defra’s Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).  A priority for the RDPE is encouraging collaboration between food and tourism businesses, for the wider economic benefits that can be achieved, including employment opportunities.