FROM FIELD TO FORK

‘HOME GROWN’ PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON RENAISSANCE OF REGIONAL FOOD

'Home Grown – Food Champions from England’s Northwest’, a new book highlighting the renaissance of English provincial food and featuring stories and recipes from local chefs and producers, is published in time for Christmas 08.

The 400-page coffee table publication tells the story of how some of the region’s chefs, who are passionate about local and regional food, have led a Northwest ‘food revolution’. This has been achieved by working closely with local producers and suppliers from across Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, to influence and champion regional produce that is traditionally grown in the Northwest.  

‘Home Grown’ demonstrates how the connection between chef and producer is crucial and puts an emphasis on seasonal, quality, local ingredients. It introduces the people behind some of the region’s favourite products, as they reveal the stories behind their success.

Each of the 12 featured chefs, from Paul Askew to Marc Wilkinson, give their views on food and share three of their signature recipes made with their favourite local products.

Paul Askew, who runs the internationally-renowned London Carriage Works, part of Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool, said: “The Northwest is seeing a renaissance of English provincial food and is home to some of the country’s top chefs and producers, with fascinating stories to tell, particularly about their close collaboration.  Home Grown paints a vivid picture of how food is well and truly on the region’s menu.”

The unique stories behind some of the region’s most innovative products play a major role in the book.  Originally an art teacher, John Price gave up his career to set up the now renowned Port of Lancaster Smokehouse and Anne Connelly swapped the high hills of Northern Italy for the gentle Cheshire countryside, where she creates mountain cheeses based on traditional Italian recipes.  Meanwhile, Aidan Monks’ passion for artisan bread dates back to his Lake District childhood, delivering bread from his grandfather’s bakery.

Lorna Tyson, who has worked on behalf of the local and regional food support agencies led by Food Northwest to manage the development of the book, said: “Home Grown makes clear the vital link between chefs, producers and suppliers in bringing the best food to the table, with an emphasis on integrity at every stage of the process. This close collaboration has inspired a new food movement across the region.”

Home Grown is illustrated by award-winning photographer Colin McPherson and is written by Deidre Morley. It is published by Liverpool-based Bluecoat Press.

The publication of the book is supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Bluecoat Press and the Liverpool Culture Company and its publication coincides with Liverpool’s 2008 status as European Capital of Culture.

Keith Blundell, Head of Tourism at the Liverpool Culture Company, said: ‘'From its first days as a fishing village to a world port trading the exotic fruits and recipes of an empire, food has always played an important role in Liverpool’s culture.  We are delighted to support ‘Home Grown’ in our Capital of Culture year as it demonstrates the city's strong culinary links with the wider region and will help spread the word about the renaissance in Liverpool's dining experience.’'

Peter Whilte, Executive Director of Development at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), added: “The food and drink sector is a significant industry in England’s Northwest, worth over £9.5 billion to the regional economy. Here we have more local food manufacturing enterprises than any other UK region, with a particular strength in speciality and regional foods.

“Many of our local producers are now achieving wider recognition thanks to closer relationships with retailers and restaurateurs. The NWDA is pleased to support Home Grown, which rightly puts the spotlight on some of the region’s finest food producers alongside the fantastic chefs that they supply. The link between field and fork is becoming increasingly important and in the Northwest we are well placed to lead a revolution!”

The publication of the book coincides with an initiative to encourage young people to consider a career in food. Up to £1,500 from the book’s proceeds will provide a scholarship to the winner of the North West Young Chef for the next three years. It will give the successful candidate the opportunity to work overseas with a selected chef to help extend their experience.

The book will be available from major retailers and independent bookstores from November 2008. It will also be available online at www.bluecoatpress.co.uk   or by telephoning 0151 707 2390, and is priced £19.99.

Home Grown is championed by all of the food support agencies in the Northwest which includes Food Northwest, Made in Cheshire, Made in Cumbria and Made in Lancashire.