In its second full year, Slow Food Dorset has put together a programme of events for 2006 ranging from a gastronomic dinner to a tea tasting master-class!
On June 13th there will be a Tea Tasting event with Robert Wilson Ceylon Teas, in The Engine Room at Poundbury Gardens, Dorchester. This will be a chance to hear how Robert moved from being a planter to an importer and learn more about the growing conditions and culture of tea plantations as well as enjoying a lesson in ‘tea tasting’.
In July, Slow Food Dorset will support The Bridport Food Festival with ‘Slow Food Dorset Cheese Rolls’ – using cheese from the local area including Denhay Cheddar, Dorset Blue Vinny and Woolsery Cheese. A local baker will make the rolls and it is hoped that visitors to Bridport will enjoy a Slow moment of simple pleasure at the heart of the vibrant Food Festival!
In September there are plans to visit a farm which specialises in Portland Rare Breed Sheep and enjoy a supper afterwards. And further events for the autumn include a Fungi Forage and a Harvest Pot Luck Supper where members bring a dish to share.
Growing steadily and now with over 80 members, Slow Food Dorset brings together people who have a desire to protect and encourage a food culture which could so easily be lost to mass production, fast food and huge manufacturers. Artisan producers, traditional methods, unique food flavours, varieties, rare breeds and education are central to the ethos of Slow Food which started in Italy in 1986 and is now an international movement with over 80,000 members.
Slow Food Dorset is open to all and annual membership costs £35 (individual) or £47 (joint). Members receive the quarterly Snail Mail magazine together with a copy of Slow which features articles and information on the worldwide Slow Food movement. Members also keep in touch with updates on the programme activities of the Dorset Convivium.
To contact Slow Food Dorset please call 01308 459761.