Happy Festive period from the Ayrshire Food Network

As we approach the Festive   period , we would like to wish everyone   a joyous  relaxing   period, hoping  that you will be able to enjoy the wonderful provenanced  #Ayrshire  food and drink , which is produced and provided by members of the network .

.May we   appreciate  fully  all the effort , skill  and  excellent  natural raw materials   that go into  creating  such  flavoursome   food  and drink .

We look  forward  to being of service  during  2015  The  Year  of Food  and Drink,  here in Scotland

Regards    Howard  Wilkinson

Celebrate September weekend farmers market Burns Birthplace Museum Alloway

 This Sunday  21st   September  sees the return of  Farmers' market to   the exciting Burns  Birthplace  Museum Alloway ..timing  11.00-15.00   location  the Robertson  Room facility.

 The Fresh produce  available will include  a wide range of handmade  breads and  bakery products,  free range eggs ,  rapeseed oil,  non homogenised milk,  goat and cows milk cheeses , gluten free  savouries and cakes  ,chilli  savoury preserves  and relishes , plus  organic  soapery products ,  hand crafted  wooden  kitchen related  utensils  and  boards  , and  plants and herbs

perfect  local  food and craft  items for your own use  or  as gifts

free entry ..  we hope to see  you there  during  this  celebratory  weekend

AFN & Taste Ayrshire support History & Heritage Day at Scottish Maritime Museum

 On  Sunday  August  31st  the  Scottish Maritime Museum   in  Irvine  are hosting  a very special event  to celebrate the  heritage  of     local food and  crafts  including weaving and   other crafts

  There  will be an exciting   cookery  demonstration  using   artisan produced    Ayrshire  ingredients   by the renowned  Cookery writer  and author  Catherine Brown      timing 14.00-15.00

 A Selection  of Ayshire  produce that she will be using  will be   available to purchase  including  local    honeys , rapeseed oil , free range eggs,  local cheeses ,non homogenised  Ayrshire  milk; plus   hand made   cakes and savouries  including  gluten free  varieties ..

her  cookery books will also be available  to buy

 this activity will be complemented by a   weaving demonstration from Ange Sewell   12.00-16.00

 the museum is open  09.00-17.00  with the main attractions  11.00-16.00

special entry tickets     available in advance  from the  museum at £5

 see  www.tidelinesbookfest.co.uk
plus
www.scottishmaritime.org.uk

we  hope to see you there

Ayrshire farmers' market in the Kilwinning sunshine

 Come   and  enjoy  great local food and drink in the summer  sunshine  at the  quarterly  farmers' market in Kilwinning    ..Seasonal  produce from 12    local   producers   including  many Ayrshire  Food  Network  Members expected,   plus  fun street entertainment  for  the family

timing 10..00  --14.00     location   Main   Street ....  free of charge

we  look forward to welcoming you .

Jacques' Table is welcomed into the Ayrshire Food Network

During  a recent  dinner   at the innovative Jacques' Table  "hidden " restaurant  in Sinclairston, the joint owners  were presented  with their Ayrshire  food network  membership certificate

Bringing  together  classical  French culinary training.. locally sourced ingredients including   5 AFN suppliers, and   informal conviviality  around a   hosted  group dining  table , Jacques' Table   is providing  an exemplary  and unique   culinary experience.

We  welcome them warmly  to the network www.jacquestable.co.uk

Farmers' market within Commonwealth Fun day at BBPM Alloway

On Sunday 20th July  The Ayrshire Food Network/farmers market group will be participating  in the Commonwealth  themed  family   fun day at Burns Birth Place Museum  Alloway    KA7  4PQ

The  market  is timed  to take  place  between 11.00-15.00 in the garden  facing  Robertson room..entry is free 

Local produce expected  includes   a   wide variety of cheeses; hen  duck and quail eggs;  honeys; non homogenised milk; local rapeseed oil;  vegetarian and gluten free  savouries ; gluten free cakes and oatcakes; ; traditional baking ,  artisan  breads  and  rolls    including  Sourdough produce  ; clootie dumplings ; confections ; waxed cheeses,  balsamic vinegar dressings; hand made chocolates ; jams and chutneys ; chilli relishes   and  preserves ; and organic soap  and shampoos ..

( all produce offered subject to availability )

Bring  the family  and  join in  the Commonwealth Games inspired  outdoor  games  at this exciting  venue

we hope  to see you there 

PS  you  may want to bring a cool bag!

AFN members focus on Celebrate Ayrshire Event at Culzean

 This   Sunday  22nd  June , 12   members of the Ayrshire   Food Network   will be represented and  actively trading   at  the  excellent   family  friendly Celebrate  Ayrshire  event   run by the  The  National Trust at Culzean   Country  Park  near Maybole   post code   KA198LE

We will be there  within the 40  strong stall   layout ..you will find us  centred on the medieval tents and collonade  complex

With  hot food  to go , street food , beer and whisky tastings  and  a wide variety of  artisan   Ayrshire producers present  this will be  a  great opportunity  to discover and meet  the food   and hospitality  providers of Ayrshire,including   the acclaimed  50 member strong  Ayrshire Bed and Breakfast   Association

There will be  cultural ,musical , environmental , historical and artistic   displays   plus   the  Hoot Owls ,all within the  colourful setting  of the County  Park

Timing   11.00-16.00   .

please note whilst entrance  to the event itself is free , normal admission charges to the NTS venue will apply.

we  hope to  see you there ... and   may   the  weather   continue dry

Fresh seasonal Ayrshire produce Ballantrae farmers market 15th June

This  coming Sunday the 15th June  the  "midsummer" farmers' market is being held at Craigiemains   garden centre  in  Ballantrae  post code    KA26 ONB

Supported by  the local Community groups + Carrick Futures, and the Ayrshire Food Network  +Ayrshire  farmers  market cooperative , the  event  is well  worth a visit , located conveniently  beside the A77.

Subject  to availability, there will be  Scottish summer fruits, tomatoes ,Ayrshire tatties, fresh vegetables  ;Arran  and  Ayrshire  Dunlop cheeses ,Nethergate rare breed meats ,Dalduff  pies , local baking ,preserves ,crafts  and local information  stalls  , all of which will be   adjacent to  the Graigiemains garden centre  and its popular  cafe

There will be   fascinating  cookery  demonstrations   by Susan  Crosthwaite of Cosses  Country  House
 showing how to take  excellent fresh local ingredients  and convert them into  delicious   meals

They  will run throughout  the duration of the farmers' market   ie 11.00-15.00

As  a Gateway  to the Unesco  designated  Biosphere, Ballantrae is strategically  located  on the   ferry routes,

 why not take  some  time  out  during fathers' day to  enjoy the provenanced  foods available .?

the weather  is looking good  also    .. have  fun

Kilwinning farmers' market 24th May with 10 AFN members

a wide  variety  of Ayrshire  Food Network produce  will  be at  the  Kilwinning  farmers market  this Saturday  24th    May   10.00-14.00

those  expected   include (subject to availability )

rare breeds    meats  and sausages    from Nethergate Larder ; craft beers  from Ayr micro brewery; Highland beef ,pies and free range  chicken from Cedar Cottage country foods ; confections, clootie dumplings, balsamic dressings  and waxed  cheeses from   Threepwood  Fayre  , vegetables from GC Growers including   new season Ayrshire  Epicure potatoes , plus Ayrshire  tomatoes  and strawberries  via Alex Sharpe; ice cream , chocolate and  chutneys from  Lime Tree  larder ; Petrie Fine  Foods   vegetarian  and gluten free savouries  and cakes ; Dunlop Dairy   goat and cows' milk cheeses plus non homogenised milk; free range hen and duck eggs from Corrie Mains; Ayrshire and Arran Stark   rape seed  oil;  Graham's heather  and blossom honeys

in addition there will be  stalls  selling  exciting   spicy  street food ;  bedding plants and  vegetables  for planting ;  Caurnie organic soaps  and shampoos;  and   a free  balloon   provider  for  younger members of our audience

with    fair weather   forecast  please  come and enjoy the  great food, friendly  stallholders and   fun  atmosphere

we hope to see you there

Ayrshire Food Network members active at Ayr County Show 10th may in Taste Ayrshire Marquee

 The    Ayr  County Show  which is being held  at Ayr  Racecourse   Saturday 10th  May  from 10.00-18.00 will feature for the first time a Taste  Ayrshire  marquee ..

14   Ayrshire  food  and  hospitality  Businesses will feature there  with ongoing food  cookery and butchery demonstrations  throughout the day

With  hot  and  cold  food and   drink "to go"  there  will  be  a wide variety  of choice ..

AFN members  attending  include  #Ayr  Brewing   Company ;#A. D. Rattray;# Cedar Cottage  Country Foods;#Everything  Chilli;#Fencebay;# Nethergate  Larder ;# Roundsquare Roastery  and  #Threepwood Fayre

There will also be  a raffle   featuring   local produce  within  a#Taste  Ayrshire   Hamper .


So whatever  the weather   you   will find a  warm  hospitable  welcome  and   local  flavoursome  food

#Ayrshire Food Network and#Taste Ayrshire take lead role in#ScotFood chat May 5th

  You   are warmly invited to  get directly involved  in the #ScotFood   chat on  Twitter  at 21.00  on May 5th  which  is returning  to #Ayrshire  and #Arran

These  highly interractive events  lasting   a maximum  of 60 mins  are facilitated by the   respected  social media specialist #Susan  McNaughton  susan@susanmcnaughton.com

There  are likely to be  several hundred people directly involved  virtually in the event ....the "reach " of which  should  be  global within the  Twitter  community

The  session will be  fairly  fast moving  and fun,  with topics covering  seasonal produce from Ayrshire  & Arran ;tips on how to make  best use of Twitter  to promote local produce ; interesting food and   drink combinations ;nominating new  innovative  food or drink businesses  or products

 protocols  are explained at ow.ly/wnQVb

 the  hash tag#ScotFood   is crucial  in order  to   capture participation

we hope to  "see  "you there

Ballantrae farmers' market Sunday 27th April ..the place to be !

The  2014  series  of farmers' markets at Craigie  Mains  garden centre  Ballantrae  is reopening   this coming Sunday   27th  April    timing 11.00-15.00..

. Several  members   of the Ayrshire food network    are directly  or indirectly  involved , including  Dalduff farm , Nethergate Larder , GC  growers with  the freshest vegetables  ,Corrie Mains Eggs , Everything  Chilli, Dunlop Dairy,  Barwheys ,Grants  of Prestwick, Arran cheeses,  plus  other local  suppliers of  baking ,fish ,  free range  chickens ,herbs and   spices  etc  . plus  food  demonstrations and   information

All produce offered subject to availability  on the day

In conjunction  with the Community  information centre  and  cafeteria  at the garden centre itself, plus  Ballantrae  being the gateway to the Biosphere ..certainly worthy of  a springtime outing

Slow Food Supper - West of Scotland at Dunlop supported by members of Ayrshire Food Network

 Monday   7th  April will  see  a very  special  artisan  food supper  being held at Dunlop  Village Hall.
Organised  by the West of Scotland  Convivia  of Slow Food  ..it will feature produce  from 20 west of Scotland   producers and providers  plus  specially selected  Scottish associated  wines  sourced  via  Cross Stobs Wine .

The  food is being coordinated  by  the  chef  Brenda  Anderson ,Proprietor of Tasting Scotland  ltd ,

 Direct Suppliers  include Aye Love  Real  food ; Nethergate  Larder; Petrie  Fine foods; Stark  Rape Seed Oil ;GC  Growers ; Wester Highgate IceCream ; Little  Doone  Foods;  Lime Tree  Larder

 Other regional  Support has been offered  by many organisations  and individuals  including  Isle  of Arran Distillers; The  Grand Central Hotel  Glasgow; Grants of Prestwick , Borlands Deli -Stewarton ;Corrie  Mains Eggs; Heart and Soul Foods;  Everything  chilli;  Barwheys  Dairy;Dunlop Dairy ; Roundsquare  Coffee Roastery; Mayfield Flowers ;Scotch broth Events ,Slow Food UK , Charlie Jamieson,  and  the Dunlop Village  Hall   itself

A real example  of#scotfood#slowfood#localfood

All  taking place  under the watchful social media eye of Rachel Gillon!@rachelgillon

watch out on Twitter  as it happens

Ayrshire short local supply chain foods at Kilmarnock #Taste Ayrshire food fair Sunday March 30th

With the  latest confirmations  now  in, the line up is truly impressive food type wise .

Come  and hear the stories behind the foods ,let the food itself , the samplings  and cookery  demonstrations do the talking ... before you  buy  these quality great value foods  

thereby supporting the local economy  and helping develop   shorter, environmental  friendly lower food miles supply networks

the range on offer will include ( subject to availability on the day )

Seafood , fresh and smoked fish; rare breeds meats, sausages and pies; .highland beef ,free range chicken  and bacon; gluten free& vegetarian  savoury foods  &cakes;  chilli relishes ;confectionery ; flavoured   waxed cheeses ; cow and goats cheeses ,non homogenised milk;  balsamic dressings ;  the freshest of  local seasonal vegetables ; Scotch eggs  ; rapeseed oils; local blossom and heather  honey ; hen ,duck ,quail and goose eggs ;  ice creams; Ballantrae community group ,Ayrshire farmers markets ; micro  brewery  beer ;  locally roasted  coffees; The  Cook School demonstrations, food to go  etc etc .

so  there are  many reasons to schedule  or reschedule your day  to   allow  for  an enjoyable visit

all part of a joyous  Mother's Day  Festivities

location Centrestage  ,11-13  James Little  street  Kilmarnock   KA14AT

Timing 10.00 -16.00  Free entry  to this innovative indoor event  ,which will also have   life entertainment

NB  Don't  forget  The  clocks go forward on Saturday  night   so it will be officially British  summer time !!

Hope to see you there                                                                                                    ,

Taste Ayrshire Food Festival Producers Market Kilmarnock March 30th

Bring the whole family  for a  fun day out  at#Taste Ayrshire's local producer market !

Meet  the people  behind the produce, enjoy cookery demonstrations  and live entertainment , while having an opportunity  to  sample and buy    locally    produced  food and drink . This helps the local rural economy

25 producers /organisations   are  expected  to be represented so you will have a wide choice  of  suppliers& types of food  ,including gluten free, to choose from .Learn about  healthy  eating initiatives .. as well as enjoying exciting  food to go

As part of Mothers' Day  celebrations   it should be a  joyous occasion   so  why not organise your day  to include this innovative fun event

Inside  at  the exiting Centrestage facility   11-13 James Little Street,Kilmarnock  KA14AT,

Timing  is from 10.00--16.00    entry is free

We look forward to welcoming you

Springtime farmers' market in Kilwinning Sat 22nd March

 Whilst  we  may not  have  that  real  spring  weather  yet , you are  warmly invited  to the  quarterly   farmers' market in Kilwinning   main street this  Saturday  March 22nd   timing   10.00-14.00..

With   a good array  of local Ayrshire food and drink expected ,  you will have  a  varied choice  ranging from rare breeds  meats  and bacon , Ayr   micro brewery ales , highland beef, pies , chicken , vegetarian and gluten free savouries   and cakes , flavoured  cheeses,  confectionery , clootie dumplings , ice creams,  chutneys,  jams, chocolates  for Easter,  chilli  relishes,  Dunlop  cheeses   both cow and goats milk, non homogenised milk , rapeseed oil, local blossom and heather honey,  free range , hen ,duck  and goose eggs ,early spring  seasonal  vegetables  plants  and  spring  bulbs plus  organic soap and shampoos..

there will also be a  free balloon artist  for the family visitors and  the Promoting   Kilwinning group

So come on down   but  dress warmly!   ..it is still March after all

 for  a preview  of some of the stallholders    check out the video on You Tube
http://youtu.be/LhgaQmCEvmQ

you will  be very welcome

Ayrshire food network members provide local food sampling experience at# Creative Scotland Awards reception

 The #Creative Scotland  2014 Awards  event  in Kilmarnock  Tonight  January 29th   will feature a   #Taste  Ayrshire inspired  buffet supper  and   a chance to sample  local food  from several #Ayrshire food  network members ....watch out for   the photo blog  and reports after  this exciting event .

 a real celebration of  creativity !

Ayrshire food network members at Alloway Burns 1759 celebration - come indoors !

 This Sunday  26th  January --- 10  members of the Ayrshire Food  network  together with  guest crafters will be   joining in  The Alloway   1759 Robert Burns    celebrations   at the Burns Birthplace Museum  .

Timing  for the farmers' market  is 11.00-15.00   inside in the Robertson  Room ..

Given  the forecast weather   that is  indeed  a  blessing !

there will be  a wide range of Ayrshire produce available  many of which is  ideally suited to Burns ' fayre  suppers or informal  meals

come and join the party ..you will be very warmly welcomed

Video launched of Kilwinning farmers market before January 18th event

#Taste  Ayrshire  has been able to use LEADER   TORE(Tastes of Rural Europe )  project funds   to create  an introductory  video  highlighting the  producers and produce at the #kilwinning  farmers market

..it also shows the   the other 4 locations  associated with the #Ayrshire farmers market  including Ayr ,Kilmarnock ,Alloway, Paisley  and #Ballantrae

it may have been filmed  in the summer !!  but enjoy anyway this week  at

 http://youtu.be/LhgaQmCEvmQ

hope to see you  at the market    this saturday    10.00-14.00    spread the word

3 New Ayrshire food network members - we wish them a very warm welcome

We are  delighted  to welcome 3 new member

#Aye Love Real Food  who  are using  many members'  ingredients in their amazing  Scotch eggs ..viz #Nethergate . pork   and #Corrie   Mains  eggs

#Ayr Micro Brewery with their excellent  range of craft  beers ,several of which are now being used in members product   viz  Porter ale in #Petrie festive puddings   and    ginger cake

#Roundsquare   Coffee Roasters  who are  producing outstanding  specialist coffees which are increasingly becoming available in  member  delis  ,farm shops and  our hampers

fuller information will be available about them on the web site in the very  new  future