I'm still not entirely sure what the hell happened, but absurdly early on Saturday morning I found myself in front of a table in the Michelin starred Paris House (just outside Woburn), being introduced to several other esteemed members of the Milton Keynes culinary bourgeoise and preparing to face the taste test of my life. Before I introduce the competitors to you, I have to admit full disclosure here and now; I was both pleased and a little disappointed at the same time when presented with the 2015 entrants for this category. The products lined up before us collectively represented days, weeks and months of work for their producers and for that, they should all be applauded, congratulated and subject to hearty thanks. In fact, if you meet one in the pub in the near future, buy them a drink - they deserve it. However, I am convinced that they represent only a tiny proportion of the burgeoning numbers of local producers that are right here under our noses; growing, baking or simmering products that they, and their loyal customers are quite rightly proud of. We needed those here! Milton Keynes sits smack bang between Buckingham, Northampton and Bedford and we should be beating off the micro and expanding producers concentrating on sustainable products with a naturally wind felled, organic stick. Anyway, enough ranting and on to the products who had the courage to step up and be measured!
For the drinky side of things we had Old Bloomer from The Concrete Cow brewery, Original Coffee from the Cold Brew Cafe, Spirit of Silverstone Whisky from the Silverstone Brewery and some apple brandy from Virtual Orchard.
Then, because drinking whisky, apple brandy and a pint of bitter at 8:30am may not be the best idea in the world, we also had a fresh croissant from the Woodstock baker, some hot chocolate (as well as extra chocolate slabs) from the Cacao Pod, ketchup from Sinclair Condiments and lastly some Golden Raspberry Jam from Jam Moo Kow.
A huge range of different and vastly interesting flavours, on that we can all agree. Deliberations by the judging panel were fast, furious and thankfully with only a passing reference to Vin Diesel. Final decisions were eventually reached and the results will be announced at the awards ceremony on the 10th May (buy your tickets here).
The aftermath of the morning showed the consequence of ever more involved tasting, discussion, re-tasting and subsequent... tasting.
One quick shout out must be given to Paris House, our host for the morning. Not only did they make space available for us to conduct our serious judging, they also joined us in doling out justice in ice-cream scoop sized proportions and then suffered the final indignity of allowing us back-stage to watch the kitchen prepare for the lunchtime service and ask ridiculous questions such as: 'what's that gooey stuff? Why is that purple?* How long does it take to make the three million sauces, veloutes, gels and/or jellies required for your tasting menu?' Photo's were taken and bacon rolls were consumed but that is for another post.
Just to end, I now confirm that I am sworn to secrecy and would never divulge the results no matter how seduced I am by the devious temptations that may be given/forced upon me. Absolutely not. No way. For sure mister, you can do one. But just before you go, what was it you were (not) going to give me??
Ooh, I'm looking forward to the the 10th of May - it's going to be a good one!
*Seriously, remind me to talk about the purple potato dust next time. A. Maze. Ing.
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