MEET THE CULINARY TALENT BEHIND

Taste of Edinburgh, in partnership with AEG, is back for a fifth year of summer-time eating, drinking and entertainment. From 1-3 July 2011, Taste of Edinburgh will return to its original location in The Meadows for what promises to be its biggest and best show yet! With its new date in early July, the event is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors and will showcase the best of Scottish culinary talent with a star-studded line up of 15 award- winning restaurants. Chez Roux, Cucina at Hotel Missoni, First Coast, Mark Greenaway at Hawke & Hunter, Plumed Horse, Ondine, Tigerlily, VinCaffè and Wedgwood are part of the mouth-watering restaurant line up, with more exciting names to be announced in the coming weeks.

Foodie fans will have the chance to enjoy tasty cooking demonstrations at the Taste Theatre and sample the very best food and drink from over 100 artisan producers. Visitors can also brush up on their own culinary skills at AEG Perfekt Cooking Classes with Cook School by Martin Wishart and the exclusive Waitrose Cookery School.

M E E T T H E C H E F S

DEREK JOHNSTONE CHEZ ROUX

MATTIA CAMORANI CUCINA AT HOTEL MISSONI MICHAEL PRENTICE FIRST COAST

Protégé of the legendary Albert Roux, Derek made his mark when he won Masterchef: The Professionals in 2008. Following his victory he worked for Albert Roux at Le Gavroche in London the first British restaurant to obtain three Michelin stars. In 2010 he returned to his homeland as Head Chef at Chez Roux creating food which, in the words of Albert Roux, is ‘stunning the food is simple, but it is the freshest that you can get’. ‘The restaurant scene in Edinburgh is probably the best in Scotland. Taste gives some of the top restaurants in and around Scotland a chance to get together and share their knowledge of seasonal ingredients, local suppliers and technical skills. Most importantly it’s an opportunity for the public to try some of the finest quality produce first hand.’

Taking inspiration from mentor and renowned Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli, Head Chef Mattia Camorani has taken the Edinburgh dining scene by storm since opening in June 2009. Winning accolades including ‘Scotland’s Best Italian Restaurant’ at the Scottish Restaurant Awards 2010, Mattia sources the freshest Italian ingredients to create a menu that presents Italian classics with a modern twist. ‘From five Michelin star restaurants to countless restaurants, bistros and cafés in the city, there is a diverse flavour to Edinburgh's world-class melting pot of flavours and cooking styles, celebrating local suppliers and exquisite Scottish cooking. Taste visitors will be able to experience the best of Italian cuisine from the Cucina team and enjoy a five-star experience serving regional, classical dishes from across Italy.’

Head Chef Michael Prentice is one of a growing number of young Scottish chefs who is not afraid to move beyond the old clichés of Scottish cooking, using the finest local Scottish produce in an innovative and imaginative way. His cooking is characterised by bold flavours, unfussy presentation and an international outlook. Michael is committed to ‘nose to tail’ cooking, using unusual cuts and sustainably sourced seafood gurnard, coley and oxtail are all regular fixtures on his exciting menu. ‘We will be bringing a more rustic style of cooking to Taste dishes made with unusual, affordable cuts but still packed with flavour. We have always been about showing people you don’t need to pay a fortune for quality food. People often shy away from what they don’t know we want to surprise and delight our customers with unique, tasty, reasonably priced dishes which won’t break the bank.’

GET A TASTE OF THE ACTION We are offering all List readers the chance to enjoy a slice of the culinary action at this year’s Taste of Edinburgh, with 10 pairs of tickets up for grabs.

To be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us: Where will Taste of Edinburgh be taking place this year? PLEASE VISIT TASTEOFEDINBURGH.CO.UK FOR UPDATES AND INFORMATION

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Wed 25 May 2011. There is no cash alternative. Usual List rules apply.