CityLife

Food and drink news: September 3, 2010

Twitter is developing from a virtual space to stalk your heroes to a place where people meet in the real world.

The latest group of enthusiasts to use Twitter as their meeting ground is Manchester’s first Gastroclub – so far, 90 people have responded to a tweet appeal by Katie Brunt to get the group going.

The club has hosted its first foodie evening, laying on a five course meal – including a 13-bird spit roast and squirrel parcel starters – at the Mark Addy pub.

Anyone interested in joining should visit Twitter page @GastroClub_Mcr.

*****

Manchester Food & Drink Festival has announced its official brewer this year is Frederic Robinsons, winner of the 2009 World’s Best Ale. 

The brewer will lay on  fine ales and wines in the Festival Finale Pavilion from October 7-10, including all its award-winning brews, such as Old Tom and a specially commissioned festival ale,  Manchester Icon, also available at selected Robinsons pubs in the run-up to the festival.

Revellers can also enjoy a range of Old Tom cheeses, pates and ice creams and pick up a Festival Passport  they can get stamped at any of the 12 Robinsons pubs in Greater Manchester to win prizes.

In addition, Robinsons  will take part in the MFDF Real Ale Festival alongside 15 regional brewers and microbrewers.

*****

Don't know a terrine from a tapenade?

Chorlton-based cookery network Cracking Good Food takes keen amateurs and teaches them recipes, styles and techniques in three-hour classes, for £15 (£10 concessions).

A run of six classes starts on September 11. Classes are limited to 12, so booking is essential (crackinggoodfood.org)