Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival 2015

Why is Sunday 5^th July significant you may ask, well it was Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival 2015…. and yes, Greg and I were there 😀 !  You may remember Greg and I went last year, if you don’t you can read my review here

As we drove down to Aberaeron the weather was appalling, it was belting down and if I’m honest I had my doubts about whether going was a good idea, but thankfully Greg as always brought common sense to the party and we off we went, worst case scenario we’ve just gone for a drive and end up having food in a restaurant somewhere!

As you can see the weather ended up being glorious, it was equally as good weather wise as last year if not better. When we got there we were told that it had been pouring down and people had been taking shelter under arches and doorways, while stall holders took food and drink to them 😆 .

The first thing we did was make a beeline for Stephen Terry’s (The Hardwick Abergavenny) stall, you’ll remember that we met Stephen in last year’s festival but Stephen and I had been tweeting together for a couple of years. Stephen as always was working flat out assisted by some friends and young assistant Will. Stephen’s food was as always sensational, Greg and I tried frittata and Gazpacho which I’d never tried before and wonderful fish with different types of salads including a fantastic potato salad with a chorizo crumb.

It always amazes me how many top quality chef’s are at this festival, there are more here than I’ve ever seen in any other event. Chef’s who are friendly and personable and take the time to talk to everyone. There were more chef’s this year than last year and the variety of produce on offer was unbelievable.

One of the first things I bought was cheese from John of Teifi Cheese, I bought two lots of cheeses from John a goats cheese and a cheese which was advertised as being “Britain’s Smelliest Cheese” – I can see why. The cheeses were for my Brother-in-law Graham and I, they were excellent, really distinct flavours and very enjoyable.

Greg and I also met the family behind the Gwinllan Llaethliw Vineyard which is situated at the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains in Aberaeron. Richard and Siwsan and their son Jac were a pleasure to talk to, Richard basically woke up one morning and decided to open a vineyard and the project grew from there. Their wine was excellent and of course, it wouldn’t have been right if I hadn’t bought a bottle to sample…. you know me it’s all in the name of research. I bought the 11% ABV Solaris it was fresh and flavoursome, not too dry but not overly sweet, a real gem and one I’d buy again.

I also bought Smoked Dragon Sausages from the Black Mountain Smokery based in Crickhowell, the sausage was stunning, if I’m honest I ate it on its own but I’m going if I get the opportunity I’m going to put it in my Schwartz Sausage and Butterbean Stew or it would be ideal in my Stunning Spiced Sausage Stew. This was a better year for us in many ways because we knew what we were doing, we even got to sit and have a beer in the Harbourmaster which may I say, is quite accessible and has a lovely view.

Some people remembered us from last year and some people were aware of Wheelie Good Meals, Nathan who Greg and I are pictured above with is one of the event’s organisers and he had read last year’s review. It was a pleasure to meet him and everyone involved, they are so passionate about the event and it’s a credit to them…. even with a downpour 😆 . If there is ever anything that I can do access wise or through Wheelie Good Meals I’m only too happy to help.

The day was rounded off by a performance from Aberdare boy (and friend of mine I’ll have you know) Chris Summerhill, he had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand… well not literally because they were all full up on the fish they’d eaten but you get my jist!

This was a fantastic event and one that has grown in so many ways from last year, it appeared to be a bigger festival while still keeping it’s friendly personal feel – I honestly can’t speak highly enough of it and all those who take part in it.

Thanks to Greg for his company, for playing chauffer and of course for his photography skills… and for his photography last year too. I know sometimes he may feel put on but I do appreciate it…. even if I don’t show it all the time.

Thanks for your time and come back on Sunday for the first in my Mystery Bag Meals feature…. what will it be, wait and see!!

Rich 😎