This autumn, lovers of game are in for the ultimate gastro treat thanks to the launch of the Royal Deeside Larder Venison Festival.
This new and unique six-day celebration of venison will take place from 26th to 31st October 2010 at various locations across Royal Deeside. Organised by the Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation (DMO), the festival offers the perfect opportunity to sample top of the range game in new and unusual ways.
Pictured, Scottish Chef George McIvor shows off his ‘Desperate Dan’ Venison Pie, with antlers to launch Royal Deeside & The Cairngorms debut Venison Festival.
Dozens of local producers, hotels, restaurants and country estates in Royal Deeside & The Cairngorms will create a mouth-watering programme of venison themed activities.
A feast of venison inspired menus will be offered at eateries that scatter the towns and villages, such as the AA Rosette Glenkindie Arms in Alford and the Finzean Farm Shop and Tea Room on the Finzean Estate. Award-winning restaurants will feature game dishes on their specials boards, including the 3AA Rosette Green Inn also at Ballater and the Banchory Lodge Hotel restaurant, which holds AA Rosette rating.
From smoked venison sandwiches, broths and burgers to venison haggis and even venison vindaloo, there will be a mix of traditional and modern venison dishes to suit every palate.
Amateur cooks will pick up some top tips on how to cook venison to perfection at one of a series of cookery demonstrations followed by lunches.
Scottish chefs Neil Keevill from Loch Kinord Hotel in Dinnet and Master Chef David Littlewood from the Milton restaurant at Crathes will share their words of culinary wisdom about the delicate flavour and fine texture of venison with their diners as well as explaining the nutritious aspects of the meat.
Afterwards guests will be invited to tuck into a tasty lunch using the very best venison the region has to offer.
But the Venison Festival isn’t just about eating – there are a number of wildlife safaris being organised by the Glen Tanar, Finzean and Balmoral estates which promise visitors insight into land management. These wildlife safaris include ranger slide shows, talks and trips onto the estates with hearty breakfasts and lunches to keep visitors going while on the move.
To find out what’s on during the Venison Festival log onto www.discoverroyaldeeside.com/Venison-Festival/ or to find out how to get involve contact George McIvor at mailto:chefmcivor@btinternet.com or telephone The Full Range on 01343 820844
The DMO food events programme is supported by the Scottish Government and the European Community Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER programme (2007-2013) with Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise.
Royal Deeside & The Cairngorms DMO is the official Destination Management Organisation for tourism businesses in the areas of Royal Deeside, Donside and the Eastern Cairngorms.