Read all about it. Here.

Gastronomy couldn’t be more democratic this summer.  Over 40 of the capital’s hottest eating spots are descending on London’s leafy Regent’s Park for the world’s greatest restaurant festival - Taste of London (18-21 June 2009), in partnership with British Airways.  Where else can you enjoy the best cuisine from the most exclusive restaurants - including the Michelin-starred glitterati - on the same day, in such a glorious setting? From Indian (Benares and Tamarind), French (Le Gavroche & L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon) to Asian (Sumosan & Cocoon) and Modern British (Tom’s Kitchen and Rhodes 24) cuisine, there’s a signature dish created by a top chef to seduce every palate.  Whilst enjoying first rate food, what could be better than sipping a glass of Laurent-Perrier – the Official Champagne of Taste Festivals UK.

With new restaurants added to the Taste line-up including Quo Vadis, L’Anima, Pont de la Tour, Odettes, Cinnamon Kitchen and Asia de Cuba, it’s easy to see why Taste of London is the highlight of the summer calendar.

There’s also the chance to meet celebrated chefs up close and personal at the live cooking demonstrations and topical food debates.  Watch out for Atul Kochhar, Giorgio Locatelli, Rowley Leigh, Gary Rhodes and Tom Aikens (to name but a few).

Gourmet Features
Official sponsor Waitrose will be hosting an interactive food feature in the Taste Kitchen. Waitrose food experts will be working alongside Taste’s top gastronomes to demonstrate how to prepare original, exciting dishes using top quality ingredients. Once replete, there will be an opportunity to meet the chefs face-to-face in the Foyles Book Signing tent.  There’s also a Taste Theatre where the chefs will be feverishly sautéing, chopping, dicing and flambéing leaving audiences in bewildered awe.   For the more bacchanalian inclined, the Taste Wine Theatre calls on visitors to pit their wits against the experts.  
 
Laurent-Perrier Champagne Masterclass
For a luxurious experience not to be missed, book in for Taste’s top ticket -the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Masterclass (£75 per person). This includes an exclusive champagne and seafood pairing session with London’s top sommeliers. Guests are taken through a taste experience to remember, as they discover the diverse range of fine quality champagnes from Laurent-Perrier – one of the most distinguished family-owned Champagne houses.

Or simply book a VIP ticket to Taste, which includes a complimentary glass of the deliciously fresh Laurent-Perrier Brut L-P NV Champagne in the comfortable surroundings of the VIP Lounge.

A Taste of Thailand
This year Taste of London is ‘turning Thai’ with a section of the show dedicated to this vibrantly spiced country.  Taste of Thailand includes Benja, Blue Elephant, Busaba Eat Thai, Mango Tree and Nahm, along with specialist exhibitors.  Inhale the aromas, sample the cuisine and delight in the music and live cultural shows.

British Airways Country Garden
Visitors can chill out to the jazz vibes in the British Airways Country Garden. Sit back, relax and be treated to the personal touch from the British Airways ambassadors who will be giving you the opportunity to win some amazing prizes.

Peugeot French Flair Theatre
Combining French style and flair, you can join celebrity French chefs and icons in live cooking demonstrations at the Peugeot French Flair Theatre,  showcasing the techniques and sophistication that only French cuisine can offer.

King of the Grillers
This year, Calor is turning its attention to the man of the barbecue, showing that alfresco dining can be much more than burnt bangers and burgers.  Stop by the stand for advice on creating tasty barbecued dishes, with recipe influences from around the world.  Calor will be hosting cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs and offering tips and tricks from the very best in the industry - any man is guaranteed to be transformed into a King of the Grill!

Food & Drink
Enjoy tasty samplers from over 100 of the UK’s best specialist producers including pesticide-free Good Natured Fruit, freshly baked bread at The Bread Shop, decadent Paul A Young chocolates and melt in the mouth Fudges biscuits, then opt for the ultimate Ketel One Vodka Martini or a glass of Sardinian Wine.

Hailed as ‘one of the world’s greatest food festivals’ by Time Magazine, Taste of London is the Summer’s most exciting, must-attend event.

Cocktail Academy

At Taste of London this year, Pepsi RAW has partnered up with the world famous Bar Wizards to offer a selection of exclusive cocktails at its Cocktail Academy. Famed for their success on Britain’s Got Talent, the Bar Wizards will be giving their signature ‘flair’ demonstrations as they mix, serve and sell Pepsi RAW’s special cocktails.

Pepsi RAW will be announcing the winner of its Cocktail Competition live at Taste of London on the main stage on Saturday 20th May. Wannabe mixologists will have their Pepsi RAW cocktail recipe judged by drinks experts and get the chance to win a trip to New York, plus have their own cocktail recipe served across the country in All Bar One.

To enter go to: www.tastefestivals.com/cocktail

To book tickets visit www.tastefestivals.com or ring 0871 230 5581.


Metro Reader offer

Enjoy 2 standard tickets for £38 quote Met 08 when booking. Offer applies to Thurs/FRI only Tickets are limited


Notes to Editors
For further information on Taste Festivals or Taste of London

Final sign off – Tessa Wilmott – Editorial Director – Tel 02074713170, Mobile 07831774759


About Taste Festivals

• Taste Festivals is the inspiration of Brand Events and Channel 4.
• The Channel 4 Television Corporation is a publicly-owned not-for-profit broadcaster operating in the UK.  Its main public service channel, Channel 4, is a free-to-air service funded entirely by advertising and sponsorship.      

Taste Festivals Ticket details:
Taste of London

• Standard ticket - £21 (entry)
• Premium ticket - £35 (entry plus £20 Crowns)
• VIP ticket - £50 (entry plus £20 Crowns, entry to VIP tent and complimentary glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut L-P NV Champagne)
• Gold Ticket £60 (exciting details to be confirmed)
• Laurent-Perrier Champagne Masterclass Ticket - £75 (entry plus £20 worth of Crowns, entry to the VIP Lounge, complimentary glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut L-P NV champagne and an exclusive Laurent-Perrier Champagne Masterclass)

Taste of Edinburgh & Birmingham:

• Standard - £12
• Premium - £25
• VIP ticket - £40
• Connoisseur - £65

All

• Children’s tickets - £10 (6-10yrs) and free for under 6
  

Confirmed Restaurants at Taste of London include:

Asia de Cuba
Benares
Benja
Blue Elephant
Bumpkin
Busaba Eat Thai
Cinnamon Kitchen    Cocoon
Croque Gascon
Ducasse at The Dorchester
Fino
Kai
L’Anima
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon    Launceston Place
Le Café Anglais
Le Gavroche
Mango Tree
Nahm
Odette’s
Pied-a-Terre
Pont de la Tour
Quo Vadis
Refettorio
Rhodes 24
Salt Yard
Sumosan
Tamarind
The Dorchester Grill
The Landau
The Ledbury
Theo Randall
Tom’s Kitchen