Summer has come and gone from London, but I am reminiscing about all the food and drinks I had at Taste of London Food Festival – Summer 2017 edition. Let’s get be honest here, food answers most of our questions and solves many of our problems. If you are tired, have some oatmeal. Grumpy, some chocolate can cure that. Bored, bake something. I don’t think I could ever get tired of the food. Honestly, it’s what we all live for. Food is always at the end of our fingertips, or the end of your fork and festivals like Taste of London really give us Londoners and opportunity to appreciate food.
What if I told you your get 4 whole days to enjoy endless food, drinks, explore new flavors, and try new cooking techniques from around the world. Essentially this festival brings your food from around the world into the heart of London. Taste of London is hosted in the best summer spot in the city – Regents Park. The top restaurants and brands are invited to showcase their newest products and offerings. Food lovers from across the city and country come out to explore the tastes of London compressed into one 4 day festival.
I have been the Taste of London in the Autumn 2016 and wrote a blog post on my experience, but I have to say that Taste of London Summer 2017 Edition was more fun. The summer edition is much larger and the weather brings out the crowd. After aimless wandering, compulsive snacking, and bottomless drinks, you end up leaving this festival like you got to try all of London’s food in afternoon.
Aside from the endless aisles of food and drink, there were also classes taught by world renowned chef, Jeremy Pang. I was lucky enough to attend the AEG sponsored cooking class and I had such an amazing time! Jeremy Pang, founder and head chef at the School of Wok, is fast becoming a renowned culinary name and acclaimed teacher of Oriental cuisine, not only at the School in Covent Garden but also making appearances at food festivals like Taste of London and on cookery shows such as Sunday Brunch. The AEG taste live allows everyday Londoners to attempt to become as good of a chef as Jeremy Pang. I had so much fun in this class and it was a quick 30min class, but I felt like I got all the personal attention I needed to master the wok toss! I learned some cool techniques, making a Pork Bao and milky Chinese ice tea. It was so delicious and fun. I am not much of a cook, but this was so quick and easy to do that I really want to try it at home I really love Pan Asian food and if you love it as much as I do then you will love the School of Wok. I can’t wait to go visit the actual school!
Aside from the food, I felt like the main difference in this years Taste of London Summer 2017 Edition was the heightened number of drink vendors. I know Londoner love to drink, but I defiantly felt like there were more bars than restaurants this year. But with the hot weather and the sun shining down, nothing beats a good old Gin & Tonic. I had one too many, but they lovely mix of fresh fruits and flavored tonics were amazing!
I really had so much fun at the event this summer and once again London does not disappoint for all the foodies out there. Every flavor, texture, and tang tried were amazing. Every bite satisfied the foodie in me. I cannot wait for the next Taste of London and I will definitely be back. I am looking forward to the winter edition that usually takes place in November. But for now thanks to Taste of London Summer 2017, I had such an amazing experience!