Tastebuds Conference - Review

I joined Tastebuds before it was even Tastebuds (stumbling block 1 - I can't remember the original name!), and I have loved the social element of it, being a part of it creatively and watching it blossom.

Last year, I was one of the many that moaned the annual conference was in Ipswich, not because of the football - although that is a thing between Norfolk and Suffolk, but after all, I am from Suffolk. It was more about the energy in getting there. But, it was an incredible location on Ipswich Quay, in Suffolk College and tucked behind Paddy and Scott's.

The year before was the first conference in Barnham Broom, another impressive location with a buffet that went on for metres and with incredible speakers. Most remembered was Hannah from Farmyard Frozen. I made a mental note to myself that I wouldn't do the College run next year - I would stay all day next time. It both educated and fuelled my passion for all things food in Norfolk.

So, I recently attended the third annual conference held in the Forum, with the auditorium being used for talks in the morning - I managed to get t the last one all about Bear Beer - a fundraiser for a new brown bear enclosure on Jimmy's Farm. Yes, they got together with Woodfordes to create a craft beer and cider range with names like 'Moon Bear Misty' and 'Black Bear Stout' - which raises money for wildlife conservation. 

Imagine having polar bears in Suffolk, that is what's on at Jimmy's Farm, you can see them if you train to London, but I don't think they wave, or drink their own beer. But, I have heard the beer, cider and stout is very tasty and available on draft or bottle in lots of pubs and of course, on the menu in their cafe. 

The gallery was used for talks, demos and workshops which went on all afternoon - I was part of two, but more about that in a paragraph or two. I caught two workshops for myself - one was on food photography by Visualise Brands - whom is also one-half of Jorge's Portuguese restaurant in the city. Every day is a learning day, I learned lots of tips and we all got a chance to photograph a local product or two.

Later, I went to the Goodery demo all about fermenting with Josh and his mother-in-law. Kimchi was on the menu but with pickled/fermented. Korean kimchi can be made with almost any veggies as long as it has the Gochujang chilli paste and/or Gochugaru which is the Korean chilli flakes. 

Did you know we have a Korean restaurant in the city? Kimchi - opposite what was Debenhams and they have a sister rice bowl takeaway in the city called Seoul Born - their fried chicken is so good. In their restaurant you can order free kimchi - house-made of course.

Goodery are a fruit and vegetable supplier producing organic own-grown produce along with everyday essentials, delivered around Norwich with zero-emissions.  

There were also a few hands-on demos from Ali at Risky Biscuits, a favourite for the kids. I was very tempted, but have you ever been eagle-eyed at by twelve 7-yearoolds when you eat the cookie before you get the chance to decorate it? That is why.

Meanwhile, all day in the atrium was the Tastebuds market - loads of local stalls selling their produce open to the public and a social space for those members of Tastebuds that joined the conference downstairs in the auditorium that morning. Or those that naughtily left their stall like I did - note to stallholders, bring a friend next year don't miss the talks!

I especially loved discovering some new makers:

• Sucseed - a ground mixed seed topping company, who add extra health benefits to their varied mixes. Perfect for adding a health boost to cereals, yoghurts and desserts. 
• Mili Mendez - hails from Venezuela where she sources her cocoa pulp (the stuff before grinding) and makes chocolate based cake mixes. 
• Beantastic Hummus - who makes four types of bean and chickpea based hummus, all with a little chilli heat but a whole 'lotta' flavour. Along with health benefits like the herby one has added spirulina. The most popular flavour on the day was the beetroot based one, with added pomegranate for a sweet balance. A great price too at just £3.50 per pot. Coming soon to all good local farm shops and delis.
• Equal Brewkery - a microbrewery teaching people with disabilities to brew beer and bake bread. Hence the brew-kery, it is both a brewery and a bakery, all based on Whitlingham Country Park. Bottles are around £3.50 - please do support them by buying beer, volunteering or donating. 

Plus, it's always great to catch up with old Tastebud friends and producers like Simply Roasted (truffle crisps to die for and less than 100 calories a bag), Crumpetorium (who can resist a hot-cross crumpet) and Chilli Willy's with his Asian inspired chilli oil (my go-to for Turkish eggs). 

I only know all this because I had a chat with each stallholder, just one of the reasons I love Tastebuds - putting people together. 

Then there was the Chocolate Festival stall, which I am part of this year. Lynn is a chocolate educator and sommelier. I worked with her over a decade ago when she brought the first Chocolate Festival to Norwich - look out for Choctober at the Forum on the 10th - 12th October. We are hoping to raise enough money to get some cocoa farmers over to Norwich to talk - did you know they earn less than dollar a day? 

This year's festival will be all about awareness and supporting the grass roots of cocoa farming. Also, look out for the St. Giles Hotel cocoa dinner fundraiser in summer, along with chocolate food tours and taster workshops.

Send me a message to get involved!

Zena, Love Norwich Food