Northwest Food News – July 2015

First thing's first, after we went to press the Hip Hop Wine Shop event at Camp and Furnace planned for 4 Jul was postponed until September. From our experience at the event earlier in the year, we think it's well worth pencilling into the diary for its rescheduled return this autumn.

Keeping on the theme of removing the stuffiness from things wot we fort were stuffy: Homage to Fromage manages to simultaneously dispense with pretence while stuffing (LOL) our faces with cheese. The exact dairy treats are only revealed on the night – how mysterious! – so you've only got a theme to go on. For their event at Kosmonaut on 15 Jul, it's all about French fromage. Keep an eye on clubhomage2fromage.co.uk for tickets and more events across the North. 

While we’re being all clever and learning about things, it’s worth mentioning Kin 2015. Essentially the TED of the vegetarian world, the event will whet your palate for all the seitan you’ll be eating after you’ve listened to Dr Melanie Joy’s talk on carnism. Fusing philosophy with food and perception with psychology, this talk’s one not to miss if you’ve ever wondered why animals seem to hold different statuses within the material word. 11 Jul, Victoria Warehouse, 9am–5pm. More info: kin2015.org

If all that learning’s got a bit too much for you, then look no further than the Tequila & Mezcal Fest – you’ll still be taught lots, of course, it’s just you won’t remember any of it the next day. If you purchase tickets before 8 Jul, you get a special, early-bird price; don’t think us too chivalrous, mind – we just don’t want to suffer with our hangovers alone. We’ve spied several new-to-the-UK spirit producers on the exhibitors list and Tamal UK are dishing up Mexican street food (we ate their food in that London once and it was delicious). Maritime Museum, Liverpool, 8-9 Aug, tequilafest.co.uk

If thinking about those exotic spirits has you wishing for more tropical climes, fortunately Viva Peru are bringing a little taste of Argentina to Manchester. OK, you got me: they’re really bringing a taste of Peru. If you’ve ever fancied finding out what exactly Papa a la Huancaína are, or tasting three kinds of milk in one dessert (we’ve tried Tres Leches cake before, and, let me tell you: it’s milkier than drinking straight from a cow’s udder), snap up a ticket for their kitchen takeover on 16 Jul at Kosmonaut. Vegetarian options available.