Food News – November 2012

This month's food news caters for vegans, bread enthusiasts, and Christmas lovers. It also has beer and fireworks for the rest of you.

Feature by Peter Simpson | 01 Nov 2012

It’s November’s Food News, and you know what that means... IT’S CHRISTMAS! Yes, thanks to the vagaries of our production schedule, this month’s column features the yuletide extravaganza that is Foodies Christmas. It has the usual mix of chef demos, produce stands and tasting sessions that you’ve come to know and love from the food festival/market scene, but this time it’s all Christmas-themed. That means forced festive cheer, more children than usual, and everything smelling slightly of cloves. ‘Tis the season, we suppose. EICC, Morrison St, Edinburgh. 1-2 Dec, £10.

If the thought of Christmas, with its bountiful hams, sausages wrapped in bacon, and juicy, stupid turkeys leaves you cold, then don’t worry. November is World Vegan Month, as the mungbean enthusiasts of the world unite and take over. To celebrate the Vegans of Edinburgh and Glasgow are hosting ‘pot luck’ dinners, so if you’ve ever wondered what there is to eat once you’ve counted out meat, dairy and eggs, now’s the time to find out. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, West Montgomery Pl, 6 Nov; Flying Duck, Renfield St, 12 Nov.

From veganism, to fireworks! Fireworks and beer! WEST Brewery are set to go all out for the Glasgow Green fireworks once again, with an outside bar packed with their incredible beers, and a barbecue laden with big bits of juicy, tender meat (sorry vegans). Once all the pretty lights have gone bang, the brewers have got a DJ sorted, a DJ whom we assume will keep with the German theme by playing Kraftwerk all evening. WEST, Templeton Buildings, Glasgow Green. 5 Nov, 6.30pm

And finally, bread. Join Neil Forbes of Cafe St Honoré for a class in bread-making. Advice on sourdough bread, the best way to knead, and the secret to a great brioche are all on the menu, as is a two-course lunch at one of Edinburgh’s top restaurants. Plus, if anyone is going to have tips on how to get a flour-and-water mix off of a pair of jeans, then Neil would be the man. Oh, and there’s this: “veering slightly from the bread theme, Neil will also share his recipe for the perfect Christmas pudding.” There truly is no escape, people. Cafe St Honoré, North West Thistle Street Lane, Edinburgh. 24 Nov, 11am, £25