Northwest Food News – June 2013

Apparently it’s summer, and that means two things: festivals and barbecues. So it’s with open arms that we welcome the arrival of Grillstock festival to Manchester. It’s exactly what it says on the tin: two days of meat and music. Stop by the King of the Q competition, where barbecue gets real as teams from all over the world get ready to grill their way to a perfectly charred victory – and if that fires up your spirit, take part in the hot wings competition (only those with Icarus blood need apply). Don't forget to treat your ears though, as there’s some serious music on the bill. We recommend Manchester’s own Riot Jazz as Saturday’s highlight; the nine-piece are a modern brassy take on the vigorous hedonism of music from New Orleans. Sultry and hot, they’re the perfect compliment to your chargrilled day. Albert Square, Manchester, 8-9 Jun, tickets vary in price, www.grillstock.co.uk/manchester-festival.

In Liverpool, saying that you’re into craft beer is a bit like saying you’re into breathing. The Liverpool Craft Beer Expo will be showcasing all things independent; with over 50 different locally brewed ales to try you’ll soon be forgetting that mass-produced rubbish you were drinking before. But it’s not just ale sampling that’s on offer – the festival is there to encourage genuine interest, with live brewing experiences and storytelling. We would advise you mix ale with grub, which is in deliciously plentiful supply from the venue’s ever-loving kitchen. Camp and Furnace, Liverpool, 14-16 Jun, tickets £6.50–£7.50 (limited availability).

If you’re barmy about burgers, then you might have heard of Byron, an originally London-based burger restaurant. And there’s one opening in Manchester – exciting stuff for those of you who like to live on the wild side, because their meat comes served standard as medium rare. They’re a well-known chain due to their simplicity, giving an American-inspired, Scottish-supplied, courgette-fries-with-a-side-of-Prosecco gastro-diner. But seriously, the food is delicious. Get yourself down to Deansgate on opening day, 6 Jun. Be there and be hungry.

Flavour of Liverpool invites you each month to the repast of its many independent food and beverage suppliers, and this month will be no exception. The bods behind this project have teamed up with Liverpool’s home of tequila, El Bandito, to have a tasting night set in the artisan chic of that finest of independent coffee shops, Duke Street Espresso. If you’re like me and the difference between a good tequila and a bad one is the price or the time of night, then consider yourself educated after this evening as Danny ‘Mr. Mezcal’ McNeill talks you through his recent trips around Mexico and tequila production. Tickets must be reserved and you can do so via the Facebook event page. Price includes a drink on arrival, snacks and a coffee after the tastings. Duke Street Espresso, Liverpool, 20 Jun, £15, www.facebook.com/dukestespresso.