Ascot’s Festival Of Food And Wine Race Weekend

Foodies and racegoers alike are invited to Ascot’s Festival of Food and Wine Race Weekend (Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd September 2015), a two-day culinary celebration, combining food and wine from around the world with the finest Flat racing.

Raymond Blanc OBE will be headlining the event for the first time on Saturday 3rd September, together with international wine writer and broadcaster Oz Clarke, who will be sharing his vast knowledge with racegoers.

Raymond Blanc, Chef Patron at two Michelin starred Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons in Oxfordshire, will be hosting a live cooking demonstration for racegoers. Raymond, who as part of an ongoing partnership with Ascot racecourse is providing counsel on its fine dining and service standards, will give a tutorial showcasing some of his favourite seasonal dishes and answer questions from the food enthusiasts in the audience.

Raymond said, “I’m really looking forward to returning to Ascot for the Food and Wine Race Weekend following a successful and exciting week hosting the Panoramic restaurant at this year’s Royal Ascot. I’m a big believer in using local produce in my restaurants and it will be great to see some of the best local cuisine on offer for racegoers to enjoy. I always enjoy demonstrating how I prepare my dishes so I really hope to see everyone there.”

Also making his Festival debut this year is international wine writer and broadcaster Oz Clarke. Oz is one of the world’s most celebrated and colourful wine authorities and will be sharing his expertise on everything from sparkling English wine to the best wines to accompany a fish dish.

Racegoers will also be treated to a joint masterclass when both Raymond and Oz take to the stage to share their experiences from their long and distinguished careers.

Oz said, “It’s a pleasure to be joining Raymond Blanc at this year’s Festival of Food and Wine Race Weekend. When matched correctly, the combination of high quality wine and fantastically tasty food can be a joy. Hopefully the wine masterclass on Saturday can provide racegoers with tips on how to make the most of the wonderful food and wine on offer at the Festival.”

If cocktails are more your thing, drinks specialists Stagg & Barber will be on stage teaching guests the tricks of the trade for making the classics at home.

On the track, the crowds will be treated to some thrilling flat racing. The Saturday racecard includes the Appletiser Handicap Stakes over a mile-and-a-half, which, with prize money of £100,000.

Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Communications at Ascot Racecourse said:
“The Festival of Food and Wine Race Weekend offers racegoers a wonderful combination of high-class racing on the track, and a wonderful culinary experience off the track. We pride ourselves on delivering excellence in the food and Fine Dining experience and this weekend offers visitors a chance to sample some of the finest local and international food on offer.”