CELEBRITY chef James Martin has praised local food festivals for providing something new and different.
The Saturday Kitchen chef is in the Island today (Sunday) headlining the second day of the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival.
Speaking to isleofman.com James said: "I like coming to these things because you find different local producers, the individuals and smaller guys – you never know what you're going to find.
"Particularly with Saturday Kitchen (James's BBC cookery show) we are always looking for something new, something different, and this is the place to come and find it.
"I think not a lot of people know what's on their doorstep – until they come to farmers' markets or food festivals."
James also highlighted the economic importance of buying locally.
He continued: "Not only does it help the local producers but it benefits the economy – you don't have to sell it through a second party – and they (local people) get to meet the people producing it.
"Often you don't actually understand what's produced on your doorstep. It's not a massive Island so you're not very far away from a food producer and you probably don't know it!"
James will take part in two live cookery demonstrations today – one at 11am and one at 2pm.
The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival is taking place in the Nunnery Gardens in Douglas until 4pm.
Check back to isleofman.com later for more from James Martin.
Photos by John Gregory
