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Est. 1996

Issue 138

August 2008

ISSN: 1357-1168

The Restaurant Show 2008
Embraces Ethnic Cuisine And Its Increased Influence In The Restaurant Industry

 

 

6th- 8th October, Earls Court 2

With the noticeable rise of ethnic cuisine in the UK, The Restaurant Show 2008, which is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary, is placing a large focus on its influence in the restaurant industry. With renowned chefs Atul Kochhar and Cyrus Todiwala paving the way, the UK is set to see an increased rise in quality ethnic cuisine, in particular Indian cuisine, using seasonal ingredients. In 2006 the estimated value of the Indian food market stood at £493.8 million. Cyrus Todiwala's Café Spice Namasté will be one of 2 on-site restaurants at The Restaurant Show, joining the Pascal Proyart's One-O-One. A wide range of exhibitors will also be featuring ethnic ingredients and wares.

Indian flavours are slowly becoming incorporated into the wider food repertoire with gastro pubs offering some Indian-inspired dishes, as well as Indian spices and herbs being used in traditional cuisines. There has been a wealth of new ethnic flavours launched into restaurants as well as in retailers, including Malaysian, Japanese, Korean and Thai, so competition for the 'ethnic food' pound has grown more intense. Mintel forecasts that the UK Indian foods market will grow by an estimated 6% to reach a value of £524.6 million at current prices by 2011. The Restaurant Show is the perfect forum to collect ideas for ethnic offerings as well as to build on existing suppliers and ideas.

For over two thirds of consumers (half the population) Indian food is a popular meal equally consumed at home, as a takeaway or in a restaurant - this shows a new level of comfort with Indian food for the British public. Almost half of consumers eat Indian food at least every two weeks, with a quarter consuming it more frequently, once a week or more. Cyrus Todiwala puts this down to the fact that the British public has gradually been getting more discerning with its eating habits. He believes that with the increasing sophistication of the British palate, more authentic and regional variations of Indian cuisine will be served in the near future.

Cyrus also believes that the public's perception of Indian and pan-Asian cuisine is cheap & cheerful, that there is a misconception that all Asian food is greasy, unhealthy and simply too hot. It is clear that consistent development in higher standards will eventually rightfully change this perception. Evidence shows that cheap-end ethnic restaurants are now changing over to establishments that offer a fine dining experience. According to Cyrus, Japanese cuisine is still in its infancy in this country, along with Vietnamese. He thinks that both cuisines will gain more market share over the coming years and that Japanese food must become more accessible to all people as currently it is seen as a rather exclusive option which should not be the case.

The British population is already eating ethnic foods on a regular basis and this is the largest growth sector within hospitality at the moment. It is set to grow. The British public is consuming ethnic cuisines so frequently that some are even considered part of the Great British Offering.

Innovative and award winning Piper Heidsieck Champagne have broken with tradition, and have launched a creative and refreshing new way to drink champagne &ldots;.. over ice. Served in striking red goblet style glasses, Piper Piscine is THE way to drink champagne this summer - extravagant, classy and innovative. For those looking for an added twist enjoy a Piper Piscine Bols Cocktail, Champagne on Ice with an extra ingredient: Crème de Cassis, Raspberry, Cointreau, Lychee or elderflower. Piper Piscine has been drunk so far this year at exclusive events at the Tatler Summer Party, Ascot and this weekend was served in the VIP area at the Big Chill festival. The drink can also be easily made and served at all house and garden parties.

Piper Piscine, a cocktail made of brut bubbly served on champagne ice-cubes, was originally served to Mediterranean jet-setters during the Cannes Film Festival in 2006. It has relaunched this summer across the UK, Purists may turn their nose up at the notion of adding ice cubes to a champagne, but in a Piscine, the ice-cubes are made of frozen Cuvée Brut, so your bubbles won't be diluted.

 http://www.therestaurantshow.co.uk/ for more details

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Mood Food is published by FSR, London, England © 2008 

Editors:

Peter J. Grove
Colleen Grove

Editorial office: PO Box 416 Surbiton, Surrey, England, KT1 9BJ

Tel: 020 8399 4831

ISSN 1357-1168 email: GroveInt@aol.com