Handling Adams Homecoming at Foodies Festival

I think Adam Handling's a wee bit nervous about his homecoming demo at Foodies this August in Edinburgh. 'I've not done a Scottish crowd before, so we'll see how it goes!' but he promises to relax into it with some jokes and banter with the audience. Fanny Cradock cracked a few jokes too when she appeared at the city's Usher Hall. Initially, she thought her career was over 'for certain' when her usual lines were met with a stunned silence. Perhaps the crowd didn't understand her, or worse still they didn't appreciate her? All turned out well of course for Fanny when one well-to-do Morningside Lady (probably) started chuckling and the laughs soon rippled across the rather reserved Edinburgh audience. I don't think Adam has anything to worry about either - there is a real buzz about his appearance, and I'm sure his Scottish humour will be well received in Inverleith Park. We are a lot less reserved these days, I think!

Maybe Adam is nervous though because he has lost the lucky charm which served him so well in his early career? 'I used to have an LP Rose Champagne top from Gleneagles, I kept it in my pocket for two years' Perhaps it's time for Adam to find something new to bring good fortune? Not that he really needs it, he seems to be doing just fine. If you saw him on Masterchef The Professionals you'll remember some of those amazing creations, luck had nothing to do with it. Fanny used to armour herself with her sophisticated and showy stage outfits, but Adam can't really see himself donning a ballgown, instead opting for a more cheeky charm. 'Maybe I could get some lucky pants instead?' 

Adventurous Adam is keen to showcase two types of dishes at Foodies - one that is true to the restaurant, and one that is easy to do back at home. Probably one savoury, one sweet. Adam wants the audience to get involved too, so you never know there might even be a chance to help him create or taste his famous Chocolate Orange dessert. Well, actually I'm volunteering already to taste! Fanny invited selected guests to come on stage and taste her souffles and sensational creations, so long as they only said if it was 'delicious or disgusting'. No one ever dared to say anything other than 'delicious', but I suspect in Adams case it would be the response anyway. Particularly if its that Chocolate Orange. Did I mention I'd be happy to be a taster? 'I want people to know how it tastes, and then to reminisce about it at home.' I'm sharpening my elbows to get to the front, I love reminiscing!

Foodies will very much be a team effort for Adam, with a couple of highly capable, willing, smiling assistants on board. 'They are amazing, I love them all!' Watch out for them, they'll have 'Team Adam' emblazoned on their chefs whites and if you sneak backstage before the demo you'll see something Fanny would not have had any part of... 'We do a wee happy dance before we go out!' Adam also hopes to get to explore some of Edinburgh during his time at Foodies. 'I'll be there all weekend, so I can chat to people, get to munch a few things and see the city.' And dancing, clearly.

'My ethos is Smile or Get Out of the Kitchen, which just happens to be the title of my new cookbook!' The book will be available for pre-orders at Foodies which will make the crowds happy too I expect. Adam is almost as excited to be heading 'home' to Scotland for his demo as his many fans are. 'Twitter has been going crazy about it, it's great!' So whether it's down to ballgowns, champagne tops or pants, if you are lucky enough to see Adam at Foodies for his homecoming, push yourself to the front, give him a massive 'welcome home' cheer, taste his dishes (you'll have to fight me for the Chocolate Orange though), do your own happy dance... Just make sure you smile while you do it! 

I'm delighted to be part of the Official Foodies Festival Blogging Team! 

Ticket Information

2014 Foodies Festivals tickets are now available from www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0844 995 1111.

Tickets:

1-day adult ticket for Friday £10.00
1-day adult ticket Saturday or Sunday £12.00 (£10.00 concession)
3-day adult ticket £18.00 (£15.00 concession)
1-day VIP ticket £38.00 (Friday VIP ticket £35)

Opening times: 10am until 6pm.

VIP tickets include a glass of Bubbly on arrival, access to the VIP tent throughout the day, a goody bag and priority entry to theatre and masterclass sessions as well as a private bar with refreshments throughout the day and great views of the entertainment stage.

All children aged 12 and under go free to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.