IS an American-inspired ice cream sundae local food?
It is when it’s a Pixie-Bocker- Glory served up in Pixie’s Diner during Middlesbrough’s first Local Food Weekend.
The event is taking place from July 29 to 31 and involves restaurants, cafes and food outlets in Middlesbrough serving at least one dish using locally- produced ingredients.
There will be a second Local Food Weekend held in September.
Both events are being organised by Growing Middlesbrough – a campaign to improve access to food and drink that’s been produced within a 50-mile radius of the town.
Pixies Diner on Linthorpe Road is one of several businesses already signed up to take part.
Manager Rachell Whitehead uses a range of locally-produced food in the dishes including the bacon and eggs in the diner’s breakfast bagels and the ice-cream in the Pixie-Bocker- Glory.
She said: “Locally-produced food is often better quality and fresher as it has travelled shorter distances, which is also better for the environment.
“Buying from local producers is better for us all as it means more money stays in this area which ultimately will help to create jobs.”
There are a wide range of local food producers in the North East and North Yorkshire and many of them have been added to a local food directory on the Growing Middlesbrough website.
Joe Dunne, from Middlesbrough Environment City, is one of those at the forefront of the Local Food Weekend.
He said: “Growing Middlesbrough aims to create a thriving network of producers, retailers and enthusiasts who work together to provide easier access to a wide range of locally-produced food and drink.
“We’d like as many restaurants, cafes and food outlets as possible to start buying local food and making it available to their customers.
“We would urge as many people as possible to show their support by dining out at participating outlets during the Local Food Weekends and eating dishes that have been made using locally-produced ingredients – just look out for ‘local food’ on the menu or ask for local.”
Among those taking part are The Curing House, The Oven, Woodlands Barbers and Coffee Shop, The Olde Young Tea House, Bedford Street Coffee House and TP Coffee House.
To find participating food outlets and for further information on Growing Middlesbrough visit www.growingmiddlesbrough.org.uk
Participating restaurants and cafes will be provided with branded material to help promote their involvement and highlight which dishes are made with locally-produced food and drink.
Restaurants and cafes keen to get involved are asked to contact Middlesbrough Environment City on 01642 579820 or email joe.dunne@menvcity.org.uk