St Albans Food & Drink Festival 2010 Gala Dinner & Awards

Hosted by special guest Alan Coxon - 'The Food Archaeologist'

Thursday 7 October, Sopwell House

This year's Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony took place in the stylish setting of Sopwell House. The guest speaker was Alan Coxon, 'The Food Archaeologist' who has established a reputation as one of the world's favourite TV chefs and presenters, with exceptional culinary talent and an unparalleled passion and knowledge of food and its history.

Alan started his culinary career in Monte Carlo, and went on to work in Michelin starred restaurants across Europe, before opening his own restaurant on the Isle of Man. He then returned to France after being personally asked to organise and open the largest 4 star hotel in Europe based in Paris, where he led an international culinary brigade of over 60 chefs. He regularly appears on TV, with BBC2's `Ever Wondered About Food', 'Coxon's Royal Feast' and 'Coxon's Kitchen College', to name but a few of his programmes.

Alan presented the annual Food and Drink Festival Awards, voted for by the public, along with a raffle which raised over £300 in aid of the Mayor's charities (Home Start and St Albans Special Olympics). Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, followed by a delicious three course dinner prepared by Head Chef James Chapman with a selection of wines from local supplier Flagship Wines.