THE taste of the future will set the Eat Local Banquet off to a great start next month.

Smoked venison, hailed by some as the meat of the 21st century, is set to be one of the first courses for the Evening Press - Dean Court Hotel Eat Local Banquet on May 15.

The venison is produced at Holme Farm, at Thorpe Underwood, by farmer Nigel Sampson, and is now more popular than ever before.

Nigel said: "It has always been a premium product, and a product of exclusivity which has not always worked in its favour.

"But now we are really bringing it forward, we have a more modern range of products which are becoming more popular than ever, with the business growing steadily for the last ten years."

Nigel keeps about 400 head of deer on his 110-acre farm.

He exports products all over the country, but is very keen to develop the local market.

He said: "I think projects like Eat Local are an excellent idea.

"We are very interested in both the competition and the banquet.

"I am looking forward to the event very much.

"I will have the honour of presenting my product.

"I believe the dish is to be smoked venison with spiced salad leaves and cranberry chutney.

"The meat is great for starters, and it is really nice to be able to raise people's awareness of the product like this. We are also in the process of expanding.

"We hope to move into new premises in the next few months and double our workforce from 15 to 30, so this is coming at a great time for us." Now is the chance for Evening Press readers, who have already made the competition such a success with all their nominations and support, to try it out for themselves. A limited number of tickets are available for the exclusive event, so book now for your chance, at the price of £35 per guest.

Seats can be reserved by contacting the Dean Court on 01904 625082, faxing on 01904 620305 or emailing sales@deancourt-york.co.uk. Keep your nominations coming in for the Eat Local competition, your chance to recognise your favourite local produce, and the very best of the region's food.

Updated: 09:03 Monday, April 28, 2003