Taste of the high life at exhibition

Visitors crowded into the Merchant Adventurers' Hall in Fossgate, York, to sample food and wine from around Europe.

About 20 stalls and exhibitions were on display over two floors during the six-hour event.

Samples including olives, cheeses, salami and freshly-cooked meals were available as the smell of delicious food filled the air.

Chefs from local restaurants and supermarkets prepared simple meals and gave tips to the audience so recipes could be recreated at home.

Wine lovers were also able to sample a selection of whites and reds from local suppliers, as well as buy bottles of their favourites at discounted prices.

Demonstrations were also given on wine tasting and preparing straightforward canaps from everyday produce.

Evening Press events manager Mo Birley said the day had been a great success.

She said: "It really has been a festival for the taste buds."

Maria Rish, who owns the nearby Rish restaurant, in Fossgate, said it was an opportunity to reach new customers who may not yet have discovered their menu.

Micklegate's Villa Italia owner, James Lowe, said he was enjoying showing people what his delicatessen could offer.

Visitor James Green, from Leeds, said the event offered something different to do on a day trip to York.

He said: "I've particularly enjoyed the opportunity to try loads of food, like lemon-stuffed olives and nuts in honey, that I wouldn't normally buy."

Updated: 12:09 Monday, April 22, 2002