Norfolk is renowned for its fantastic array of fresh produce and in honour of that long standing tradition, an award winning local chef is planning a special Norfolk Day menu.
Daniel Smith, Chef Patron at The Wildebeest, Warwick St Social and The Ingham Swan, has given his backing to the July 27 initiative and will produce a mouth-watering five-course menu to be served on the day that will unashamedly promote all that's good to eat in Norfolk.
He said: 'We generally use as much local produce as we can at our restaurants.
'Norfolk is renowned for producing some amazing shellfish, pork, lamb and vegetables and we're fortunate to have a really active local farming community.'
Describing Norfolk Day as 'fantastic idea', Mr Smith said the menu would be on offer for lunch and supper at The Wildebeest and Warwick St Social restaurants in Norwich on July 27 as they were still rebuilding the Ingham Swan after it burnt down last year.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Norfolk Day
'The county has so many amazing things to offer and we're really happy to get involved with Norfolk Day,' he said.
'We'll be offering a five-course menu that will feature foods such as shellfish, lamb, mint, summer berries and other locally sourced produce along with some Norfolk gin cocktails and local wines.'
He said the final menu would be unveiled closer to the day.
Mr Smith was last year recognised at a national awards ceremony when he picked up the prestigious Restaurant Chef Award from The Craft Guild of Chefs.
READ MORE: Norfolk chef Daniel Smith served up a treat at industry 'Oscars'
The award recognises an outstanding contribution to quality and innovation, taking into account not only customer endorsements and other accolades earned but also a successful year's trading.
He has also previously appeared on BBC 2's professional cookery contest, The Great British Menu.
Having grown up in Great Yarmouth, Mr Smith opened his first restaurant, The Ingham Swan, in 2010.
He and business partner Gregory Adjemain expanded in 2015 and 2016 when they took over The Wildebeest and opened Warwick Street Social.
• To share your ideas on how you plan to celebrate email norfolkday@archant.co.uk, tweet @norfolk_day or log on to the Norfolk Day Facebook group.
Eight Norfolk taste sensations
Crab: Cromer crabs thrive in the shallow waters of the unique chalk reef just off the coast, which produces the sweetest, meatiest crustaceans.
Samphire: Otherwise known as 'sea asparagus', it thrives in salt marshes and tastes just great when steamed and eaten with butter.
Brancaster mussels: They're big, tender and juicy!
Stiffkey cockles: Traditionally the cockles are steamed, put in soups and pies, or boiled and eaten with vinegar and pepper.
Cheese: Norfolk boasts some fine cheeses including Binham Blue, a soft blue veined cheese.
Norfolk black turkey: Lean, healthy and versatile, it's a great food for any time of the year.
Game: Venison, pheasants and pigeon are staples on many pub and restaurant menus.
Mint: The vast majority of mint grown agriculturally in the UK is done in Norfolk.
• Information sourced from Visit Norfolk.
Show your support for Norfolk Day
An online shop has been launched selling Norfolk Day marketing material which event organisers can display on the day.
The shop is selling a four-pack of flags, four-pack of A3 posters and 20 balloons at £4, while 5m of bunting is £7.50.
Celebration packs containing all of the above are also available for £15.
Norfolk Day takes place on Friday, July 27 and is intended as a day of fun in which individuals, community groups and businesses are encouraged to get involved by hosting or participating in events.
The initiative was launched by the EDP and Norwich Evening News in partnership with BBC Radio Norfolk and has the backing of business and several community organisations who are planning events for the day.
Details of events will be revealed in the newspaper, online and via social media.
• To order Norfolk Day materials, visit: The Norfolk Day Shop
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