News

e-fish alert - during the 10-day festival local fishermen will be able to call and register their catch by mobile phone from up to 10 miles offshore as they head for port. By the time they enter the harbour, over 20 of the restaurants will be alerted by Poole Tourism of the catch and its estimated time of arrival at Poole Quay.

Jane Tyler - Chairman of TASTE 2001, said: "It's a fantastically simple but innovative way of using current technology and gives no excuses to our chefs for buying anything other than the freshest local fish."

Championing excellence - during the festival a new accolade/award will be announced by Poole Tourism and the Poole and District Fishermans Association - to be presented to restaurants committed to excellence in serving fresh local fish to a high standard.

A launch event on Poole Quay and a Gala dinner supported by some of Poole's finest fresh fish whole-salers

Improved information in publications such as the AA Pub Guide 2001 which lists almost 300 establishments in England recognised by the Sea Fish Industry Authority without a single mention of Poole, there is a clear need for us to challenge such publishers and help provide better information.

Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman of Poole Tourism Panel, said: "We have some superb fish restaurants in the town, such as Storm, Guildhall Tavern, Mansion House, Custom House and Corkers and many others. We see the fish going almost from the boat to the table but this is not recognised in the national publications. If many of these publishers are located in places away from the coast then we will have to give them more bait to sit up and take notice".

Special events throughout the food festival will champion fresh fish - including

a 'Catch and Cook' event at the Thistle Hotel's Harbour View Restaurant - guests being taken to catch their own fish and the hotel chef preparing it for their dinner.

barbecued fresh fish at 'The Quay to a Great Food Party' on Poole Quay;

Gourmet Seafood Night at the Custom House

'A Taste of the Sea' fish barbecue at Harbour Heights Hotel's Harbour View restaurant

'Seafood and Eat it' at La Plaza fresh where crabs, lobsters, prawns are 'cooked at the table'

'Mussels Night' at Le Bateau;

'Seafood Live' at No 8 - kitchen preparation telecast onto the restaurant wall

'SOS' (Sushi, Oysters and Sushami) at Storm Fish Restaurant

Oyster, champagne and Guinness bar at the Custom House