The power of culture
In 2008 the Stavanger Region will be European (non-EU) Capital of Culture, with the ambitious vision: OPEN PORT. Already, Stavanger is the energy capital of Europe – now the new power is culture! Our programme brings together local, regional and national artists with the most potent creative forces from elsewhere in the world. It’s all about exploring each other’s ideas, building new competence and excellence, and sharing openness, curiosity and adventure.
Mary Miller, director, Stavanger2008
Culinary Stavanger 2008
Chefs, food products and culinary trends accompanied by stunning Norwegian scenery. Do not miss out on this 3-days memorable and tasteful international event. Welcome to the city of Stavanger – the heart of Norwegian gastronomy.
Let your palate make a journey of discovery!
Stavanger is the capital of a gastronomic region, a city surrounded by Norway’s most delectable pantry. We harvest and enjoy our own delicious produce – sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh clams; lamb and pork dishes; potato dumplings and other local temptations.
From the icy-blue waters of the fjords we harvest the world’s best shellfish, and serve them up international style in elegant restaurants and charming pubs.
The culinary magic is as diverse as it is exotic, whether you opt for fast food on the quay or a 7-course dinner prepared by a master chef participating on the official Norwegian culinary team.
The range of food festivals is as varied as the Stavanger region itself. Every summer the Gladmat Food festival attracts 250 000 people in the harbour of Stavanger, while the Buffet trade fair gathers the professionals of the gastronomic sector once a year. The city also hosts The Culinary Institute of Norway, and a professional Forum for food and drink.
With all this, is it any wonder that the Stavanger region is often referred to as Norway’s answer to the French gourmet region of Lyon?
Bocuse d’Or Europe 2008 - European Culinary Championship
July 1st and 2nd
Cutting edge, professional, progressive
The most prestigious haute cuisine contest in the world – the Bocuse d’ Or – is proud to have celebrated 20 years of success. This exceptional springboard for today´s young talents has become an extraordinary media show, a true “Formula 1” for Chefs. With the creation of the Bocuse d’ Or Europe, new countries will have the opportunity of qualifying for participation in the 2009 finals, to be held in Lyon. The 20 competing countries are Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Croatia, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The proud winner will be awarded the title of “Bocuse d’Or Europe 2008”.
The Bocuse d’Or Europe demonstrates the latest trends in European cuisine and is an inspiration for chefs across the globe. The Stavanger Region is the European Capital of Culture in 2008 – and nothing can compare with this spring’s combination of culinary and cultural camaraderie.
Buffet Tradeshow - June 30th and July 1st
Culinary Crossroad in Northern Europe. The opportunity to meet Nordic decision-makers.
Buffet 2008 gathers decision-makers and opinion gurus from the food industry and the gastronomic milieu in a unique setting centred around the most exciting and prestigious events of the year: Bocuse d'Or Europe, Nordic Championship for wine waiters, Norwegian Championship in Culinary Arts , the food culture conference “Food for the Future” and the Norwegian championship in oyster opening.
Welcome to a market place covering three exhibition halls. This is where the latest trends are introduced to renowned and ambitious chefs, industry leaders, purchasing managers and decision-makers for restaurants, hotels and institutions. The latest innovations are displayed in a showcase of food, production equipment and lavishly laid tables. Buffet is a splendid blend of presentations and sales spiced up with heavenly aromas and entertaining comments and sounds from chefs intent on performing as only master chefs of their calibre can.
We look forward to seeing you at the most important Nordic culinary event of the year.
Food for the Future - Conference
June 30th and July 1st
The global food industry, food production in the future, and food as the conveyor of culture and identity. Find out what part they have to play in your future by joining us at this stimulating, international conference. Not only will it awaken your mind but also your appetite – not to mention challenge your taste buds.
“Food for the Future” is part of the official program for the European Capital of Culture, Stavanger2008.
The conference is intended as a meeting place for national and international representatives from public and private commerce and industry sectors. The aim is to encourage increased dialogue and discussion between participants with different backgrounds and nationalities.
The three key words are sustainability, identity and generosity. Sustainability with themes focused on the environment and transport in relation to future food production. Generosity shall highlight the elements of hospitality and communication in regard to food, while identity concerns the country’s and region’s (food) culture and branding. A natural inclusion is the discussion around globalised versus regional food.
The conference is designed to inspire visitors to take on the challenges that will be encountered in connection with food production in the future as viewed from a cultural perspective.
