Thanks to everyone who left a little food story in the comments and also all those who sent entries via e-mail. I’ve chosen the winners and they are:

Krista, with the tale of her 6th form years spent living with a family in Paris and how the “scary, dominant” “witch” matriarch used to feed her broken dog biscuits as a “treat”, passing them off as regular biscuits. Krista manages to see the positive side of things though as she advises, “they are not overly disgusting and go well with hot chocolate.” Good to know.

The second winner is an e-mail entry, and I will assume therefore that she wishes to remain anonymous. I will tell you though that her story begins thus, “my late grandfather was a diabetic, compulsive gambling, Russian-Jewish diamond dealer.” She had me from the off.

Tyelperion is the third winner, for giving me three stories involving a salty meringue, a champagne cork to the face and a pea lodged between a cheek and a nostril.

And last but not least is Danielle, who touched me with the tale of her struggle with an eating disorder and how she is re-discovering the pleasure of food. Good for you girl. Free tickets coming your way.

Let’s not forget the runner up prize of a 2 for 1 ticket deal though; that goes to Gav, who offered to give me a glass of wine and some bacon. He also complimented me on my curry goat. I’m easily bought, what can I say.

I’ll e-mail all the winners. Thanks to everyone who entered.

OK so here’s the deal: I’ve got 4 pairs of free tickets to give away so I’m running a little competition. All you need to do to win some is tell me a little food story. It can be as short as a few words or as long as your arm; as simple as telling me the name of your favourite dish; a  joke; a guilty pleasure you’re happy to embrace or a moment of consumption that you’re genuinely ashamed of. Get it off your chest – I’m all ears.

My 4 favourite comments will win the tickets, so the judgement will be based on my whim and fancy; there will be no random number generator or witness present. I’m easily impressed so fire away.

There’s also a 2 for 1 deal up for grabs – that’s 2 tickets for a bargainous £12 for a runner up, should they wish to take the deal.

The Real Food Festival is taking place in Earl’s Court again this year, but don’t let that put you off – many of the people inside are selling some really lovely stuff. I know because I went to visit some of them last year and wrote about it on the RFF blog. I’ll be there myself, serving up tea at the ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’, which will involve Henrietta ‘tea lady’ Lovell and those crazy kids Bompas and Parr. Do pop over for a cuppa.

I’ll choose the winners on Monday 3rd May.

www.therealfoodfestival.co.uk

Fancy a free jolly to the Toast Festival on Clapham Common next weekend? Well you’re in the right place – here’s the shiz…

TAKE A TRIP DOWNUNDER FOR FREE!
Toast Festivals is the UK’s largest celebration of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and it’s on course to hit Clapham Common 26-28th June 2009!

We have 50 pairs of tickets to Toast for followers of Food Stories to sample this years event (Tickets usually £25!) Taste the very best local food from the likes of Aussie Masterchef John Torode, savour the latest tipple from award-winning wine producers, learn to manage a BBQ the downunder way in a BBQ masterclass, enjoy authentic cultural performances plus international polo as the antipodes go head to head against Britain.

All you need to do is email rsvp@goaheadevents.com with your full name and which Toast you’d like to attend (South Africa – Friday, New Zealand – Saturday, Australia – Sunday) and if you’re lucky enough to be selected you’ll receive an e-ticket in return! SIMPLE!

For more information visit www.toastfestivals.co.uk