A hot day out what ever the weather (Chilli Fiesta (West Dean))

Member Name: tobymummy

Product:	Chilli Fiesta (West Dean)
Date:	26/08/08 (106 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great for chilli lovers, lots of samples

Disadvantages: Heat of chillis if not used to it

Every year around the early part of August my Husband likes to go out for the day and visit West Dean Gardens near Chichester, West Sussex. Why at this time, I hear you ask? Well for one reason, and that's to visit the 'Chilli Fiesta' a 2 day event that attracts many people to over 100 stalls and over 250 different chillies and sweet peppers on display.

There are always plenty of food tasting stalls, including dips, chutneys, sauces and my favourites - fudge, chocolate and ice cream (mmm sweet tooth I think!!!) my favourites are not just any fudge, chocolate or ice cream, they are different as they are chilli flavoured. A strange combination I thought when I first experienced it but actually you get the sweetness and creaminess followed by a kick of chilli heat, actually very nice and worth trying.

The majority of stalls are set out on the front lawns where Latin music and salsa dancing is in full swing, encouraging you to relax, soak up the atmosphere, drink chilli beer! And have a fun day. A few stalls are over in the walled garden along with many glasshouses, where you can view chillies and other produce growing.

You will be spoilt for choice, and your mouth will be full of flavours and heat! It always makes me laugh when you watch people trying out the strengths, saying "that was really nice and not too bad" to then hear them a few seconds later gasping for breath and saying "phew" as the heat of the chilli hit them!

We always take a picnic with us and sit out on the lawn, but you can buy many different foods including hot dogs, hog roasts, wraps, pancakes and the traditional ice cream vans.

It's not necessarily a great day out for the children as I wouldn't suggest they try some of the hot stuff, but there are a few things they would enjoy, this year I saw lots running around wearing some 'very large' sombreros.

My husband is really into chillis at the moment and is growing them at home; this event allowed him to pick up some growing tips, sample the heat, buy new seeds for next year and also pick up details of companies he can contact for future use.

We paid £7.25 for each adult, over 60's - £6.75, children 5yrs+ £3.25 under 5's free. A family ticket costs 17.50

The event opens at 10.30am - 5pm

More info can be found at www.westdean.org.uk/site/gardens/events/chilli.htm or www.chillisgalore.co.uk/pages/westdean.html

Overall a great day out despite being caught out by the rain! Oh well what do we expect with the British weather!

Summary: Make a date in your diary for this hot day out.