Local foodie champion Bianca Rodrigues-Perry will be doing her bit to shine a spotlight on the south Warwickshire independent street food scene at two food festivals next month.
Bianca, who fronts Bia’s Kitchen Show, will be showcasing local chefs and artisans when she hosts the Live Cookery Theatre, at Stratford Food Festival, on September 20th-21st. She is also going to be demonstrating one of her own dishes at Leamington Food Festival next weekend.
The tenth free festival, organised by Stratford BID, promises to bring the seaside to Stratford with its ‘Holiday’ theme. As well as the sights and smells of the Cookery kitchen, visitors throughout the weekend can also peruse more than 100 stalls along Henley Street and Bridge Street and take part in food and ail trails and children’s cooking and art workshops, whilst enjoying walkabout entertainers and a few surprises!
Visitors can also look forward to afternoons of music from 12pm on both days from a line-up of local musicians including Texan Peacocks, Amicantus Singers, Major/Minor, Honor Isabella Music and Hannah Woof.
Bianca will be on hand to help showcase 10 local chefs demonstrating some of their signature recipes throughout the weekend.
Stratford BID manager Aaron Corsi said: “2025 sees an exciting change to the cookery demonstration stage and we are thrilled to welcome Bia who will be the perfect ambassador for this year’s Food Festival, bringing all the fire and energy to the stage. Bia champions local independents and already works with local chefs, making her a perfect choice for the town event.”
He added: “We may not be by the sea—but with our beautiful riverside setting, vibrant attractions, rich culture, and thriving hospitality scene, Stratford can more than rival any seaside resort!
“It will be great to once more bring a celebration of food and drink to the Town Centre. As well as the additional stalls there is entertainment and family fun activities. It’s all about showing off our fabulous town and the range of businesses we have here, whether they be artisan independents or mainstream High Street names. There is something for everyone here in Stratford-upon-Avon and not just around food and drink, so come pay us a visit and explore our great town.”
But before the culinary fun hots up in Stratford, on Saturday, September 6th Brazilian-born Bianca will be getting hands on in the Leamington Food Festival Live Cookery kitchen with her own brand of cooking style. From 1pm she’ll be hoping to whet appetites with her recipe for Brazilian-style beef skirt with butter, garlic and rosemary.
In this 18th year of the popular free event, around 120 exhibitors will be showcasing everything from street food sensations to local artisan produce with an exciting line-up of entertainment throughout both days.
Alison Shaw, BID Leamington Project Manager, said: “We’re so excited to announce that Bia’s Kitchen is returning to the Leamington Food & Drink Festival on Saturday. Get ready for mouth-watering dishes, cooking inspiration, and plenty of foodie fun. Bia always brings the flavour (and the energy!) — and we can’t wait to see her there.”
Bia’s Kitchen Show highlights some of the best of the independent foodie scene when it is streamed to audiences on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook. It is part of the successful Bia’s Kitchen brand and features local independent chefs and restaurateurs cooking signature dishes as well as Bianca’s own top tips and recipes.
She also recently launched ‘Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cookbook – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude,’ featuring recipes from some of the local chefs, nutritionists, and food and drink artisans who appeared on her show.
The literary project is also rooted in Bianca’s own journey of overcoming personal mental health challenges through a passion for cooking. It’s in this spirit that the self-taught chef-come-author has also pledged to donate the book’s profits to Mind Warwickshire, a cause very close to her heart.
Looking ahead to her kitchen festival ‘hotspots,’ Bianca said: “I’m delighted to be hosting the Kitchen Stage at the Stratford-upon-Avon Food Festival this year. It’s a wonderful celebration of local food and talent, and I’m looking forward to bringing energy, flavour, and plenty of inspiration to the stage. I’m also excited to be returning to the Leamington Food Festival for the second year running.
“The cookbook will be available to purchase at both events. It’s a real joy to connect with people through food, and I can’t wait to be part of another brilliant festival season.”
Previous episodes of Bia’s Kitchen Show can be seen HERE.
Stratford Food Festival runs between 10-6pm on Saturday, September 20th and 10-5pm on Sunday 21st. For more information visit HERE.
Leamington Food Festival runs between 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit HERE.
Here is the recipe for Seared Skirt Steak With Rosemary and Garlic that Bia is cooking at Leamington Food Festival:
A simple yet bold steak recipe that’s all about flavour, texture and just the right amount of sizzle.
This quick and satisfying steak recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want something impressive without too much fuss. Skirt steak is seared to perfection, then finished with aromatic garlic, rosemary and butter for a rich, caramelised finish.
This method works beautifully with any steak cut you love — whether it’s ribeye, rump, or sirloin. The magic is in the high heat, the resting and the butter baste. Simple, rustic, and unforgettable.
INGREDIENTS
300g beef skirt (or your favourite cut: ribeye, rump, etc.)
30g butter
3 cloves garlic, crushed
A generous handful of fresh rosemary
1 tsp flake salt
Preheat your pan
Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan over high heat. Let it get super hot — you want it to be smoking slightly before the steak hits the pan. This is key to a great sear. (Tip: You’ll know the pan is ready when the smoke just begins to fade. That’s your moment!)
Season and sear
Sprinkle the flake salt generously over both sides of the steak. Place it directly onto the hot, dry pan.
Sear for 2 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare finish (adjust time slightly depending on thickness or preference).
Rest the steak
Remove the steak from the pan and wrap it in foil. Let it rest for 2 minutes — this helps the juices redistribute and keeps it tender.
Flavour finish
In the same pan, reduce heat slightly. Add the butter, garlic and rosemary. Let everything melt and infuse together for about a minute.
Return and glaze
Place the steak back in the pan just long enough to coat it in the garlic, herby butter and give it a caramelised gloss.
TO SERVE
Pair this flavourful steak with:
Steamed white rice
Traditional farofa (toasted cassava flour)
Vinaigrette salsa (a tangy mix of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and vinegar)
Or, keep it casual with crispy fries or chunky chips.
