Here is a bit of a list that Gourmet Shark has put together for some food resolutions for 2010!

1. Shop local – If you’re shopping make a special effort to find Manx food. Always check the label and check where the food has come from? Look out for the Manx produce and the I love Manx logo in the supermarkets or head to one of the local farmers markets around the island.

2. Eat seasonal food – Not only does it taste really good, but it’s also much better for you and provides many of the nutrients we need to stay healthy. Download What’s in season (pdf) Coming Soon!

3. Try a local dish – When next in a pub or restuarant, try a local local beer with a local speciality for an authentic experience that reflects the character of the Isle of Man it could be local seafood or Loughton Lamb. Ask the staff what they would recommend.

4. Try something different – Explore what the Isle of Man has to offer, there are loads of producers sprouting up all the time, its not just meat and cheese. What about the Apple Orphanage and their Elderflower Keshal or Cocoa Reds handmade chocolates, not only is it all good stuff, its also a bit of fun!

5. Pick your own – You can’t beat being able to enjoy fresh fruit selected and picked by yourself. There is the farm at the White Bridge just outside Onchan (can’t remember the name) or simply have scrabble in the hedgerows for some blackberries.

6. Cook a Manx meal for friends or at least use Manx produce – Nothing beats Manx Queenies or Pork Chops, there really is so more on offer these days it really is more than just spuds and Herring (although that is pretty tasty!)

7. Get along to a food event - There are the Saturday Farmers Markets, but don’t forget events like the Southern Agricultural Show, The Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival and the Isle of Man Queenie Festival just to name but a few.

8. Why not grow your own - Eating food you have grown yourself – even if it is just a few spuds is very satisfying. Lettuce, herbs and carrots are easy to grow and you do not need much space to do it – I am even going to give it a go but more about that another time!

9. Have a Manx BBQ – Get yourself out and about to many of the local beaches or simply in your back garden. Try some local steaks or marinade some lamb. Not only is BBQ food so tasty its a great way to socialise with neighbours or friends.

10. Celebrate the local harvest – Support one of the many local of Harvest Festivals or Mhelliah’s. They are a celebration, help to raise money for the local community and some are even held in the pub – no excuse!

The main thing is to enjoy the wide variety of local food and produce of the Isle of Man.

I Love Manx is reminding all producers and sellers of Manx made food and drink that the deadline for inclusion in the 2010 ‘Your Guide to Manx Produce’ is Friday 20th November.

The guide provides details of farmers’ markets, farm shops and retail outlets across the Isle of Man, as well as details of other local independent suppliers of Manx produce as well as the main processors of Manx food and drink.

This year sees the addition of eateries on the Island that support Manx produce.

Also included is a seasonal month-by-month guide to Manx fruit and vegetables, game, seafood and meat to help consumers eat with the Manx seasons; enjoying the diversity of fresh tastes with minimal food miles.

The guide, now in its third year, has expanded with each reprint as the demand for Manx food has increased with consumer desire for produce from top quality, fully traceable, local sources.

Once more, Your Guide to Manx Produce has been endorsed by the The Hairy Bikers, who are amongst the most enthusiastic supporters of Manx food and drink, as demonstrated by their appearances at the Queenie Festival and Septembers’ Food and Drink Festival at the Villa Marina.

Entry in the guide is free (subject to the conditions on the entry form).

Anyone interested in being included should simply download an entry form from www.ilovemanx.org or phone 662204 for a copy and return it to DAFF using the address at the bottom of the form by the deadline of Friday 20th November.

I Love Manx Campaign is a joint initiative of the Manx National Farmers’ Union and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.