Matthew Fort Introduces Obsession 2013

This is Obsession's thirteenth year. It's an extraordinary achievement, a food festival that manages to be a show case for great chefs, a celebration of great food and a meeting of friends.

This year it's no different. Maybe it's a bit more eclectic than usual. There's Bruno Loubet, a Frenchman cooking in England; Dieter Koschina, an Austrian cooking in Portugal; Cyrus Todiwala, an Indian cooking in England; Tom Catherall, a Brit cooking in the USA; Agnar Sverisson, an Icelander cooking in London; and Anna Hansen, a Canadian cooking in London. And then there are Phil Howard, Lisa Allen, Ashley Palmer Watts and, of course, Nigel Haworth who are Brits who have not wandered too far from their home turf. All in all, their talent adds up to a galaxy of Michelin stars and several cabinets of other awards.

But in the end, Obsession isn't about stars or awards. It's about Craig and Nigel's enthusiasm and their generosity as hosts. It's about people who are brought together by a mutual passion, a passion that needs to be shared and enjoyed.

And so for 10 days Northcote will be filled with the perfumes of different dishes, unfamiliar flavours, textures and delights. For 10 days you will have the pleasure of eating at the greatest festival of food in the country, quite possibly the world. There's nothing quite like Obsession. After 13 years Craig and Nigel have just about got it all worked out.