Food is a growing passion on Teesside, as Barbara Argument explains. It's Teesside's very own gastronomic delight - and don't we just love it. The parmo. But take just a few steps beyond the Tees Valley and our night-on-the-town treat is a mystery. "Have you ever tasted a parmo?" we love to ask gobsmacked incomers keen to digest our culture. Invariably the spluttered reply is: "A what?" On-the-street research shows those who have never downed the regional mega-morsel believe it to be a cross between a lovable rodent and a clip round the ear. But of course, it isn't. Our parmesan is the best late-night feast ever. So what is a parmo? Well it is a fillet of either chicken or pork, topped with white sauce (okay béchamel, if you must!), coated in breadcrumbs and smothered generously in bright orange melted cheese. An American we know thought it sounded disgusting, but gamely promised to give it a try. Folk food at its best and even our illustrious celebrity chef, Eugene McCoy of award-winning Tontine fame, has been known to offer tips on its preparation. But of course, there's far more to Tees Valley eating these days that the parmo - though debate still rages on who invented it and who makes the best. The regional good foodie scene is buzzing with a huge variety of cuisines from favourite Chinese and Indian to Thai, Caribbean, Aussie, South African, Spanish, French, Brit, Italian, continental - and a mix of all good things in between. There's swish town centre sophistication or cosy country. Formal dining in elegant surroundings or laid-back eating in dozens of wine bars and pubs. The only problem for dedicated diners is deciding where to go - and what to eat. The Tees Valley offers something for everyone. There's the iconic Tontine where Eugene McCoy has built a good food reputation second to none. There's Y'Thai in Stokesley, and also Yarm and Northallerton, where the cuisine is genuine and a real feather in the region's cap. There's Cafe Indigo on the Tees at Stockton and Jamals in central Middlesbrough, where the finest Indian food is a real treat. In Darlington, Ochis is one of the country's few Caribbean restaurants and serves up finger lickin' good jerk chicken and some fabulous cocktails. Billingham is the place to find genuine Spanish tapas and the buzzing night scene in Yarm offers just about every choice from romantic tucked-away to trendy and sociable. Norton has muscled in too with the cool and relaxed Café Lilli on the High Street and just up the road at Wynyard Country Park, there's homemade food in the Station House cafe. Then there's the pub scene choice which is huge and varied offering typical Teesside portions which are invariably massive. Places like The McOrville in Elwick, and the Golden Lion in the picturesque village of Osmotherley offer townies the chance to head out for a breath of fresh air and some really good grub. Fine dining at elegant hotels like Judges at Yarm, the Crathorne Hotel and the Grange Hotel at Darlington. The truth is Tees Valley loves telling the parmo joke - but behind the giggle is a serious restaurant scene. A region full of eating out entrepreneurs who have risen magnificently to the challenge thrown down by locals with an increasingly sophisticated and adventurous taste for good food. | 
ERW
101 Great Reasons...
Welcome to the 101 Great Reasons