Christmas: The Chefs
Tony Borthwick
The Plumed Horse
Edinburgh
www.plumedhorse.co.uk
Tony Borthwick launched The Plumed Horse in the sleepy village of Crossmicheal in 1998, and by 2001 was awarded a Michelin star, then in 2005 won the title of Scottish Chef of the Year. In 2006 Tony relocated The Plumed Horse to Leith, successfully regaining his Michelin star for his new premises earlier this year. It’s all a long way from Tony’s roots, working for the Yorkshire Water Board, where an unfortunate accident facilitated Tony pouring his energy into his hobby, cooking. Pursuing his dream to London he gained a wealth of experience working for a number of restaurants, Tony moved to Glasgow, then Castle Douglas, and finally Leith.
Demonstration: 15.00 Sunday 6th December
Jeff Bland
number one The Balmoral
Edinburgh
www.thebalmoralhotel.com
Multi-award winning Executive Chef at The Balmoral since June 1996, Jeff Bland spent time as chef to members of the Royal Family and has judged various culinary television programmes, including MasterChef. He also worked at Cameron House Hotel and Country Club, Loch Lomond, and during his time there he was awarded his first Michelin star. number one The Balmoral is now firmly established as one of Edinburgh’s top restaurants, and Jeff and the number one team retained their Michelin star for the sixth year running, as well as being awarded numerous other prestigious accolades.
Demonstration: 13.00 Saturday 5th December
Tiffany Goodall
Author of From Pasta to Pancakes
www.tiffanygoodall.co.uk
Rising star Tiffany's love of cooking began at the age of ten when she compiled her own cookery scrap book. She went on to successfully complete a cookery course at the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork, Ireland, coming top of her class in the final exam. Tiffany took inspiration from her own personal experiences at university to create From Pasta to Pancakes, a cookbook with recipes for those at school, university, college or even people who are living alone for the first time. Tiffany has recently made guest appearances on BBC Market Kitchen and worked with Marks and Spencer hosting demonstrations at the Home & Garden Show and also at Channel 4's Taste Festivals in London and Bath.
Tiffany will be the MC of Foodies Christmas Chefs Theatres
Jacqueline O’Donnell
The Sisters
Glasgow
www.thesisters.co.uk
Through her two very successful restaurants, Jacqueline brings a taste of the ‘real’ Scotland to the heart of Glasgow. The Sisters is popular for creative home-style cooking that appeals to all ages. After 12 years as a pastry chef, Jacqueline went into business with her sister Pauline and in 2001 they moved premises and renamed their restaurant The Sisters. The second restaurant opened in Kelvingrove in October 2005, offering a more contemporary dining experience in Glasgow’s West End. The Sisters was awarded Scottish City Restaurant of the year in 2008.
Demonstration: 14.00 Sunday 6th December
John Quigley
Red Onion
Glasgow
www.red-onion.co.uk
John is the award-winning and renowned chef-proprietor of Red Onion. His career began in London, where he quickly gained a reputation for excellent casual gourmet dining, he was soon travelling the world as a private chef to rock stars and celebrities including Bryan Adams and Tina Turner. In 2005 John launched his own restaurant – Red Onion. Recent patrons at the restaurant include George Clooney, Michael Palin and Calvin Harris. John also has an established and loyal clientele from the Scottish business, arts, media, music and political communities, and has recently appeared on STV, UKTV Market Kitchen and the BBC.
Demonstration: 12.00 Sunday 6th December
Neil Forbes
Atrium, Blue and Café St Honore
Edinburgh
www.atriumrestaurant.co.uk
After working in restaurants such as Kinnaird, Peat Inn, Braeval Le Manoir with Raymond Blanc, Waterside Inn with Michel Roux and the Royal Scotsman train, Neil stamped his personality on restaurants Atrium and Blue when he took over as Head Chef eight years ago. He has also recently taken over as Head Chef of Café St Honore. As an avid promoter of local seasonal produce he is often seen on a Saturday morning at the Edinburgh Farmers Market buying strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes and locally-made chorizo straight from the farmer.
Demonstration: 16.00 Saturday 5th December
Marc Robertson
Dakota
Edinburgh
www.dakotahotels.co.uk
After working with Mark Hix at Le Caprice and Stephen Terry at Coast, Robertson took over the helm of Cecconi’s in Mayfair before returning to Edinburgh. He worked as Executive Chef of The George Hotel before moving to luxury hotel Dakota as Executive Chef earlier this year. Marc has a modern and no-nonsense approach to cuisine. He roots for innovative food with the emphasis on flavour. Drawing from traditional and modern British influences, he works with the best seasonal produce.
Demonstration: 14.00 Saturday 5th December
Gavin Elden
The Tower
Edinburgh
www.tower-restaurant.com
Born in South Africa of Scottish parents, Gavin, Head Chef of Tower Restaurant, always knew that he would return to his roots. On a visit to Edinburgh he fell in love with the capital, he decided to stay and work his way through the city's culinary scene. Gavin has cut his teeth on everything from gastro-pubs and fine dining restaurants to busy hotels. Gavin led the hospitality operation of Edinburgh's International Festival, then joined James Thomson as he opened his 5-red-star hotel, Prestonfield, which proved to be an instant critical success. When the opportunity came to become Head Chef at James Thomson’s Restaurants, Tower, Gavin leapt at the opportunity.
Demonstration: 12.00 Saturday 5th December
Paul Tamburrini
The Bistro at Hotel du Vin
Glasgow
www.hotelduvin.com
Paul started his career at Glasgow’s Rogano restaurant in 1989. He has since worked for a number of Scotland’s five-star establishments, including the Turnberry Hotel, the Hilton and Balmoral Rocco Forte. He spent a year at Marco Pierre White’s Michelin star L’Escargot in London. In September 2006, The Bistro at Hotel du Vin’s One Devonshire Gardens was opened with Paul as Executive Chef. The restaurant has gained 3AA Rosettes, and been awarded ‘Glasgow Restaurant of the Year’ by The List magazine, and ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ by The Metro Scotland Food & Drink Awards’.
Demonstration: 13.00 Sunday 6th December
Annette Sprague
Redwood
Edinburgh
www.redwood-restaurant.co.uk
Native Californian Annette is chef-proprietor of Redwood restaurant. Before opening Redwood she owned and ran the high-end catering company, The Perfect Palate, based in Edinburgh for five years. After deciding to cease trading in 2008, she found the perfect location to offer the cuisine that her clients enjoyed so much. Annette has over 12 years of culinary experience, earning her Diplome de Cuisine from the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu. Studying French culinary techniques as well as living and studying abroad has only enhanced her ability to produce the style of food she loves. Redwood has received fantastic reviews from Scotland’s leading publications since its opening.
Demonstration: 16.00 Sunday 6th December
Charlie Jarvie
Tempus at The George Hotel
Edinburgh
www.tempus-edinburgh.co.uk
Charlie Jarvie is one of Scotland’s top chefs. He has worked at some of Scotland best known and most prestigious hotels, including Scotland’s Hotel, Dalhousie Castle, Skibo Castle and the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh. Charlie twice represented Scotland at the Work Culinary Championships, and more recently at Hotelympia in London, going on to win the British Championships and 6 Gold Medals
Pete Gottgen
Ardeonaig
Perthshire
www.ardeonaighotel.co.uk
South African Pete Gottgen is one of just four chefs nominated for the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland awards. As chef-proprietor and a fourth generation hotelier, complete customer satisfaction is key. There has been an Inn at Ardeonaig since 1649, and now it is not just a run-of-the-mill luxury retreat, but a small owner-run operation with huge amounts of passion, a love for Scotland, food and the surrounding landscape. Visitors will find the best of two worlds: South Africa and Scotland. Pete always appreciates guests who visit him and his team in the kitchen.
Demonstration: 11.00 Sunday 6th December
Mary Contini
Valvona and Crolla
www.valvonacrolla.co.uk
Mary’s 6th book Valvona & Crolla: A Year at an Italian Table has recently been published and has enjoyed great success. Mary, together with husband Philip and daughter Francesca, are the directors of Valvona & Crolla, Scotland’s oldest delicatessen and Italian wine merchant, founded in 1934.
In 1996 they opened VinCaffè and 2008 saw the start of a joint venture with House of Fraser, with openings in the Jenners stores in Edinburgh and Lomond Shores. The shop, Caffè Bar and VinCaffè have received countless accolades. Mary’s previous books include Dear Francesca (2002) and Dear Olivia (2006).
Demonstration: 15.00 Saturday 5th December
Paul Wedgwood
Wedgwood The Restaurant
Edinburgh
www.wedgewoodtherestaurant.co.uk
Paul Wedgwood is chef-proprietor of Wedgwood the Restaurant, which has quickly become key in the Edinburgh restaurant scene. Paul has worked under celebrity chef John Tovey at Miller Howe in Windermere. In 1999 Paul opened the Georgian House bar in Kendal, which was hugely successful. Paul’s long term goal was to open a restaurant, where he could offer fine dining in informal surroundings with excellent service. On a visit to Edinburgh with partner Lisa, the couple’s dreams were realised when they found the perfect venue for Wedgwood the Restaurant. In May Paul was awarded a Silver Medal at the Scottish Chef Awards.
Demonstration: 11.00 Saturday 5th December
Hampton Court
Royal Palace, Hampton Court
May 29 30 31 2010
Leeds
Roundhay Park
July 2 3 4 2010
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Festival
August 13 14 15 2010
Oxford
South Parks
August 28 29 30 2010