The Chefs
Foodies Festival has attracted some of the UK’s finest chefs, who enjoy demonstrating their favorite seasonal dishes live in the Chefs Theatre, adding their own modern twists and passing on hints and tips for preparing the best fare:
Gary Lee
The Ivy
London, WC2H 9NQ
www.the-ivy.co.uk
Gary has been head chef of the timeless The Ivy restaurant for two years, but has been with Caprice Holdings since 1990, first as Sous Chef at La Caprice, then as Head Chef at the group’s pan-Asian restaurant, Bam Bou in 2002. Since he has been at The Ivy, Gary has overseen the opening of the restaurants private members’ club The Club and oversees private dining in the Private Room. Gary also lectures for the Portobello Business Centre in Ladbroke Grove, which helps young and aspiring restaurateurs get started, and judged the Rotary Young Chef of the Year at Westminster this year.
Mat Follas
BBC’s Masterchef Winner 2009
After six weeks of heats, a week of gruelling semi-finals and a week of finals, Mat Follas was awarded winner of MasterChef 2009 by judges and presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace. Mat is an IT engineer from Dorset, but has a passion for forages, farmed or hunted food and using traditional methods, from pickling to smoking, to imbue vibrant combinations of flavours and produce dishes where the ingredients taste intensely of themselves. Mat’s restaurant ‘The Wild Garlic’ will open this summer in Dorset.
Agnar Sverrisson
Texture
London W1H 7BY
www.texturerestaurant.co.uk
In September 2007, Agnar joined forces with Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Head Sommelier Xavier Rousset to launch Texture Restaurant where they combine their expertise to create a dining experience unlike any other in London. Born in Reykjavik, Iceland Agnar trained at the city’s top catering schools, beginning his career at one of Reykjavik’s most renowned restaurants, the Grill Room. Agnar has worked in renowned restaurants including the Michelin-starred Pétrus, owned by Gordon Ramsay, where he was a Chef de Partie under Marcus Wareing, Michelin-starred Lea Linster in Luxembourg and at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, the oldest Michelin double-starred restaurant in England. Texture has been voted The Independent New Restaurant of the Year 2007, and both a Remy Martin London Restaurant Award in 2008 and Champagne Bar of the Year at the Drinking Out Excellence Awards 2009.
Martin Blunos
The Reservoir
Cheltenham GL54 4HG
www.thereservoirinn.co.uk
Martin Blunos is one of the country’s greatest chefs. Having held two Michelin stars for more than fifteen years, this blond haired, walrus-moustached Baltic giant of a man has a wicked sense of humour and is a most colourful character. In each of his Lettonie restaurants, in Bristol and Bath, he earned two prestigious Michelin Stars. Food writers, critics and contempories were regular customers and Martin’s eclectic cooking attracts journalists of leading food publications from all around the globe. Martin appears regularly on television and radio including ITV's Taste the Nation, Daily Cook’s and Britian’s Best Dish, BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, Great Food Live! and Food Uncut. He made ‘Tasting Times with Martin Blunos’ a ten part series for ITV and was chosen to cook for Her Majesty The Queen during her Jubilee year.
Jun Tanaka
Pearl Restaurant
London WC1V 7EN
www.pearl-restaurant.com
Born in the US to Japanese parents, Jun Tanaka has headed up the kitchen at Pearl since its opening in June 2004. The restaurant has gained an excellent reputation for its modern French cuisine, served in the beautiful surroundings of the historic Pearl Assurance building. Having started at Le Gavroche at the age of 19, Jun spent the next ten years working with some of London’s best chefs in seven top Michelin star restaurants, where he perfected the art of fine French cuisine including Chez Nico, The Capital, The Square and Les Saveurs. He also worked under Marco Pierre White at both The Restaurant Marco Pierre White and The Oak Room. Jun regularly appears on culinary programmes such as Saturday Kitchen and Celebrity Masterchef.
Cyrus Todiwala
Café Spice Namaste
London, E1 8AZ
www.cafespice.co.uk
Cyrus Todiwala is proprietor and Executive chef of the Café Spice Namaste Group. Renowned throughout the world for its innovative and fresh approach to Indian cuisine.
The highly acclaimed chef was awarded an MBE in recognition of his contribution to training and for raising the general profile of the industry in 2000. In 2004 he was made honorary Professor of Thames Valley University’s prestigious London School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure and in the same year received the ITV Tio Pepe Award for ‘Most Outstanding Contribution to London Restaurants’. In 2005, Cafe Spice Namaste enjoyed the distinction of becoming an Investors in People Champion Organisation, that same year Cyrus was invited to represent the UK at the World Gourmet Festival held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok. 2008 saw Cyrus become the only Indian Chef to receive a Fellowship from the Craft Guild of Chefs. Cyrus has written the phenomenally successful cookbook Café Spice Namaste and has recently launched ‘Indian Summer’ which is the beginning of a new line of cookery books.
Galton Blackiston
Morston Hall, Norfolk
www.morstonhall.com
The dinner menu at Galton’s hotel and restaurant Morston Hall is chosen each morning depending on what fresh produce is available. Galton and his wife Tracy opened Morston Hall in 1992 and have since dedicated hard work and passion to creating the award winning establishment.
Galton’s passion for food started at a young age when he sold home made cakes at the producers market in Rye, he began his career when he worked at John Tovey’s Miller Howe country hotel in the Lake District. International stints in New York, Canada, South Africa, and London were subsequently followed by the inevitable homecoming to Norfolk where he set up Morston Hall.
Rob Aikens
Tom’s Kitchen
London, SW3 3QP
www.tomskitchen.co.uk
Rob Aikens started his career working with the Roux borthers in 1987 and stayed with them until 1991, working in London at Le Poulbot, Rouxl Britannia and Le Gavroche. He moved to the US to work as Sous Chef at the exclusive Point Resort in New York State which was rated the no 1 resort in the USA several years running by the Zagat guide. In 1994 he became Head Chef at Lake Placid Lodge, then, after three years, Rob took on the prestigious role as Private Chef to the C.E.O. of Citibank. A year later he took up the position as Head Chef of Citibank for the private dining facilities in New York City. In the spring of 2007 Rob returned to England to work with his brother as head chef and head of operations of Tom’s Kitchen.
Steven Crane
Ockenden Manor
West Sussex, RH17 5LD
www.hshotels.co.uk
Steven Crane is head chef of Ockenden Manor in Cuckfield, West Sussex, one of only two restaurants in Sussex with a Michelin star. Steven’s Modern French menu focuses on locally sourced produce from around Cuckfield and Steven’s own home village, Balcombe. Ockenden Manor is one of three very distinctive luxury hotels in the Historic Sussex Hotel Group, attracting visitors from far and wide with their beautiful locations and excellent food. During his training at London’s Halcyon Hotel, Steven met Martin Hadden, the executive chef of the Historic Sussex Hotel Group, in 1993 Martin appointed Steven as chef of Spead Eagel, and then in 2001 as head chef of Ockenden.
BENJAMIN TISH
The Salt Yard
London, W1T 4NA
www.saltyard.co.uk
Ben Tish is the Executive chef of the Salt Yard and its sister restaurant Dehesa, both highly acclaimed, foodie destinations, which allow Ben to apply his passion for Italian food and immerse himself in Spanish cuisine. Ben also oversees the operations of the new butchers/deli that opened in October called The Blackfoot Butchers. Specialising in Free Range British meats, artisan charcuterie and cheese, fine deli items and offers a light Spanish and Italian food offering at lunch times. Ben has worked at the Ritz Hotel in London under David Nichols and alongside fellow Skegness chef Jason Atherton in Cost, One Lawn Terrace and Frith street restaurant, as well as spending three years at the 4 star Crinan Hotel in Scotland where he received great national and international acclaim.
Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex
Ambassade de l’Ile
London, SW7 3RN
www.ambassadedelile.com
Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex is chef proprietor of Ambassade de l’Ile restaurant in South Kensington, for which he was awarded a Michelin star and three AA Rosettes, just seven months after its opening in 2008. New to the London restaurant scene, JC is well established in his own country, his Lyon restaurant, l’Auberge de l’Ile has two Michelin stars. A former personal chef to the late Christina Onassis, JC trained with some of the most famous chefs in France. JC is consultant chef to a number of organisations including La Sivolière and Les Suites de la Potinière in Courchevel, i-way in Lyon, and Olympique Lyonnais, where JC is in charge of VIP cocktails for the Champions’ League with Sodexo.
Steve Drake
Drake’s Restaurant
Surrey
www.drakesrestaurant.co.uk
Drake’s Restaurant opened its doors in January 2004 and quickly collected a Michelin star.
After growing up in Essex Steve moved to London and worked with some of the top 2 and 3 Michelin star chefs before moving to Surrey in 1999 to open Drakes on the Pond as Head Chef. After three and a half years Steve decided to fulfil a lifelong ambition and open his own restaurant with his wife Serina. In 2001 he won the prestigious Roux Scholarship competition, giving him the opportunity to work with legendary French 3 star chef Marc Veyrat.
Steve describes his food as Modern British and produces dishes with an original style and craftsman like technique.
Robert Kusy
Tatra
London, W12 8DH
www.tatrarestaurant.co.uk
Robert Kusy opened Tatra in Shepherd’s Bush in October 2008, offering modern cuisine and a vast selection of homemade vodkas from his homeland of Poland and Eastern Europe. Robert has been cooking in the London restaurant scene for a decade, starting out under Jan Woroniecki at Wodka Restaurant in Kensington
He has appeared on numerous TV programmes including UKTV’s New British Kitchen with Masterchef judge John Tarode and was food adviser of David Cronenberg’s film Eastern Promises – ensuring Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts and Vincent Cassel were eating authentically. Kusy loves food and is passionate about serving the best. He often comes out of the kitchen to ensure that his diners are happy and satisfied.
Ian Pengelley
Gilgamesh
London, NW1 8AH
www.gilgameshbar.com
Ian Pengelley has made a significant contribution to the popularisation of Pan-Asian Food in Britain and is easily recognised as one of the worlds leading chefs in this field. In 2006 Ian opened Gilgamesh set in the heart of Camden Town Stables Market, serving a unique Eastern gastronomic and entertainment experience and an array of Pan-Asian culinary delights. Ian grew up in Hong Kong where he realised his passion for Asian food and culture, training in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and China before returning to the UK to share his passion for the Orient. Before opening Gilgamesh he enjoyed a successful career working in Cicada, The Birdcage, The Hempel, as personal chef to Lady Weinberg (Anouska Hempel), and as the launch Head Chef of E&O, Notting Hill in 2001 where he stayed for 2 years. Ian has also worked on projects with Gordon Ramsay, including the Asian cuisine restaurant ‘Pengelley’s’, in Knightsbridge.
Shay Cooper
Bingham hotel
Surrey, TW10 6UT
www.thebingham.co.uk
Shay Cooper is the Executive Chef of the restaurant at the award winning Bingham hotel in Richmond. Having trained at Paul Heathcotes school of excellence in Manchester, Shay quickly rose up the ranks in posts at Michelin starred restaurants, including Putney Bridge, Juniper in Altrincham, and The Vineyard at Stockcross. His most recent post had been as Head Chef in Olga Polizzi’s hotel Endsleigh in Devon, where he was awarded three AA rosettes. Drawing on over 10 years experience, Shay delivers, well executed seasonal menus showcasing the best in British food and incorporating the finest regional produce in the elegant setting of the Bingham’s dining room.
Mark Read
The Mango Tree
London, SW1X 7EQ
www.mangotree.org.uk
Throughout his career, Mark Read has been involved with a long list of successful establishments including the Michelin-starred Oak Rooms at Le Meridian, Live Bait and more recently, the opening of and developing Bam-Bou in London’s Fitzrovia. Mango Tree provides the perfect setting for Mark’s expertise as his passion for knowledge and work is contagious. The menu reflects the delicate styles and flavours of authentic Thai cuisine. Drawing on regional influences, Mark’s creative approach tempts food lovers from far and wide.
Jeremy Bloor
OXO Tower Restaurant
London, SE1 9PH
www.harveynichols.com
Jeremy Bloor started his culinary career in the kitchen at Inverlockie Castle in Fort William. In February 1993 he moved up to the historic Cliveden Hotel just outside Taplow in Berkshire. After six months he was off to London and spent the next two years with Henry Harris at The Fifth Floor Restaurant.
In 1996 Jeremy took the job of chef de partie at MPW's The Criterion in Piccadilly. A year later Jeremy did his first stint at OXO Tower Restaurant under Simon Arkless. Six months later he was back with MPW, this time at Quo Vadis where he spent the next two years. In February 2000 Jeremy joined the team brought together to open Ian Schrager's St Martins Lane Hotel. A final nine months were spent with MPW again setting up another restaurant for the group, this time The Parisian Chop House before Jeremy joined OXO Tower Restaurant as Head Chef.
Momma Cherri
Momma Cherri's Soul Food Shack
www.mommacherri.co.uk
Charita Jones (Momma Cherri) calls herself the Queen of Soul Food, and is warm and vibrant, full of energy and determined to make cooking fun. Born and raised in Philadelphia during the 1950s, her diverse life brought her to Brighton in 2001, where she opened ‘The Soul Shack restaurant’. In 2005 she appeared on Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares and is often considered one of the most popular personalities from the series and one of the biggest success stories. In June 2007 her book, Soul in a Bowl, was published and with her growing popularity the television work rolled in. Appearing on This Morning, The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Saturday Cooks (all ITV1), Saturday Kitchen (BBC2). On Radio 4 she has appeared on Loose Ends, Midweek, Woman’s Hour and the Christmas Day Food Quiz (which she won!). With sound advice, she then opened Momma Cherri’s Big House and is currently developing a range of desserts with BakeSense, due to launch this year in all major supermarkets.
Michael Bremner
Due South
www.duesouth.co.uk
Michael has been head chef of Due South since 2008, where he continually impressed regulars and reviewers alike with his innovative, creative seasonal recipes. Since joining Due South – Michael has appeared on the special ITV documentary ‘Focus on Food’ and regularly contributes recipes to the likes of The Metro and Guardian as well as numerous consumer magazines.
Michael was also invited to represent the South East of England at the Terre madras – slow food expo in Italy 2008 & has been short listed as a rising star for the Great British Menu. Michael started his career as a pastry apprentice at the Michelin starred Orrery restaurant, working as Demi-Chef de Partie. He went on to work as Head pastry chef at renowned London restaurants including Quo Vadis, owned at the time by Marco Pierre White and spent a year in Canada at the award winning Pan Pacific Hotel in Whistler.
Peter Bohannon
English’s of Brighton
www.englishs.co.uk
Peter’s love affair with seafood started at a young age, when he worked as a fisherman with his father. His career as a chef has taken him all over the world, from Brighton to London, France, Greece and back to the UK, but his passion for working with fish stayed close to his heart, and in April last year he become Head Chef at English’s of Brighton, one of the most famous seafood restaurants on the south coast. This has given Peter the opportunity to work with only the freshest local produce caught off Brighton’s own shores creating dishes that are simple, enjoyable and affordable.
Mike Dodd
Oki-Nami
New Road, Brighton
www.okinami.com/
Leading Japanese Chef Mike Dodd co-owns of Oki-Nami with DJ Norman Cook. The restaurant was moved from its former location in Hove, where it enjoyed 13 prosperous years to Brighton in 2008. Mike applies his vast knowledge and experience in Japanese cooking and philosophy to offer diners an authentic Japanese culinary experience based around two fundamental principals – the quality and freshness of ingredients. Mike also runs workshops in the art of Sushi.
Andrew Mackenzie
Drakes
www.drakesofbrighton.com
Andy is Executive Head Chef of the Fine Dining Restaurant of Drakes Hotel, one of Brighton’s best Boutique Hotels. Since settling in Brighton with his family in 2001, Andy has worked in some of the town’s most prestigious restaurants including Sevendials, and has received critical plaudits in The Good Food Guide 2008. Prior to this Andy spent time working in Australia, which has continued to influence his cooking style. He trained at Gleneagles under Allan Hill, where he developed his passion and knowledge, then moved to London, where he gained experience at the respected Mosimann’s Belfry in Belgrave Square and the famous Chez Nico in Park Lane.
Jean Yves Guiomar
L’ Eglise
www.legliserestaurant.co.uk
As Head Chef of L’eglise, Jean Yves draws on his 17 years experience of working in established Fresh and modern British restaurants and his upbringing in Brittany, to create classic Fresh cuisine with contemporary tastes. His career in London saw him as Chef de Cuisine at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho, where he catered for many high profile events including Mika’s album launch and Bella Freud and Jemima Khan’s ‘HOPING Foundation’ charity fund raising event. Prior to this he worked at Le Café du Jardin and Le Deuxième and for 2 years catered in the House of Lords. Last year Jean Yves chose to part from the London scene and embrace the quality of life that Hove (and Brighton) has to offer.
Ross Pavey
Moonrakers
Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5TD
www.moonrakersrestaurant.co.uk
As the young and vibrant head chef of Moonrakers restaurant, Ross prides himself on producing rustic, wholesome, modern dishes. His passion for fresh, seasonal and local produce is integral to everything he creates. This reflects perfectly the setting and influences of the beautiful Downland restaurant of Moonrakers in Alfriston. The majority of Ross' chef career has been based in Sussex where he embraces the incredible selection of local ingredients. His time spent in South Africa has given him a real appreciation for fantastic produce. His background shows great experience as a head chef and a team leader and has allowed him to develop his skills, knowledge and passion for food.
Ben Goldsmith
Whites
www.the-whitehorse.co.uk
Ben Goldsmith was named ‘Young Chef of the Year’ by the Sussex Food and Drinks Awards 2008/9. His inspired and ambitious style impressed the judges and voters alike. Diners at Whites restaurant in Steyning, can watch the young chef in action in the contemporary theatre style kitchen on plasma screen televisions located throughout the building. Ben’s menu, which is full of fresh seafood, fish and organic meat draws on seasonally available produce, giving it a contemporary twist
Richard Eldon
Blanch House
www.blanchhouse.co.uk
Richard is Head Chef of the restaurant at Blanch House, a small, friendly hotel with a big personality. With over 23 years in the culinary industry, Richard’s experience in cuisine ranges from Chinese, French, Californian, South West cuisine, Pacific Rim & Middle Eastern. Richard has worked primarily in California and Canada, where he gained considerable experience. He relocated to the UK seven years ago, and along with owning his own restaurant in Arundel, West Sussex, Richard has opened and operated various venues throughout the years. The menu at Blanch house changes with the seasons, ensuring that only the freshest, highest quality produce is used. All the fresh fish served comes from the local day boats that dock at Brighton’s harbour.
Sam Metcalfe
Executive chef of Sam’s of Brighton and Sevendials
www.samsofbrighton.co.uk
Sam opened Sam’s of Brighton in January 2008, offering a similar style of food to Sam’s first restaurant Sevendials, but in a more relaxed setting. With over 20 years experience, Sam has a pedigree of several top London restaurants including The Terrace, Chez Nico, The Groucho Club, L’Escargot, and Pied a Terre. And at just 21 Sam was appointed Head Chef at The Belvedere, Holland Park. Sam opened Sevendials restaurant in 2001, since then it has gained a reputation for providing an exceptional dining experience, 2 AA Rosettes, inclusion in the Good Food Guide, Harden's, Time Out Guide to Eating and Drinking and Cheeky Guide to Brighton plus wonderful reviews from acclaimed critics including Jay Rayner, The Observer and Caroline Stacey, The Independent Magazine and The Telegraph. Opening Sam’s of Brighton was a natural progression.
Martin Moore
Sevendials
www.sevendialsrestaurant.co.uk
Martin met Sam Metcalfe when they were both working at The Terrace in London, Martin as Sous Chef and Sam as Head Chef, When Sam moved to Brighton Martin replaced him, but when Sam opened Sevendials he asked Martin to be his head chef. Martin’s French background has given him a fantastic foundation of classic cooking combined with his own modern British twist.
Mark Kinzel
Sam’s of Brighton
www.samsofbrighton.co.uk
Up and coming young chef Mark is Sam’s right hand man at Sam’s of Brighton. Before joining Sam’s he headed the Tin Drum restaurant group and opened the successful Preston Park Tavern. Mark also spent a ski season in the Alps, as private chef to the rich and famous. Mark shows a great level of professionalism for his tender years and with Sam's ever changing, rolling menu he excels at working closely with suppliers to produce a real variety of excellent dishes.
Nigel Brown
Nigel Brown grew up in the culinary industry, working in the family restaurant. He has worked at some of the UK’s biggest and busiest hotels and competed in many national competitions including the London Hotelympia Salon Culinaire competitions and won a place in the Trusthouse Forte Chef of the Year competition. Nigel spent time overseas at the highly acclaimed French cookery school Ecole Le Notre where he picked up a wealth of experience and knowledge in areas of specialist patisserie work. In 2007 Nigel produced a set of 3 ‘sell out’ learn to cook DVD’s, and on the back of their huge success opened his own Cookery Academy in North Lincolnshire. In 2008 he was invited as a guest chef by Jean Christophe Novelli to deliver courses at the world famous Novelli Academy and he is BBC Radio Humberside's Resident Celebrity Chef.
Ed Baines
Ed Baines is the chef and co-owner of Randall & Aubin champagne and oyster bar in London's Soho. After a two-year apprenticeship with Anton Mosimann at The Dorchester in London, Ed cooked on exclusive yachts and at hotels in Juan-les-Pins in France and Queensland in Australia, then at Bibendum and the River Café, in London. He was 'headhunted' and became the official Armani chef, then, at only 25 was contracted by restaurateur Mogens Tholstrup to open the Daphne’s restaurant in London's South Kensington. In 1996 he opened Randall & Aubin as chef-patron with his friend James Poulton, The chain expanded to include the Ifield in Chelsea, Randall & Aubin in Fulham Road and The Belsize. Ed has appeared on many TV series including Lunch With Ed Baines, Ed Baines Entertains, Cupid’s Dinners, Great Food Live and Step Up to the Plate. His first book, Entertain, was published by Kyle Cathie in 2001.
Alan Coxon
Alan Coxon has established a reputation as one of the world’s favourite TV chefs and presenters, with exceptional culinary talent and an unparalleled knowledge for the earliest origins of world cuisine. His dishes have the rare quality of being both stunning, yet easy to recreate at home. Starting at the 5-star Loews Hotel, Monte Carlo, Alan worked his way up to Head Chef Position at Newport Bay, Paris, the largest 4-star hotel in Europe, managing 60 chefs and catering for 3000 people every day. As Head Chef at Woodfords Restaurant / Top Table Restaurant in the Isle of Man, Alan led the restaurant towards its first Michelin star. With three exciting cookbooks, a new range of historic vinaigres and spices, and numerous radio, magazine and live appearances also to his name, Alan has cemented his place among cookery’s broadcasting elite.
Kane McDowell
Originally from New Zealand, Kane trained in Australia, working in some of the countries best fine dining restaurants. After moving to the UK and working at the restaurant Passion Food, he developed a love of fresh, locally sourced produce and in particular, vegetarian cooking. Kane joined the Food for Friends team 8 months ago, and his style reflects a seasonal and understated approach to cooking, focused around the fusion of really good flavours and not fussy cooking techniques. Because cooking food without meat requires a little more effort and thought, many of the dishes on the menu are inspired and infused with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian ingredients.
Tiffany Goodall
Rising star Tiffany's love of cooking began at a very early age when she compiled her own cookery scrap book at the age of ten, she went on to successfully completed 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 ‘Pasta to Pancakes” a cookbook with recipes for all occasions for those at school, universities, colleges 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 Chefs Theatres, as well as demonstrating herself.
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
Glasgow
George Square
July 30 31 August 1 2010
Oxford
South Parks
August 28 29 30 2010