Devon Food Heroes Share Knowlege & Inspire Peers at Kitley House
On the menu at Kitley House – A summer gathering of chefs, hospitality pros and Devon Food Heroes for some Grilling, Chilling and Chocolate!
Devon Food Heroes Peter Gorton (International Chef Consultant) and Jim Fisher (Exeter Cookery School) joined their local chef peers, hospitality professionals and catering students from South Devon College and City College Plymouth on June 24th at Kitley House Hotel and Restaurant, near Yealmpton.
The special event, organised by The Chefs’ Forum, saw chefs and front-of-house professionals from across the county rubbing shoulders with catering suppliers and aspiring college students. Billed as ‘Devon Food Heroes’, the day offered inspiring butchery demonstrations and a great networking opportunity for hospitality professionals from Devon and neighbouring counties. Kitley House PR and broadcaster Sharon Goble and Chefs’ Forum Founder Catherine Farinha gave a welcome speech, offering insight into the beautifully restored Kitley House as a venue and the purpose of The Chefs’ Forum as an organisation in bridging the gap between education and industry.
Business Development Manager Laura Goodchild said:
“We were delighted to host The Chefs’ Forum here today and its fantastic that our new chef, Matt Dell could be part of it. Complete unphased by twenty young chefs joining him in his brand-new kitchen, Matt really enjoyed the opportunity to work with two local colleges, forging relationships that will co
ntinue into the future, with one learner being offered a trial shift at the hotel, which was a great result.”
City College Plymouth student Paige Pawley (on the right in the photo) has been offered a trial shift by the team at Kitley House based on excellent performance on the day.
If successful, The Chefs’ Forum Educational Foundation will fund her first month’s travel to work.
Chefs’ Forum events build students’ confidence and break down barriers between top local employers and the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Guest chefs and Devon Food Heroes Peter Gorton (Master Chef of Great Britain) and Jim Fisher (Exeter Cookery School) joined new Head Chef Matt Dell to stage a highly inspirational culinary day!
The chefs made canapés with the students and TV Chef, Ben Forte showcased the famous Kamado Joe ceramic grill, cooking-up a feast of Two Brothers pork belly, ‘tri-tip’ of beef and Kernow Sausage haute dogs, accompanied by delicious marinated grilled seasonal veg from Total Produce.
Ben mentored South Devon College students Dylan Roberts and Daniel Chichro, giving them a day’s masterclass of live fire cooking on the Kamado Joe. The young chefs relished the opportunity and contributed to a delicious outdoor feast for the professional chefs who attended.
Jim Fisher gave a fantastic chocolate-making demonstration to promote his Exeter Cookery School and the day finished with an afternoon tea prepared by the students, served in the beautiful surroundings of Kitley, which has recently undergone extensive renovation and refurbishment under new ownership.
The Forum and proprietor Mike Logut discussed the versatility Foie Royale, an ethical alternative to foie gras and chefs Richard Valder (at Angela’s Restaurant) told the room how he creates delicious terrines and serves it in his hugely popular Exeter restaurant.
Richard said:
“I make a guinea fowl, pork, pistachio and Foie Royale terrine. I make the terrine farce in the traditional manner with minced pork diced guinea fowl and pistachios with plenty of seasonings from Santa Maria. I use a touch of the hunters mix with rock salt and Tellicherry black pep
per. The terrine is wrapped in fine unsmoked pancetta. Served with a celery pickle and brioche.
I use the 125 grams goose liver Foie Royale – this fits neatly in to a terrine dish. It’s been very well received by our restaurant guests in Exeter”.
A hugely successful day was had by all in stunning venue set in beautiful grounds – Kitley House is well worth the visit if you get the chance!
The Chefs’ Forum has now become an official dealer for Kamado Joe ceramic grills and any chefs interested in a live-fire-cooking demo at their restaurant by their resident BBQ chef should contact catherine@redcherry.uk.com
On seeing how much the young chefs enjoyed working with Ben Forte yesterday, The Chefs’ Forum now plans to incorporate a Kamado Joe Grilling lesson into The Chefs’ Forum Academy scheme of learning in catering colleges all over the country.
Photography by: www.andrewplantphotography.com
