Bienvenue to Beaujolais Nouveau at West London College

The Chefs’ Forum headed over to West London College for a formidable evening of all things French.

The students prepared a wonderful selection of rillettes or paté as an appetiser with deliciously crunchy slices of toasted baguette, wash down with yes, you’ve guessed it, Beaujolais Nouveau.

But where did it get it’s name?

Beaujolais is a vin de primeur, fermented for just a few weeks before being released for sale on the third Thursday of November. Distributors famously race to get the first bottles to different markets around the globe, and it was great to celebrate this tradition at West London College last evening.

Beaujolais Day celebrates the first wine of the season from the Beaujolais region of France and is an annual event at West London College as part of a series of brilliant, themed evenings staged by the teaching team and students at the college.

Level 1 Front of House students were taught how to correctly open, hold and pour bottle after bottle of ruby red Beaujolais for the guests, while Level 2 culinary students created a stunning menu of French classics, served to 50 parents, staff, employers and stakeholders.

The college have recently been gifted 10 banqueting tables from award-winning luxury hotel Andaz London Liverpool Street.

Executive Chef, Hameed Farook kindly organised the generous gift that will enable the college to hold large functions and increase revenue for the college restaurant.

Chris Bend of Wedgwood also attended the dinner, having also donated a 600-piece bone china dinner service to the college, he said

“The food and service has been wonderful this evening. It is really important that Wedgwood as a brand supports the next generation of hospitality professionals, and it was excellent to dine with industry peers all at the college to show their support for the excellent work done by the staff and students – I can’t wait for the next one!”

Ruston Toms, Chairman of The PM Trust also attended and was very impressed by the enthusiasm of the students, he added,

“When I see you all here, I remember what it was like for me at your age. The Hospitality Industry is a fantastic industry and one that can really take you anywhere in life. I believe everyone should have a mentor, I’ve still got a mentor and its really important to get the right industry experience and focus and you will have and successful and enjoyable career.”

Robert Persson, Managing Director of Off to Work also attended with Alan Manni, Chef Manager, he concluded,

“It’s so lovely to be here supporting young people in our industry. I have had an excellent evening and it was lovely to meet Denise Charles and Bob Carruthers who are doing a great job in staging these wonderful themed evenings to give the students work experience of working functions, perfect preparation for the world of work. I’m looking forward to working with the college going forward and giving their students a world of opportunities in high end event catering and the wider hospitality industry.”

What was on the menu?

Starters

Soupe à l’oignon (French Onion Soup)
Potage St Germaine (Green Pea Soup) (v)

Mains

Slow Cooked Ox Cheek Bourguignon served with Roast Garlic Mash Potato and Glazed Baby Vegetables
Cheese, Potato, Leek and Watercress Pithivier served with Glazed Baby Vegetables & Watercress Cream