Catering students at The King’s School
Catering students at The King’s School, Ottery St Mary; in conjunction with The Salty Monk of Sidford, Sidmouth are to host a charity dinner. After attending the students restaurant night at the school Mr Andy Witheridge and his wife Annette offered Mrs Capon and her students his hotel for one night only. Andy and his wife were very impressed with the quality of food and the professionalism shown by such young students (14/15 year olds) and felt they deserved the opportunity to develop their skills and work in a “professional kitchen environment”. The menu has come completely from the students, and the majority of it from their own menus set, by them, for the Restaurant night in school. Since the idea was muted the concept has grown and they are now pleased to be able to add top chef Peter Gorton to their guest list. Peter is very excited by the whole idea of youngsters getting involved with a working restaurant and being able to show off their skills. Other people have also become very excited by the whole venture and we would like to thank the following suppliers for getting behind us and providing products for us to use on the night. Christopher Piper Wines of Ottery St Mary, who are kindly donating wines for the evening, Forest Produce of Broadhembury who will also be donating the majority of the ingredients for the evening and Channel Fisheries of Brixham who will be donating the fish. We are very grateful to these companies, it is always fantastic when outside agencies offer support to such a venture. As well as this support the staff, at The Salty Monk have asked to be involved on the night and will be on hand for expert advice and guidance for free – thank you. Mrs Capon, the teacher behind the initial “Restaurant for one night only” concept says “it is an opportunity to raise a positive profile for food in schools. So often the public are led to believe that food teaching in schools is of a poor quality and even the government seem to value it less and less. It is important for people to see that a good job is being done in some schools and the good that food can bring to students, and their future is recognised. We are very proud of our students and what they produce and this is a fantastic opportunity for us.” The students will be raising money for two local charities The Devon Free Wheelers and The Baton. Money will also go to the school Catering department, and the partner school in Ethiopia. The students menu will consist of seven courses and will all be home made from the canapés on arrival to the petit fours with coffee. Tickets are available at a cost of £40 a head to include wines. To reserve your space and experience a night to remember “come dine with Kings” ring Andy and Annette at The Salty Monk who will be pleased to take your booking and send out your special tickets. 01395 513174 Please see below for our menu and some sample pictures of this group of students recent exam work as an idea of what they are producing. Many thanks Deborah Capon (Catering and food teacher at The King’s School Ottery St Mary) Our Menu Canapes and drinks on arrival ~ Muse course of tomato soup and fresh bread rolls ~ Cheese tartlets on a bed of leaves OR Pan fried pigeon breast with caramelised red onions and baby leaf salad ~ Herb crusted Pollock on a fish cake with seasonal vegetables OR Home made mushroom and olive ravioli with red pepper sauce ~ Poached pears with baby meringues OR Crème Brule with winter compote and shortbread ~ Cheese and home made biscuits ~ Home made petit fours and coffee