Cornish Chefs Enjoy a Summer Cheftival at Una St Ives

A heat wave, fire and flames set the theme for The Chefs’ Forum’s summer ‘Cheftival’ at the marvellous Una St Ives Resort, Carbis Bay, Cornwall.  Top chefs from Cornwall and surrounds gathered in the venue’s newly-refurbished, impeccably-designed restaurant for a dramatic celebration of indoor and outdoor cooking, showcasing chef Head Chef, Glenn Gatland’s top of the range Gozney wood fired oven and the energy-saving Synergy Grill outside on the sun-drenched terrace.   Glenn welcomed a brigade of fifteen young chefs into his kitchen from both Cornwall and Penwith Colleges.  The young chefs set to work creating delicious canapes for the fifty industry guests arriving at midday.

Glenn, Jenny, Tyler and their student team produced some delicious canapés including Sun blushed tomato arancini, Cornish crab beignets, Cornish new potato with chive cream cheese and crispy pancetta. All of these dishes feature on the every-changing seasonal menu at Una Kitchen.

Glenn said

“The students have really impressed me today with their professional attitude and willingness to work. It is great to see two colleges working together to produce some excellent food.  I would happily welcome all of the young chefs back into my kitchen in the future.”

Yvonne Colgan, Operations Director of Una St Ives added

“Today was a great opportunity to welcome fellow industry people to the resort in an informal way.  It’s a great achievement for The Chefs’ Forum to gather so many industry professionals together as the region heads into the busiest time of the year.”

Una Kitchen proved the perfect setting for flame-fuelled capers as Cornish chefs saw Glenn live-cooking in the Gozney commercial stone oven, showing its versatility in cooking with both wood and gas. The guests were wowed with his delicious treats including wood-roasted pork chop and wood-roasted Cornish Ray Wing!

Gavin Roberts, Director of Two Brothers Butchers and The Kernow Sausage Company then preformed an expert butchery demo of French-trimmed cutlets with a pork loin.  He then demonstrated how The Kernow Sausage Company make hogs pudding with Rhoddas Cornish clotted cream.  The chefs really enjoyed learning how to make the West Country haggis!  Gavin’s demo not only inspired menus but also reinforced the reason why Two Brothers butchers supply some of the best chefs in Devon and Cornwall including Rick Stein’s, Carbis Bay Hotel, The Gannet, Philleigh Way, Watergate Bay, The Headland Hotel, Tresanton Hotel and The Nare Hotel.

Sam Guarino of Santa Maria gave an expert spice masterclass showcasing the fabulous range of market-leading seasoning. Sam gave his top tips for BBQ rubs and pizza herbs as the theme of the event centred around grilling and live fire cooking!

Cornwall-based veg supplier and longest-standing Chefs’ Forum sponsor, Total Produce showcased its fantastic range of fresh produce and fine foods in supplying ingredients for the canapés and demos on the day.  Sales Manager Peter Harris showcased the finest Cornish seasonal produce including Boddington’s strawberries, bunched baby beetroots, Padstow Kitchen Garden Cavelo Nero, mixed leaf salad and courgette flowers.

Chefs’ Forum Founder Catherine Farinha concluded

“Today was brilliant – it was great to see so many faces old and new at Una Kitchen and what a stunning venue?!  It was great to see the students working together to produce and serve delicious canapés to local employers, showcasing their skills and representing their colleges.”

A glorious day was had by all at Una Kitchen.  It gave catering college lecturers, chefs and industry people a chance to catch-up, share knowledge and expertise in a relaxed and fun environment. The next Cornish Chefs’ Forum event will take place at The Falcon Hotel on the 24^th September 2018 as the grand finale to Budelicious Food Festival organised by Masterchef of Great Britain and international restaurant consultant Peter Gorton.  Top Cornish chefs will be taking to The Chefs’ Forum demo stage to represent their restaurants and showcase their skills.  Any chefs or businesses interested in taking part should contact catherine@redcherry.uk.com

Photography by www.fayditphotography.com