One Taste Students won’t Forget!

West London College’s Taste Restaurant became the centre of celebration for Beaujolais Day on Thursday, 21st November 2024, as students teamed up with Dominic Teague, Executive Chef at One Aldwych, to deliver an unforgettable evening of fine dining.

A Celebration of French Gastronomy

Beaujolais Day marks the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau, a vibrant and fruity red wine made from Gamay grapes, celebrated worldwide on the third Thursday of November. Originating in the Beaujolais region of France, the tradition began as a race to deliver the newly harvested wine to Paris and has since become a global celebration of food, wine, and community.

At Taste Restaurant, the evening honoured this tradition with a meticulously crafted French-inspired menu. Guests were greeted with an amuse-bouche, including Duck and Pork Rillettes and an Artichoke, Lemon, and White Bean Pâté, followed by a choice of starters such as the classic Soupe à L’oignon.

Showcasing Student Talent

The main courses—Slow-Cooked Ox Cheek Bourguignon and Wild Mushroom Bourguignon—were the stars of the evening, drawing high praise for their flavour and presentation. Desserts such as Tarte Tatin and Crème Brûlée added a sweet conclusion to the celebration.

Guests were delighted with the event, one diner noting:
“Very friendly and attentive service for Beaujolais evening. The food was amazing! Flavour of the onion soup was excellent and not too salty. Ox cheek was so tender and beautifully cooked. And dessert was well presented and delicious. Thank you so much chefs and servers! We will be back and tell all of our friends.”

Collaboration and Excellence

Dominic Teague praised the students’ efforts, saying:
“This evening was a testament to the hard work and talent of our students. It’s a privilege to see them deliver such a memorable experience to our guests. Events like this show the bright future of the hospitality industry.”

Denise Charles, Head of Curriculum for Service Industries at West London College, highlighted the importance of such events in student learning:
“The Beaujolais Day Dinner exemplifies our commitment to providing students with real-world experiences. Collaborating with esteemed professionals like Dominic Teague offers invaluable learning opportunities, and we’re thrilled to see our students excel.”

A Night to Remember

The Beaujolais Day Dinner not only celebrated the wine and cuisine of the season but also served as a showcase for the talent and potential of West London College’s hospitality students. The event’s success has set a high standard for future collaborations, with diners already looking forward to next year’s festivities.

Taste Restaurant and West London College continue to demonstrate the power of combining education, collaboration, and culinary tradition to create exceptional dining experiences.

You can book a table for Christmas lunches throughout December and future theme dinners during 2025 at West London College HERE.