The Kings School Set the Bar High at The Salty Monk
The 13th November was a night to remember for 26 students of The Kings School Ottery St Mary, Devon. Recognition of the inspirational teaching in the cookery department, with Mrs Deborah Capon, resulted in Andy & Annette Witheridge donating their Business The Salty Monk in Sidford for a one night only Dinner.
Months of preparation came to fruition last night with excited diners arriving at 7.00pm for a 7 course dinner that was prepared Cooked and served by the students. Starting at 1.00pm, after morning lessons at school, the students set about creating a menu that included choices for the diners. The front of house team, smartly kitted out, set the scene for a fabulous dinner. The enthusiasm and professionalism shown was outstanding with all students working hard as a team to create a brilliant evening. Diners were treated to handmade Samosas & Smoked Salmon Blinis as canapés following on was a fresh tomato & basil Soup amuse bouche and appetisers of roast Pigeon Breast Salad with Red Onion Confit or a Cheese Tart. Chosen for the main course were a homemade Ravioli or Baked Pollock on a Fishcake. Rounding off the meal a Crème Brulee with Apple & Blackberry compote or Winter spiced poached Pear with baby meringues, a Cheese course and Coffee & homemade petit fours for finale.
The Salty Monk Suppliers donated all the food and the wines the generosity was very much appreciated by the School who wanted to raise as much money for their chosen charities as possible. Christopher Piper wines also got on board with the pupils, visiting the school prior to the event to discuss wine matching for their menu choosing a wine to complement each course, an enjoyable and informative coming together where Chris himself was delighted at the level of enthusiasm and passion for their event. Channel Fisheries of Brixham donated fish for the main course, while Forest Produce generously donated the rest of the food.
After a sealed bid auction for some wonderful donated gifts including a signed Rugby shirt from Exeter Chiefs, 2 Landrover experience days, Dinner for 2 @34 Exeter College, Dinner Bed & Breakfast at the Salty Monk and a Jo Pavey Shirt, there was a lively auction held by Mr Green from the college for an Aerosaurus Balloon ride and a signed Alan Cotton painting.
Speeches saw high praise and 3 cheers for the pupils hard work from all the diners. Deborah Capon said “ she knew that they would pull it out of the bag but how much higher had they raised the bar” In a heartfelt speech from Andy he praised the teaching at the college who will be producing the next generation of chefs many of which already surpass the NVQ level2 qualification, their head start is “ truly down to inspirational teaching “ he said. Andy then presented one of the pupils with the gift donated to the school by Thermomix. Andy is a demonstrator for Thermomix and was “ blown away by the generosity of the company” adding to the money raised on the night the evening managed to raise 4.8K for Devon free wheelers, The Baton and The Kings School Fund.
