Chef Wise

Cheshire Food Festival "does" Christmas at Arley Hall 13th December 2014 to  14th December 2014 Join us for our fantastic Christmas Food Festival at Arley Hall & Gardens, on 13th & 14th December. Arley Hall is bursting with character & charm & will set the scene for a wonderful winter wonderland. There’s fun for all the family with local producer stalls, free Chef demos, free foodie talks, Men v Food Challenges, Cake off’s, craft stalls for the perfect christmas gift, Junior cookery classes and plenty more. If all that’s not enough, grab yourself some delicious hot food & mulled wine whilst enjoying the enchanting tones of the live choir & bands in the stunning setting of the nostalgic Arley Hall. The perfect foodie recipe to rekindle the Christmas spirit! Location,  Arley Hall and Garden, Website  http://www.cheshirefoodfestival.com/ Taste! Food & Gift Festival 13th December 2014 to 14th December 2014 A fun ...

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, leading UK cooking school Leiths, has joined forces with multi-award winning hotel Boundary Restaurant, Rooms, Rooftop to create a unique training programme for students on the renowned Leiths Diploma in Food and Wine. Boutique design hotel, Boundary is home to three unique restaurants and six Leiths students will be chosen to spend time training in the Boundary kitchens under the careful guidance of talented head chef Frederick Forster.  Leiths and Boundary share a grounding in classic techniques, combined with contemporary, refined recipes, making this the idea partnership for the skills development of Diploma students. Camilla Schneideman, Managing Director of Leiths says; “Being able to work with Boundary is such an incredible opportunity for our students.  We pride ourselves on our thorough training in techniques and skills, so for our students to be able to put these skills into practice in a live restaurant environ...

'Tis the season to drink Champagne and sparkling wine, and Wine Rack has a selection to suit everyone this Christmas. Whether it's ripe and rich, or delicate and light, there's plenty on offer for everyone in store or at www.winerack.co.uk . 2007 Champagne Prestige des Sacres Cuvée Grenat Was £34.99, Now £26.24 (until 5th Jan) Steeped in history, this tipple comes from the oldest vineyards in Champagne, which provided wines for the coronations of French Kings as far back as the ninth century. This 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir blend undergoes four years of ageing to add complexity and depth of flavour. The high natural acidity in the northern vineyard in which it originates keeps it fruity and fresh. Tasting notes On the nose this wine offers rich brioche aromas, whilst on the palate it has hints of lemon peel and peach, with a zesty acidity. Goes well with…delicate festive canapés. Alternatively, experience the fine vintage flavour by enjoy...

We Three Kings Il Borgo Condimento Box Set Of 3 Balsamic Vinegars Instead of brandy, why not try a splash of balsamic vinegar on your Christmas pud this year? Il Borgo's Red Label Condiment is rich, thick and sweet – the perfect alternative to brandy sauce and, what's more, it's delicious all-year-round as an accompaniment to strawberries, ice cream and or whatever takes your fancy. The Three Kings Box Set also contains a bottle of Il Borgo's yellow label balsamic vinegar, just the job for every day cooking, and a bottle of orange label - ideal to bring out the best in meat and fish. Beautifully packaged in a Festive red box, at £54.99, it's the ideal Christmas gift for those foodies in your life from www.foodhq.co.uk . In The Pink Another great gift, and a UK exclusive from www.foodhq.co.uk is the Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Spain's Cortijo de Suerte Alta. Organic and rich in anti-oxidants, this sweet oil combines the aroma o...

Olives Et Al Hampers Have A Nibble, A Nosh And A Night In This Xmas Not a mention of a Mint Thin or a hint of a tinned ham, Olives Et Al, the Dorset-based purveyors of particularly fine food, have created Christmas hampers that food lovers everywhere will relish. The 'Friends To Dinner' hamper is sure to be a huge hit for nibble lovers.  It's chock full of OEAs best sellers and all-time favourites, designed with the dinner party host in mind. It includes five assorted snacks and nibbles, two jars of olives, some rather good tapenade, a couple of marinades and some Posh Pricks to serve them. RRP £39 (saving of £9 on individual prices) The 'Night In' Hat Box is a box of snacks with a difference. Crammed full of taste and nothing artificial, there are five assorted, award-winning snacks which are just the thing for a quiet night in over the busy festive season.  Just add a movie and sofa buddy.  RRP £18 (£5 saving) 'The Grove...

With mussel season in full swing, now’s the time to get cracking on this recipe for moules frites with a creamy sauce enriched with Västerbottensost®. The aioli and homemade cheesy chips complete this heavenly supper, perfect for mopping up any leftover broth. A surprisingly simple recipe which combines the best of both French and Swedish cuisine, this is a dish that doesn’t skimp on flavour.     Known as the ‘king of cheeses’ in Sweden, Västerbottensost has been made using the same secret recipe since 1872.  It was made by accident one day when Ulrika Eleonora Lindström, a dairy maid, was distracted from her work by a romantic interlude which caused the cheese to develop its unique character. Västerbottensost is available to buy in Waitrose, Ocado and Selfridges.     For more recipes please visit http://vasterbottensost.com/en Moules Frites with Västerbottensost® Serves 4-6 For the mussels: 3 kg fresh cleaned mussels 1 litre cream ...

One of the hospitality industry's most senior managers has returned to his North East roots after joining the team at a top, five star hotel. Ben Hunt, originally from Yarm, who has more than 20 years' experience at some of the country's leading hotels, has been appointed Restaurants and Bars Manager at Seaham Hall Hotel and Spa, County Durham. Ben, 38, joins Seaham Hall from five star Luton Hoo Hotel, Bedfordshire, having also previously held senior positions at Calcot Manor, Gloucestershire, four star Crathorne Hall in North Yorkshire and Ashdown Park Spa Hotel, East Sussex. In his new position he will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the hotel's two AA rosettes Byron's Bar and Grill and the pan Asian Ozone restaurant within its award winning Serenity Spa. “It's wonderful not only to be back in the North East but to be at Seaham Hall,” said the father of one; a keen golfer and Liverpool FC fan, “as I've been watchin...

To mark the start of British Sausage Week (3rd -9th November), debbie&andrew's are launching what is believed to be Britain's first ever 'tweet to eat' sausage sandwich kitchen. Bringing A Real Taste of the Country to the city, debbie&andrew's pop-up kitchen will be at Finsbury Avenue Square for one day only on Monday 3rd November, sizzling up a storm in the city and offering Londoners the chance to enjoy a tasty sausage sandwich, with payment in 'tweets' rather than cash. Phil Vickery MBE, “I am proud to be an ambassador for British Sausage Week 2014. With a farming background and also being a keen cook myself British Sausage Week is a cause close to my heart. This year we are encouraging you all to join us in our celebration of Britain's sausages. Versatile, great tasting and also great value, sausages are the perfect option for the whole family to enjoy. So join me in celebrating the best of our British Bangers.” Along...

Escape the tricks of the witches, wizards and blacks cats this Halloween and instead indulge in a hair-raising stay at one of Best Western's haunted properties. From a stay in the most haunted city in the UK to an overnight in reputedly the country's most haunted hotel, Best Western guests can cast green gunge, frogs and toads aside and embark on a night of authentic spooky fun with sightings of mad maids, giggling girls and lovelorn teens with unfinished business. These eerie visitors to Best Western properties rarely pay their way but do offer added little extras to guests as things definitely go bump in the night! BEST WESTERN PREMIER Queen Hotel, Chester Ghoul hunters can take a trip to Chester and enjoy a stay at the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Queen Hotel. Opened in 1860 it is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the country. Thought to be a former nursery, the second floor of the hotel is now rumoured to be home to 'the giggling girl' who is ...

Set your firework night off with a 'bang!' with these flavoursome Parma Ham jacket potatoes. Rinse and prick four potatoes, pat dry and rub in olive oil, salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Roast in the oven until cooked. Meanwhile, toss vegetables in olive oil and season well. Cook for the remaining minutes alongside the potatoes. Mix sour cream and smoked paprika, and place in split potatoes along with root vegetables, Lancashire cheese, spring onions, coriander and finish with slices of Parma Ham. Parma Ham is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product and is 100% natural. The drying process that Parma Ham goes through creates a ham that is very low in fat content, with many mineral salts, vitamins, antioxidants and easily digestible proteins. This means that Parma Ham is truly a food for everyone. Prosciutto di Parma is produced in the hills surrounding the Italian town of Parma. The unique taste of Parma Ham is dependent on the traditional...

River Cottage throw fabulous feasts for anything from 10 to 64 people. The 17th century Devon farmhouse transforms into an intimate, festive dining room, or the Threshing Barn opens up onto a beautiful decked area overlooking the breath-taking Axe Valley. After a tractor journey down the farm track you all come together to toast the festive period with a seasonal aperitif and a roaring log fire in our rustic yurt. You will be then be served delicious home- made canapés and dinner with all the trimmings. Sample Christmas Dinner Menu Canapés- Chorizo scotch egg; Devon brie on rosemary crumpets; parsley croquettes; seared chicken liver on toasted brioche Starter- Venison Carpaccio, mushroom ketchup & winter leaves Main- River Cottage Red Ruby beef, oxtail & kidney suet pudding, three root mash, beet tops & chard Dessert- Lemon curd crème brulee with hazelnut Florentines A 3 course Christmas lunch is £65pp and a 4 course Christmas dinner ...

A Boutique Coastal Retreat: The New Crescent Turner Whitstable - A new 18-bedroom boutique hotel with a unique beach hut on Whitstable Beach - Views out over the famed Oyster Beds of Whitstable - Evocative of JMW Turner's paintings such as the 'Seasalter Flats' The Crescent Turner Whitstable, a new 18-bedroom boutique hotel, opens this week in the historic market town of Whitstable . The Crescent Turner, perched atop Wraik Hill, boasts vistas over Whitstable town and out to sea, encompassing the famed oyster beds and then stretching out over the Isle of Sheppey. One can't help, when viewing the sights from the hotel, not to be reminded of vistas evoked by JMW Turner's apparitions, such as his painting of the 'Seasalter Flats' capturing a group of oyster dredgers at low tide. The Interiors Marilyn Bridgen, a local designer, has aimed to create a contemporary vibe whilst conveying the Kentish seaside within the hotels interior...

Give yourself the gift of a pre-Christmas break at the Headland Hotel and Spa Celebrate Christmas by the coast in a family-run Victorian mansion Let The Headland fill the lull between Christmas and New Year with 'Escape the family' break Blow away the cobwebs with New Year by the beach Experience the warmest of Cornish welcomes at the family-run Headland Hotel near Newquay this Christmas. The four-star Headland, an imposing Grade II-listed family-run Victorian spa hotel has something for every stage of the festive season. Many of the hotel rooms have sea views while spacious five-star Cornish village-style self-catering cottages with stone and granite walls are perfect for families. The hotel has a stunning cliff-top location above Fistral Beach with views of the Atlantic Sea which surrounds the hotel on three sides. Guests can wrap up for bracing walks along the wide sweep of sandy beach watching the dramatic rollers or indulge in one of the award-winning...

When you think of Christmas Markets, one country always comes to mind: Germany.  Wonderfully festive, German Christmas Markets are authentic with atmospheric squares decorated with fairy lights and pretty stalls selling hand-made gifts, crafts and toys, Christmas decorations plus spiced mulled wine and speciality foods. As Germany's largest privately owned hotel operator, MARITIM Hotels is well placed to highlight the country's top five Christmas Markets for 2014. 1. Dresden – best for history and heritage The oldest Christmas Market in Germany, dating back to 1434.  Known as Striezelmarkt, this Christmas Market is renowned for its festive charm, with stalls filled with traditional hand-made crafts and culinary delights, including sweet delicacy Dresden Christstollen.  A winter wonderland, the focal point of the Dresden Christmas Market is the world's tallest Christmas pyramid (with a height of 14m) and the world's biggest nut cracker, while the high...