Chef Wise

These fresh cocktail quiches are the perfect light bite to start the spring season. Simply combine Ricotta Cheese with egg, nutmeg, Parmigiano Reggiano, walnuts, basil leaves, single cream, pesto and season. Separate the mixture between the pastry cases and bake until golden brown. Once cool, top the quiches with crushed walnuts, grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a slice 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 production process passed down from Roman times, carefully controlled by the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma.  Only hams that h

Devon-based Rod and Ben's has added three new seasonal flavours to its delicious range of summer soups. Using only the freshest organic veg pulled straight from the soil, the most fragrant and aromatic herbs and leaves grown in Rod and Ben's very own walled garden, and of course that extra special ingredient - a dash of Devon love - all Rod and Ben's summer soups pack a punch of West Country goodness. Each of Rod and Ben's soups has its own rich, natural colour, intense flavour and sumptuous texture that will turn an ordinary lunch into a deliciously wholesome feast. The new summer line-up includes: NEW Roast Chicken, Lemon and Thyme Soup (wheat and gluten-free) NEW New Potato, Creamed Onion and Rocket Soup (wheat and gluten-free) NEW Carrot and Herb Soup (wheat, gluten and dairy-free) Tomato & Basil (wheat, gluten and dairy-free) Spiced Lentil (wheat, gluten and dairy-free) Smoked Haddock Chowder (wheat and gluten-free) Pea & Mint So

This Easter will mark a half decade since the Bermondsey revival really kicked into gear, and the famed Bermondsey Square was transformed by the opening of the slick, stylish hotel that bears its name. It’s been a roller coaster ride ever since, with The Bermondsey Square Hotel playing host to just about everything en-route to the five year milestone, from doggy weddings and the world’s first on-demand pillow fight service, to celebrity chefs in its kitchens and fashion consultants behind the bar. And that’s without even mentioning the countless guests who have graced the rooftop hot tub and taken in the spectacular panorama of London’s world famous skyline. To celebrate this achievement, the team at B2 wanted to go a little further than merely handing out high fives to guests - although these will of course be readily available. Rather, in typically unique style, a special menu has been devised to celebrate each year of the hotel’s existence, featuring a range of selected

It is a common misconception that you have to go into the centre of London to find the best restaurants. In fact, Warda restaurant is one of Southgate’s hidden gems, offering the finest Lebanese cuisine London has to offer. Diners already come from across the region to enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere and authentic Lebanese food prepared by experienced chefs with a passion for cooking. The kitchen team is led by renowned Lebanese chef Youssef Harb, who has an extensive background in Middle Eastern cuisine and has trained at some of the world’s finest culinary institutions. Youssef oversees every aspect of the food preparation, and nothing leaves the kitchen without his personal approval. Youssef worked for many years alongside Warda’s owners, Alex Housaini and Pierre, at the critically acclaimed Mayfair restaurant Fakhreldine prior to its closure in 2012. Fakhreldine’s closure left a big hole in the lives of these three friends, but it didn’t take long bef

World-famous chef Jamie Oliver was wowed by NSW’s Southern Highlands on the weekend, visiting the region to meet the artisans behind some of the State’s finest produce. In Australia to raise awareness for Jamie’s Ministry of Food Australia project, Jamie took time out of his busy schedule to dine at some of Sydney’s best restaurants before day-tripping to the Southern Highlands. Jamie began his regional visit foraging for fungi in Li-Sun Exotic Mushrooms’ disused railway tunnel in Mittagong, guided by Dr Noel Arrold – a local microbiologist who has been harvesting mushrooms since 1987. Afterwards, Jamie visited two-hatted restaurant Biota Dining in Bowral, with chef and owner James Viles showing him around the grounds, including the extensive vegetable and herb garden, and his duck and yabby-filled pond. Jamie then enjoyed a stunning lunch at Biota Dining, featuring fresh local produce and ingredients picked that morning by James and his team. Jamie said: “I

The Minnis Bar & Restaurant in Birchington, Kent has added ‘Sir Galahad’, a 1964 California Sundial split screen VW camper van to its outside catering team. The fifty-year old camper van will be available for private hire, with  onboard catering  staff, for vintage tea and  garden parties, picnics, open air concerts, sporting occasions, drinks receptions, business team building events, buffets, beach parties, barbecues, photo shoots, and weddings Sir Galahad has spent the past two years being lovingly restored to its full splendour by Lancashire-based Volkeswagon specialist Morecambe & Wize. “Although he is getting on in years, he’s very young at heart and has the heart and soul of a true knight,” said Minnis’ chef patron chef Jason Freedman, who added, “He loves being on show and would love to be at your party.” The vehicle can also be used as a photo booth or firm backdrop The Minnis team, which recently handed the daunting task of catering for the

Add decorative designs to desserts, drinks, cakes and more in seconds with new SK Art-ice Stencils in six pretty designs. SK Art-ice Stencils can be used with royal icing, cookie icing, icing sugar, buttercream, melted chocolate, cocoa powder, lustre dusts, metallic paints or paste food colours to create impressive effects. These clever stencils come in a small round and a long rectangular shape so they can be used easily on different surfaces to coordinate your creations. The round stencil is perfect for adding designs to cupcakes, cookies and cappuccinos – simply hold in position and spread, sprinkle or sponge your chosen medium over the stencil to transfer the design. The long rectangular shape is ideal for cake borders, loaf cakes and the top of tarts and is used in the same way. You can even use the stencils to emboss a pattern into a sugarpaste covering. Getting married? Tie the wedding theme together to stunning effect with the help of SK Art-ice

It's easy to forget that premium cold-pressed rapeseed oil has been around for less than 10 years, but this May marks the 10th anniversary of Hillfarm, the first farm in the UK to put their golden cold-pressed oil on supermarket shelves. In 2004 husband and wife team Sam and Clare Fairs started to explore the possibility of producing a culinary oil from their rapeseed crop on their family farm in Suffolk. The result was an oil that was not only healthier than olive oil, but was so delicious that it has led Sam and Clare on a ten year journey, which has seen them achieve nationwide distribution for Hillfarm Extra Virgin Cold-Pressed Rapeseed Oil in several leading supermarket chains. Hillfarm was the first cold-pressed rapeseed oil to market in the UK. Clare recalls, "Every bottle was hand-filled and sealed. We used to sit up late at night sticking on the labels ready to go out to local farmers' markets and events!" Hillfarm remains very much a f

These sweet and savoury combinations which were unveiled at the International Food & Drink Expo certainly raise the bar of creative cuisine and demonstrate the culinary flare of this Lake District based speciality food producer who currently hold 50 Great Taste awards. · Mojito Marmalade, Having already won a prestigious SILVER at the ‘Worlds Original Marmalade Awards’ this is created with refreshing zesty lime, fresh mint and laced with white rum creating a summery tonic for toast. · Margarita Jelly, A combination of lively lemon, apple juice, tequila and Halen Mon sea salt is a perfect pep up for seafood and fish. · Bloody Mary Chutney, incorporates ripe tomatoes with a glug of the award winning ‘name sake’ Worcestershire style sauce Hawkshead Relish and vodka inviting a BBQ binge for bangers and burgers. · Strawberry Daiquiri Jam, English strawberries, white rum and a hint of lemon juice creates a teatime treat for a lawn picnic. Mark Whitehead, direc

That very special day in our calendar, Mothering Sunday, is on March 30th and Mango Lounge, Windsor is the perfect venue to spoil mother. Mothers  are very special people; they work selflessly to keep the family happy and Mother's day gives us the opportunity to show our appreciation in return. Spoil her with abundance of love, lots of gifts and a gourmet meal so that she can relax completely with her family. If she loves spicy food, look no further than Mango Lounge where you can spoil her with award-winning dishes, which will pamper her palate, enliven all her senses and give her a memorable experience. Here is an example of some of the exciting dishes which you can find on the Mango Lounge menu.  So, don't delay, book today to avoid disappointment! Starters: Chilli scallops: (Winner of the Best Signature Dish award in the National Curry Week Competition)   Served with spiced green pea mash and chili jam.   Smoked lamb chops: Star anise smoked lamb c

The Smuggler’s Den Inn, Cubert, a traditional coaching inn meets consistently excellent cuisine, is hosting its 15th annual Pie & Ale Festival from Friday 2nd – Monday 5th May. The weekend long festivities is a veritable feast of homemade Cornish fodder combined with over 70 fine ales for enthusiasts, connoisseurs and newbies to taste and try. The bank holiday festival is the perfect venue for gatherings of friends, couples escaping to the Cornish early summer sunshine and ale aficionados. With a fantastic line up of live music in the festival marquee ongoing throughout the weekend the family-run pub is set to be taken over by real ale drinkers, dedicated cider fans and devoted pie partisans. New pie flavours will be debuted along with Black Rock Brewing of Falmouth who will be showcasing their iconic beers made for adventure. With a cult-like following this fun festival ticks all the foodie boxes. With a strong focus of serving up contemporary and quality food

With elegant afternoon tea increasingly en vogue, the charming new Tea Lounge at the St Ermin’s Hotel, St James’s Park plays host to an extra special afternoon tea event this Mother’s Day. The Mother's Day ‘Tea-torial’ (at £39.00 per person) offers an opportunity to discuss the evolution, customs and etiquette of this quintessentially English custom with tea historian and expert, Caroline Hope; compare and contrast the flavours of a select range of teas courtesy of London’s award winning Newby Teas and then enjoy a delicious new Spring Afternoon Bellini Tea, created by the St Ermin’s Hotel’s own MasterChef finalist, Adam Handling. Adam’s new Bellini Afternoon Tea (at £34.00 per person) will also be served in the Tea Lounge every afternoon between 12 noon and 6pm. Combining a mouth-watering range of classic sandwiches and savoury pastries - such as smoked salmon & caviar, chicken & mango, beef & horseradish, mushroom tart - alongside a trio of fr

Mother’s Day is the one day of the year when spoiling your mum is a must. It’s your chance to say thank you for everything she’s done for you over the years. With just over a week to go, here’s how to spoil your mum this Mother’s Day without spoiling Mother Nature the Rainforest Alliance way… Breakfast in bed…After a well-deserved lie-in, take your mum breakfast in bed. Make sure the coffee, tea and juice has come from a Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM farm. The little green frog on the packaging - such as on Kenco coffee, PG tips or an Innocent Smoothie – is your assurance that it was grown using methods that protect forests, soils and waterways on farms that provide decent wages, housing, education and health care to workers and their families. Send a card…Make sure your Mother’s Day card is made out of FSC certified paper. Through certification and verification, the Rainforest Alliance provides forest managers, farmers and tourism entrepreneurs with the tools to mana

This March, the SPLENDA® Sugar Alternative team has joined forces with celebrity healthy cooking guru, Nadia Sawalha to show women that weight management doesn’t have to be stressful with the Small Steps campaign. From stripping completely naked to blow drying wet hair and even breathing in, British women go to extreme and somewhat bizarre lengths to think themselves slim, according to new research released yesterday by the SPLENDA® Sugar Alternative team. The new poll of nearly 2,000 women commissioned by the SPLENDA® team found that 81 per cent of British women find dieting stressful and nearly half of them (46 per cent) said stress is the main reason for them to fail on a diet. The survey also revealed that many women feel extreme pressure to get results from dieting with some reverting to extreme measures to reach their goals. The strange tactics included: ·         Stripping completely naked before weighing themselves: 49 per cent (nearly one in two)

The North East's historical connection with the development of the railways is about to be celebrated in a unique fashion, as part of a major food festival. The Distinctly Delicious - Darlington Festival of Food is taking place over May 24 - 26, with a full programme of imaginative and exciting activities. And the grand finale of the three day event will culminate in the Locomotion Cake Parade, recreating in cake the 32 carriages which were pulled on that world-first journey made by the Locomotion steam train back in 1825. The call has now gone out to businesses, schools and community groups across the region to take part in the parade, with each participating team adopting a cake carriage that they will decorate in Darlington-inspired themes on Monday May 26 before joining in the parade around the town. The huge cakes are being made by Darlington's Clervaux Artisan bakery and groups will get their edible carriage on the day and have all the products and p

Dorset Food & Drink, Dorset Farmers' Markets and the Duchy of Cornwall at Poundbury will be working together again for the third Dorset festival at Queen Mother Square, Poundbury. The Dorset Food and Arts Festival will take place at the square in the heart of Poundbury on Saturday 2nd August, the weekend closest to the late Queen Mother's birthday. This year's event will celebrate local food and drink and artistic creativity in Dorset. The organisers will also be working with the New Hardy Players, the Dorchester Community Play and Screen Bites, Dorset's food and film festival. Now in its third year, the free festival - which began as Dorset 2012 Festival, to celebrate Dorset in the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics - now has a new name and a fixed date in the calendar. Building on the enormous success of the last two years, when thousands of visitors enjoyed a festival atmosphere created by a huge farmers' market, pack