Chef Wise

Shop Twinings NEW collection of fantastically festive blends This festive season, avoid the present buying conundrum and enjoy your Christmas shopping stress-free. Twinings has developed a brand new collection of classic blends and herbal infusions so that you can shop easily and give the gift of a heart-warming, full flavour cup that's perfect for sharing those festive moments over once the get-togethers begin.  From Liquorice Allsorts Earl Grey Tea Baubles to Christmas Cheer Loose Tea Caddies, there is something here to satisfy all your gifting needs or to even add a splash of yuletide sparkle to your own festive celebrations. So why not enjoy a pot with the family and a mince pie (or two!) as the nights draw in? NEW Twinings Whole Leaf Silky Pyramid Tea Baubles: a stunning gift to adorn the Christmas tree Give your guests the opportunity to 'rock around the Christmas tree' to something a little different this year with a stunning NEW collection of...

Daylesford and the BITE Food Festival are passionate about real food and are partnering to provide the opportunity from beginners to the most proficient of chefs, to join them for cookery classes from 1st to 9th February. A stay at one of the most beautiful hotels in the Cotswolds, the Cotswold House Hotel & Spa Chipping Campden will turn this quieter time of year into your foodie heaven complete with treats whether in the spa or at the festival. Spend your day at Daylesford Cookery School, refining your skills and techniques, learning about the finest produce and how to perfect seasonal dishes. After all the chopping, learning, tasting and stirring, pop back to the hotel for a relaxing complimentary treatment at the heavenly wellbeing Spa at Cotswold House. In the evening, depending on your chosen dates, support the armed forces at the Combined Services Culinary Arts Team (CSCAT) Dinner on Saturday 1st February, learn all about champagne at a dinner with Piper Heid...

With the countdown to Christmas well underway, it's time to start celebrating and raise a glass or two over a meal. If by now you have had your fill of turkey, think of fish to ring the changes. Pescatori, Italian & Seafood Restaurants in W1's Charlotte Street and Mayfair, are offering a tempting Christmas at just £35 with the compliments of the SEAson. With a tasty choice of starters, mains and desserts, you'll be spoilt by Hot & cold smoked salmon, celeriac & fennel salad, Seafood cocktail with little gem and Bloody Mary mayonnaise, Baked escalope of seabass with puttanesca sauce and Seared fillet of Severn & Wye salmon, smoked haddock hash, grain mustard sauce, to name but a few of the many choices on the Menu' Natalizio - the Italian Christmas menu at Pescatori.  The menu is available from 18 November  for parties of eight people minimum. Along with the freshest seafood choices, there are several dishes for meat lovers and vegetarians...

Internationally renowned bartender, Alessandro Palazzi at London’s prestigious martini-haven, Dukes Bar, created a gin martini recipe this week that he believes is the world’s best. Revealed at an exclusive VIP event at Dukes Bar - within Dukes Hotel - this week, Alessandro explains why hand-crafted Whitley Neill is the perfect base for the best gin martini. “Whitley Neill Gin boasts an enigmatic taste due to its skillful blend of rare African botanicals, including cape gooseberry and baobab.” Whitley Neill Gin’s rich juniper, citrus and exotic spices combine with a citrusy sweet peppery nose and a distinctive floral aroma. Alessandro continues: “It’s the unique combination of spices that allow the soft, smooth taste, which makes Whitley Neill unrivalled as a martini base.” Alessandro’s Whitley Neill Gin Martini Ingredients: 90ml Whitley Neill Gin Dukes Dry Vermouth from Sacred distillery Organic lemon from the Amalfi Coast, zest peeled ...

The iconic Loch Fyne Oyster Bar & Restaurant, at the head of Loch Fyne in Scotland, is promising visitors a Fyne time on 30 November as food heroes from across Scotland come together for a St Andrews Day Feast. Visitors will be able to meet some of Scotland's best food and drink producers face to face at a special producers' market and then raise a toast to Scotland's national day with a four course meal specially created by award-winning chef, Roy Brett. Producers like Hebridean Sea Salt will come from as far afield as the Outer Hebrides, while the artisan bakery Mhor Bread will travel from the nearby Trossachs.  Diverse produce including seaweed from Mara Seaweed will be available to taste and buy.  Those visiting the market will be welcomed by a traditional Scottish piper. The St Andrews Day menu is available between 1 and 7pm and will cost £40 per person.  Celebrating the best of Scottish produce, it will comprise: Loch Fyne Salmon Selection ...

On 11th November at the British Cookery School Awards in London the prestigious Highly-Commended Award for Best Small Cookery School UK 2013 went to the Cheshire based cookery school at Harthill. ‘We are absolutely delighted to win the award’  proudly says Brian Mellor, Chef Patron of Harthill Cookery School, ‘this was our first attempt after only being open for 2 years. Our category was the most entered with hundreds of schools from across UK vying for the title. The Judges, including Radio 2 presenter Nigel Barden, sifted through them to shortlist just 7 cookery schools for the final. It was stiff competition as many of the schools are well established and to be Highly Commended in such renowned company is fantastic’ ‘It was difficult to decide the finalists and the winners, all seven are unique, extremely dedicated to what they do and very passionate about food and passing on skills. In the end, we introduced a special award for some categories where it was diffi...

With the clocks changing and the nights drawing in, there’s no better way to warm the cockles than Rekorderlig’s new Winter Cider Cocktail range, designed to match the rosy glow of your cheeks at this time of year. Rekorderlig is fast becoming a premium cider for all seasons – and if you missed the highly successful Summer Cocktails earlier this year, this new selection of recipes featuring the limited edition Rekorderlig Winter Cider flavour will more than make up for it! Made with apples and infused with cinnamon and vanilla, the winter warmer is a truly unique ingredient for a delicious cider cocktail. The cocktails have been specially created by Joel Persson, who has recently been announced as Rekorderlig’s Global Brand Ambassador.  Joel’s award winning mixology talent and passion for creating beautiful cocktails shines through in the unique menu using simple ingredients and methods which can be recreated at home or in bars, featuring a modern Swedish twist on s...