Five super chefs join forces to create THE MENU by Taste of London
Alfresco dining will be catapulted to a spectacular new level this summer as five of the world’s most talented chefs serve up an exclusive dining experience at the Taste of London restaurant festival (16 – 19 June at London’s Regent’s Park).
Michel Roux Jr, Gary Rhodes, Pierre Koffmann, Chris Galvin and Silvena Rowe have collaborated for the first time under the direction of Tim Hughes, Chef Director of restaurant group Caprice Holdings, to create THE MENU by Taste of London – an ultimate tasting menu to reflect London’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Topped as the most exclusive ticket of the summer, a limited number of guests (400 across 4 sittings) will be treated to an exquisite dining experience in the festival’s new Secret Garden, where they will be served in a stunning restaurant-style enclosure. Each chef will introduce their individual course in person, and a top sommelier will pair every dish with the very finest wines.
THE MENU by Taste of London
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Champagne and Canapé Reception
∞
Essence of Heritage Tomatoes
By Chris Galvin
∞
English Asparagus, Black Truffle Hollandaise
and Black Truffle Za'atar
By Silvena Rowe
∞
Scallops and Squid Ink
By Pierre Koffmann
∞
Braised Beef Cheek Provençale
Polenta and Olives
By Michel Roux Jr
∞
Iced Lemon Chiboust with Raspberries
By Gary Rhodes
Tim Hughes, a veteran on the London restaurant scene, worked alongside Urban Caprice and their Executive Chef, Steve Gibbs to oversee the creation of THE MENU. He initially contacted each of the five chefs about the project in January; “I wanted to work with five talented people who could bring individual strengths to the table. You put together chef heavyweights like Galvin, Rowe, Koffmann, Roux Jr and Rhodes and you’re bound to come up with something exciting, innovative and, above all, delicious.”
“My priority was to showcase the talent of each chef, whilst serving up truly fantastic food. The seeming simplicity of Chris Galvin’s dish (Tomato Essence Consommé) is a great introduction to THE MENU – clean, incisive and flawlessly executed. Silvena’s knowledge of East meets West comes through in her choice of ingredients (Sautéed Baby Artichokes, Black Truffle and Tahini Hollandaise) followed by Koffmann’s pure and simple masterpiece (Scallops and Squid Ink).
“Michel Roux Jr never fails to disappoint with his precision and innovation (Braised Beef Cheek Provençale, Polenta and Olives) which is made complete with an exciting Gary Rhodes flourish to finish on a high (Lemon Chiboust with Raspberries).”
Rhodes comments on his decision: “I chose Iced Lemon Chiboust for the dessert as, apart from it being one of my favourites, after so many rich courses I felt something citrusy, icy and refreshing to finish would be ideal, with the Chiboust still holding that soft mousse texture. As we all know, lemons go so well with English red berries in the height of their season so these were without doubt my first choice to accompany.’
Silvena Rowe, who is planning to create a special cocktail to bring out the flavours of her dish, has struggled to keep THE MENU a secret until now. “It was a real honour to be asked to take part in the planning of such an extravagant collaboration. I’ve hardly been able to keep it quiet. I’m just looking forward to people enjoying one of the signature dishes from my new restaurant, Quince at the May Fair.”
Specialists in fine wine Corney & Barrow will be the exclusive wine supplier of THE MENU by Taste of London. The independent, city-based merchants have worked closely with sommeliers and the five chefs of the individual dishes to find a complimentary pairing.
Taste of London is celebrating what is arguably its best restaurant line-up to date, totaling an impressive eleven Michelin stars. Scott’s, Le Caprice, Petrus, Skylon, Gauthier Soho and Bocca di Lupo / Gelupo are just a handful of new restaurants involved for 2011, promising to delight over 50,000 visitors across the four days at London’s Regent’s Park between 16th and 19th June.
A limited number of THE MENU tickets are available priced £395 + VAT per ticket. Reserve your place at the most desirable dining experience of the summer or request a brochure and call 020 7471 1080 or email secretgarden@brandevents.co.uk.
To view THE MENU by Taste of London showreel click here.
Visit www.tastefestivals.com/london for more details about the event.
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For more press information, interviews or images please contact Clare Dixon or Aviva Waks at House PR on 020 7291 3000 / email: taste@housepr.com or contact Julie Millar on 07973854465 / email: julie@housepr.com
Notes to Editors
Restaurants at Taste London 2011
Asia de Cuba • Awana • Barrafina • Benares • Bentley’s • Bocca di Lupo / Gelupo • Chef Collin Brown • Club Gascon • Corrigan’s Mayfair • Fino • Fouronine • Gaucho • Gauthier Soho • Kai Mayfair • Launceston Place • Le Caprice • Le Gavroche • L’Anima • L’Etranger • Maze • Melati • Opera Tavern • ORA • Paramount • Petrus • Quo Vadis • Refettorio • Rhodes 24 • Roux at The Landau • Satay House • Scott’s • Skylon • Suka • Tamarind • The Cinnamon Club • The Modern Pantry • The Ritz • Yauatcha • York & Albany •
Taste of London visitors can dine from 40 of the capital's top restaurants, try and buy from 200 food and drink producers, enjoy fine wine tasting and watch some of the world's greatest chefs demonstrate their skills live on stage.
150 speciality food and drink producers are expected to delight and inspire 50,000 visitors at the event alongside live cooking demonstrations and interactive features sponsored by Waitrose, AEG, Meet Jamaica and Peugeot.
New for 2011 is the Secret Garden which will be tucked away in an exclusive enclave of Marylebone Green. The beautiful gastronomic oasis will play host to a line of world class chefs including Silvena Rowe, Gary Rhodes, Michel Roux Jr, Chris Galvin, Theo Randall and Jacob Kennedy and provide a stage for the much anticipated British BBQ Championships where 18 of the UKs most renowned chefs including Tristan Welch (Launceston Place), Paul Merrett (The Victoria) and Atul Kochhar (Benares) will battle it out on the coals to impress a line-up of revered food critics.
British Airways is once again on board and will be offering some first class service at its Exec Club Lounge whilst Masterclasses with Laurent-Perrier, Estrella and San Pellegrino will introduce guests to an indulgent tasting experience.
Taste Festivals has set a new benchmark for food and drink events worldwide. In 2011 there will be 14 Taste Festivals across the world all based on the flagship event, Taste of London. Taste of London runs from 16th – 19th June in Regent’s Park, London. Tickets are on sale now.
Pre-purchased Ticket Prices
Standard (entry only) £22.00
Child (entry only) £12.00
Premium (entry + £20 of Crowns) £38.00
VIP (fast track entry + VIP area, glass of champagne & £20 of Crowns) £55.00
Laurent-Perrier Masterclass (VIP benefits + entry to an LP Masterclass) £75.00
Secret Garden Pass:
(Secret Garden benefits + canapés, glass of champagne & £20 of Crowns) £95.00
Crowns are the official Taste of London currency used to purchase food and drink consumed at the event.