FOODIES across the region had the opportunity to enjoy the skills of aspiring young chef Rob Hill when he found himself in charge of the kitchens at luxurious restaurant Inglewood Manor.
This was the first in the 2010 series of Talented Chef Evenings that have been organised by local tourism board Visit Chester & Cheshire in collaboration with leading restaurants throughout Cheshire to raise the profile of talented young chefs across the region.
The evenings are a perfect opportunity for Cheshire’s dynamic and gifted young chefs to showcase their creative skills, and give diners the chance to eat out in style at a fraction of the cost.
Rob, 26, began his career as kitchen porter at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel which sparked his interest in good food and has worked at Inglewood Manor for almost two years, currently holding the position of Chef de Partie.
His creatively designed menu began with a marinated beetroot and goats cheese salad, followed by winter duck ragout served with warming braised red cabbage and ended with chilled caramelized rice pudding mousse for dessert.
The meal ended with a range of Joseph Heler’s award-winning cheeses accompanied with a special beer tasting of ‘Old Tom’, courtesy of Robinson’s Brewery, to complement the cheese board.
Natalie Bush, 21, who currently works as a waitress at Inglewood Manor was the young host for the evening and ensured guests were treated to a welcome glass of prosecco sponsored by Gerrard Seel wines.
Diners also finished their meal with a complimentary espresso courtesy of illy coffee.
“This was an amazing opportunity and to get the chance to design my own menu and run the kitchen for an evening has really been fantastic,” Rob said.
“To have a roomful of diners enjoy a menu that I’ve created has been an experience that I won’t forget.”
To mark the occasion Rob was presented with a commemorative plate by Villeroy & Boch along with a chef’s jacket by Tibard workwear.
Gerrard Seel wines also presented the young host Natalie Bush with a Magnum of Prosecco.
Visit Chester & Cheshire and the Restaurant Association of Chester & Cheshire have also paid for Natalie to attend a wine and spirits course to give her more experience and help reach her goal of becoming a Hotel General Manager.
Visit Chester & Cheshire’s Pam Billington said: “These talented chef evenings are the perfect opportunity for dynamic and gifted young chefs across the North west to showcase their creative specialities so we’re looking forward to another fantastic year of culinary events in Cheshire.
“This was a fantastic event enjoyed by all and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors for their support for the Talented Chef evenings which helps the promotion and investment of our future talent like Rob and Natalie and without whom these events wouldn’t be able to go ahead.”
The next Talented Chef Evening will be held at Shelldrakes in Heswall on February 23. To check availability or make a booking, contact Shelldrakes direct on 0151 342 1556.
