December 22nd, 2014
Michelin starred Chef and L20 Hotel School partner, Nigel Haworth, hosted another guest chef evening at the L20 Restaurant recently. This time he was giving students a chance to create his specially devised Christmas menu.
In preparation for the event, eight students from Hugh Baird College’s L20 Hotel School joined Nigel at his renowned Northcote restaurant for a two day master class.
On day one, the budding chefs watched a demo by Nigel of the Christmas dishes they would be helping to prepare at the event, followed by a tasting session. The emphasis was on consistency and attention to detail and they worked alongside the team at Northcote learning knife skills and preparation techniques.
Day two saw the students learning how to select the correct wines to accompany their food from the Sommeliers at Northcote. The team taught them how the taste of selected wines complimented the flavours of the food they would be serving.
The exciting experience for the students culminated in them working with Nigel as they helped prepare the food for L20 Restaurant’s Guest Chef evening. Student Kelly Hughes was chosen by her peers to take on the role of ‘Acting Head Chef’ running the kitchen under the watchful eye of Nigel.
Kelly said:
“It was really nerve-wracking but I loved it. Having the opportunity to learn from a Michelin starred chef is amazing and we all got loads of experience from it.”
After working with the students, Nigel Haworth said:
“I’ve worked with the students from the L20 Hotel School at Hugh Baird College on a number of occasions now and they are full of enthusiasm and ability. They have shown great potential and to have come from knowing only the basics to where they are now, in such a short time, is outstanding.”
On the menu was game pie with black peas, chestnuts and cranberries; scorched Kilnsey trout loin, fennel pollen, sweet onion and garden hints, Gloucester Old Spot pig’s jowl, Christmas spices, celeriac, apple and back pudding with roasting juices. The meal was topped off with a dessert of Valrhona chocolate snow egg with parsnip straw.
Tweeting after the event, Restaurant Manager at the L20 Hotel School, Martin Hedley said:
“All of the students involved in Nigel Haworth’s evening at L20 Hotel School were fantastic and they should all be proud of their efforts. It really felt like the students made a step up tonight delivering great food with support from the Northcote team.”
Mike Mounfield, Assistant Principal of Business and Commercial Development, said:
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks again to Nigel Haworth and his team for their continued support of the L20 Hotel School. The experience our students gain learning from these elite professionals not only raises their aspirations but also makes them stand out from the crowd when they’re seeking employment. We’re already seeing our students getting jobs in some of the top establishments in the city and beyond and they are carrying the reputation of the L20 Hotel School with them.”
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