Top chefs from Nottinghamshire and the surrounding counties will come together on Tuesday June 26 to mark the launch of the Midlands Slow Food UK’s Chef Alliance in partnership with Highland Park single malt whisky.
Two Michelin-starred chef Sat Bains will be creating a special menu at his restaurant using Slow Food UK’s ‘Forgotten Foods’ – a catalogue of exceptional gastronomic produce in danger of disappearing due to current food production and distribution systems; which eventual members of the Alliance will be encouraged to use on their own seasonal menus
This will be enjoyed by leading Midlands chefs including Will Holland of La Becasse Restaurant, Matt Weedon of Lords of the Manor and Simon Haigh of The Dining Room,Mallory Court. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample Highland Park’s award winning, 18 year old single malt whisky.
The lunch will be hosted by Slow Food UK CEO, Catherine Gazzoli, and Scott Dickson fromHighland Parksingle malt whisky, with Sat Bains.
The dynamic scheme is engaging Britain’s chefs in actively supporting the aims of Slow Food UK, by championing small scale producers and sustainably sourced quality produce. Slow Food UK is an organisation that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment and implements food education programmes across the country.
Catherine Gazzoli said: “It’s so critical to support this vital part of our food heritage, raising awareness of these amazing foods and educating the public about their taste, history and importance to our overall food biodiversity. It’s as simple as eat it or lose it – and we’ve already lost an awful lot. We are actively looking to increase our Midlands listings and welcome input from the public.
“I am thrilled but not surprised that so many chefs are interested from the region, as there is such an innate understanding and connection to food and farming here. Local people know that good food can make people proud of where they live and can increase food tourism as well.”
Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager,Highland Park said: “In partnership with the Slow Food UK Chef Alliance, we are delighted to be bringing together so many talented chefs from the Midlands. To date more than over 50 of the UK’s top chefs are now members of the Alliance, with this number continuing to grow. It is a fantastic opportunity to introduce the Slow Food Chef Alliance and put the spotlight on our shared values, promoting a passion for the importance of taste and flavour.”
All types of establishments will be welcomed into the Slow Food Chef Alliance, however membership will be by invitation only.
