British Chocolatiers Come Out on Top in International Chocolate Awards‏

British chocolatiers led the way in the filled chocolate categories of the World Finals of the International Chocolate Awards earlier this month, with the likes of Paul a Young and Damian Allsop beating off stiff competition from top chocolatiers from around the world.

The International Chocolate Awards World Final featured the best of the best from the fine chocolate industry. Over 600 products were entered into the country rounds held in Italy, the UK, the USA and Vancouver throughout the year. 102 products made it through to the world final to be re-judged by the grand jury, who travel from around the world to each round, and a panel of experts. These prestigious awards give out just one Gold in each category and a number of Silvers to only the world’s finest chocolate.

Paul a Young triumphed in the Plain dark truffle category, winning Gold for his 85% RAW Ecuadorian dark chocolate truffle, with Damian Allsop’s Madagascan water ganache and Rococo Chocolates’ Madagascan house truffle both picking up Silvers. Paul a Young also won best Dark caramel for his Sea salted caramel.

Damian Allsop’s Salty Liquorice water ganache was named best Flavoured dark filled chocolate, with Boutique Aromatique’s Mint & sweet basil and Rococo’s Rose & cocoa nib ganache awarded Silvers in the same category.

This is the first year of The International Chocolate Awards, set up to recognise the best fine quality chocolate from around the world. The Americas triumphed in the bean to bar categories of the awards indicative of the current shift in the chocolate industry. The UK is currently one of the most vibrant and creative countries in the world for filled chocolates. With more chocolate shops opening than in any other country and leading the way in terms of innovation of ingredients. The USA and Americas have seen a plethora of micro batch bean to bar manufacturers launching and creating complex and stunning bars of chocolate. 

The International Chocolate Awards are designed to reflect international tastes and offer a level playing field for international entries. They return next year, with dates already announced for the Italian national competition (4-7 February 2013) and British national competition/European Semi Final (3-8 March 2013). Next year will also the scheme expand to more countries, with an Israeli competition already planned (10-12 February) and more national competitions to be announced in due course.

Seven London Cookery Schools Up for Top Industry Award

Seven cookery schools in London have been shortlisted as finalists in the inaugural British Cookery School Awards, which is headline sponsored by Kenwood. The British Cookery School Awards were launched in June of this year to celebrate and honour cookery schools’ hard work and dedication to driving Britain’s passion for cooking good, homemade food.

The winners of the British Cookery School Awards’ 14 categories will be announced at the awards event, hosted by Nigel Barden, at the Vintners’ Company, EC4, on Tuesday 13th November.  The winners of each category will receive a top-of-the-range Kenwood kitchen appliance, as well as a trophy and the accolade of being a British Cookery School Awards 2012 champion.

The Awards honour the achievements of cookery schools from across the UK, celebrating all sizes and specialities. The categories celebrate both individuals and whole cookery schools, as well as placing special emphasis on their impact within the community and on using good, locally sourced ingredients. Blackheath Cooks, Divertimenti, L’Atelier des Chefs, Leith’s School of Food and Wine, Food at 52, Rachel’s Kitchen and School of Wok are all finalists.

London cookery schools are in the running for the following categories:

Best English Cookery School (sponsored by Dr Oetker UK Ltd)
Blackheath Cooks Ltd
Leith’s

Best Small Cookery School (sponsored by Kenwood)
Food at 52

Best Large Cookery School (sponsored by Pyrex)
L’atelier des Chefs
Leith’s

Best Specialist Cookery School (sponsored by the Bart Ingredients Co)
School of Wok

Unsung Hero: Backroom Staff Member
Divertimenti
Food at 52
L’Atelier des Chefs

Best Young Rising Star (sponsored by Dr Oetker UK Ltd)
Divertimenti  
L’Atelier des Chefs
Rachel’s Kitchen
School of Wok

All seven schools are also in the running for the People’s Choice: Britain’s Favourite Cookery School Award, voted for by the public.

Head judge of the British Cookery School Awards, Nigel Barden, said: “It was amazing to get such a good response to the Awards. It was gratifying that such store is set by using local, ethically sourced ingredients and that many establishments are integrated so well into their communities. This is reflected in their on-going relationships with youth clubs, community centres and schools, which provide the opportunity to cook, often for the first time. The range of these awards helps celebrate some remarkable individuals and cookery schools.”

www.britishcookeryschoolawards.co.uk

Respect Jamaica 50 - JAMAICA TAKES OVER THE O2 TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

This summer, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Jamaican Independence, The O2 and its multiple venues including indigO2, will be transformed into a Caribbean oasis as over 50 artists take to the stage as part of Respect Jamaica 50.


The two week extravaganza, from July 25 to August 6, will include a multitude of legendary Jamaican singers, DJs, writers, comedians, actors and poets from Damian Marley and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry to Shaggy and Jimmy Cliff showcasing the cultural depth and diversity of this esteemed nation. Supported by the Jamaican Government, Respect Jamaica 50 will add a sprinkling of Caribbean flavour to what’s set to be a great summer for Jamaica!


Tickets are available through www.aeglive.co.uk

Jamie Oliver presents The Big Feastival with Alex James on 1-2 September 2012

Jamie Oliver presents The Big Feastival with Alex James taking place on September 1st and 2nd at Alex’s farm in Kingham, Oxfordshire.

Music by Paloma Faith, Texas, Noisettes, Razorlight, Gaz Coombes, Guillemots, Sister Sledge, Producers and The Cuban Brothers will be paired with cooking demos from Jamie Oliver, Theo Randall, Simon Rogan, Bruno Loubet and Alex James.

Celebrating three of the things closest to both Jamie and Alex’s hearts – food, music and family – in order to raise funds and awareness for The Jamie Oliver Foundation, The Big Feastival promises to be a boutique festival experience in a picturesque English countryside location just 90 mins from London.

Two days of tasty grub, awesome music performances, a chilled out vibe and general all-round, family-friendly, fantastic entertainment.

Tickets are available now from: www.thebigfeastival.com

Carnaby launches Carnabingo - meet, eat and tweet in Carnaby to win prizes

Eat around the world with the wide choice of international cuisines in Carnaby. There’s everything from fine English fare, fragrant and spicy Thai, Chinese and Malaysian, Spanish, French, Italian and excellent burger joints too. These are alongside plenty of traditional pubs, wine and cocktail bars to let your hair down in, with a choice to suit every budget. To celebrate the diverse food and drink offer, Carnaby launches the Carnabingo game.

How to play… People can pick up the promotional Carnabingo card in one of the 16 participating Carnaby bars, restaurants and cafés, or download a copy at carnaby.co.uk and get snap happy with their smartphone.

•         Order one of the recommendations on the Carnabingo card such as pie and mash at Mother Mash or a glass of wine at Antidote.

•         Take a snap of the dish or drink on their smart phone

•         Tweet it to @CarnabyLondon using the hashtag #carnabingo

•         Once they have tweeted four venues in a row (downwards, upwards or diagonal on the card), tweet @CarnabyLondon #carnabingo #4inarow to win a prize.  Prizes include a Carnaby £50 goodie bag, lunch for 2, or a coffee school lesson at Speakeasy.

Complete the WHOLE card, and tweet @CarnabyLondon #carnabingo #fullhouse to be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury prize including a night in the Soho Sanctum Hotel and dinner for two.

Participating venues:
Carnaby Burger Co – Posh fries - @CarnabyBurgerCo
The Diner – Diablo burger - @DinerSoho
Sacred – A flat white
Antidote – A glass of wine
Speakeasy – A milk coffee - @SpeakeasyW1
Aint Nothing But – A pint of beer - @AintNothinBut1
Zebrano – A mojito - @ZebranoBars
Kua Aina – ½ pound bacon avocado burger - @KuaAinaUK
Fornata – Pasta Casereccia - @Fornata
The White Horse – Fish and chips - @Whitehorsesoho
Cinnamon Soho – Bangla scotch egg - @cinnamonsoho
Tapas Brindisa Soho – Tortilla - @Brindisa
Flat Planet – El Diablo flatbread - @flatplanetHQ
Mother Mash – Pie and mash - @MotherMash
Cha Cha Moon – Singapore noodles - @thechachamoon
Soho Sanctum Hotel – Dorset Scallops - @SanctumSoho

Players can share their recommendations and memories on @CarnabyLondon.
The promotion runs from 1st – 30th June 2012. All tweets must be received by 30th June.
For full terms and conditions go to www.carnaby.co.uk  and keep updated by following @carnabylondon on twitter.

Searching for Competitive Cooking Couples for Prime Time Food Series for Sky 1

Are you a passionate amateur cook?

Do you want to make money from your culinary skills?
Would you like the opportunity to put your food product or recipe on the market?

Splash Media is currently looking for competitive cooking couples (friends/partners/colleagues/relatives) to take part in a primetime food series with Gizzi Erskine for Sky 1.

If you love to cook and fancy making some money out of your skill then now is the time. Whether you make the best cupcakes or your family can’t get enough of your homemade stew, this really could be the opportunity of a lifetime to turn your homemade cooking into a profitable business. 

We’re looking for people with a flair for cooking who’ve also got a business brain. To find out more or apply please call             0207 255 5401       or e-mail on poonamodedra@splashmediatv.co.uk 


 (Applicants must be over 18 and available for 2-3 days filming between April and July)

GEFILTEFEST JEWISH FOOD FESTIVAL - Sunday May 20th at London's Ivy House

The third annual Gefiltefest Jewish Food Festival will be held on Sunday May 20th 2012 at London's Ivy House (appropriately the former home of the dancer Anna Pavlova).

The festival is a full day of more than fifty food demonstrations, lectures and workshops.  

Claudia Roden will be interviewed at the festival and there will be plenty of food to taste. More information at www.gefiltefest.org. All profits from the event are donated to food-related charities.

CELEBRITY CHEF LEVI ROOTS COOKS UP A RECIPE FOR CHANGE TO LAUNCH WORLD FOOD NIGHT

Celebrity chef Levi Roots is urging people everywhere to cook up a recipe for change and take part in the first ever World Food Night.

The food-lovers’ celebration will take place on February 24th and will see people across the UK cooking up delicious food from around the world in support of refugees.

A pack full of recipe ideas from countries like Eritrea and Bolivia, tips and giveaways will be sent to participants as part of the initiative, which is in support of the charity Refugee Action.

There will be top prizes for people who raise the most money, including the chance to enjoy a meal from Levi’s London eatery Papine.

Levi, who has voiced a film in support of World Food Night, said: “World Food Night is a great opportunity to share a meal with friends while raising awareness and funds for a great cause. Food can cross boundaries of culture and nationality, but it can also help people retain their culture. Many refugees have fled war and persecution but give a lot back to the UK. I would encourage anyone to hold a dinner party, learn more about refugee issues and cook up a recipe for change!”

Levi wanted to get behind the World Food Night initiative after he came to the UK as a young man from Jamaica and experienced how difficult it can be to adapt to a new culture.

He said: “For me, food has always been a key part of maintaining my own culture and it is a great way to break down barriers while having some fun!”

The fundraiser comes hot on the heels of the British Future State of the Nation Report 2012 entitled ‘Hopes and Fears’ which revealed that 68 per cent of people think immigration has been good for British food, with people from the West Midlands the most enthusiastic about the diverse food which is now available.  

Dave Garratt, Chief Executive of Refugee Action, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Levi Roots and already have lots of people signing up to support refugees through World Food Night. We work with people who have fled war and persecution and need protection. But refugees also have an enormous amount to give back to the UK, including through food and culture. Most of us love to try new foods and World Food Night is a chance to do just that, while raising awareness and cooking up a recipe for change!”

To get your fundraising pack and watch Levi’s film you can visit www.refugee-action.org.uk/wfn. To find out what other people are planning you can follow Refugee Action on Twitter at http://twitter.com/refugeeaction and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/RefugeeAction.

Share a Whole Lamb at A La Cruz Winter Supper Club on 1 February 2012

A whole lamb – cordero entero – is the celebration feast of feasts in Argentina. For the first time, A La Cruz in Farringdon, London EC1, will host its lamb supper club on Wednesday 1 February 7.30pm – and you are welcome to come by yourself or with a couple of guests. Slow cooked on the asador, the lamb is supported on metal crosses, a la cruz. Some four hours later, the lamb is crisp and meltingly succulent, and is ceremoniously carved by the host to share with the party. Until now, only guests of the owners and bigger groups have enjoyed the privilege of this spectacular dinner.

Tickets at £40 are available from A La Cruz, 42 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 0HU. Tube: Farringdon, Angel, 10 minutes walk.
Telephone 020 7837 1999
eat@alacruz.com

Cordero Entero Menu

1 February 2012

Plate of 3 starters

Empanada: Argentine style filled pastries beef, spinach & ricotta

Provoleta: Grilled provolone cheese and crusty toasted bread

Mollejas: Grilled beef sweetbreads with lemon juice

Taster of beef fillet from the charcoal grill

Cordero Entero a la cruz: Whole lamb on the asador

Sauces: Chimichurri, and yoghurt & mint

Espinacas a la crema: Creamy spinach

Asadas a la sal: Rock salt baked baby potatoes

Salads with palm hearts, beetroot, beans, tomatoes, free-range egg

Panqueques: Traditional Argentine pancakes filled with dulce de leche

Septima wines will be specially selected to match and available to buy by the glass or bottle.


Along with other landmark restaurants in the vicinity - Smith’s of Smithfield and St John – A La Cruz is an essential destination in the meat trail which has established itself near Smithfield Market. Meat at A La Cruz is sourced from some of the premium farms in Argentina, and meat fans will take great delight in enjoying tender, flavoursome Ribeye, Sirloin and Rump steak, perfectly pink lamb, chorizo and chistorra sausages, morcilla grilled pork black pudding and mollejas beef sweetbreads. Starters include many dishes which will please vegetarians.

Whilst it is hard to take your eyes off the spectacular open Grill area, you will not miss the bold artwork of Turner shortlisted artist David Tremlett. His wall drawings adorn the large, bright dining room. Regular fans of A La Cruz feasting include The Meat Club and the Saracens Rugby team.

Tastecard - Is it all it's cracked up to be???

I have been kindly asked to delete this post by Tastecard's lawyers. I regret having to do so.

If you have had a positive or negative experience with Tastecard, please share your thoughts in the comments below.