Kokova Magazine

Michel Roux Jr, Gary Rhodes and Pierre Koffmann are just three of five super chefs who have joined forces to create a world’s first MENU by Taste of London – the hottest ticket of the summer.

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

Tomato Essence Consommé
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

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 .

Visit www.tastefestivals.com/london for more details about the event.