Only two years from its launch, the Slow Food UK Chef Alliance has announced its 100th member – Pierre Koffmann. A special event in partnership with Lavazza Coffee was held at London’s Photographers Gallery to celebrate.
The event was hosted in partnership with Lavazza coffee and was attended by leading lights of the culinary world including Pascal Aussignac of Club Gascon, Valentine Warner, Joe Mercer Nairne of Medlar, and Jeremy Ford of Restaurant Associates, who have supported the Chef Alliance initiative since its launch in September 2011.
Guests were welcomed by Slow Food UK CEO Cat Gazzoli, Irish-born chef/restaurateur and Chef Alliance spokesperson, Richard Corrigan, as well as Prue Leith OBE, Slow Food UK Trustee.
Innovation Experience
Italy’s favourite coffee Lavazza also joined in the celebrations with a special Innovation Experience, where guests were able to enjoy 15 different and extraordinary ways to explore the taste, texture and smell of the ultimate espresso.
These included Coffee Caviar; the Cookie Cup, an edible cup/biscuit which can be eaten after the espresso is enjoyed; EspresSOunique Crock Crunch in three extreme creamy and crunchy variations; Cold Brew coffees; and the drinkable ice-cream Cremespresso.
Lavazza also offered a two day gastronomy tour in Italy, which was won by Phil Howard of The Square in a lucky draw amongst the chefs in attendance. As part of the tour, Phil will enjoy a visit to Turin in the North of the country, where he will be able to sample fabulous produce and wines prepared by some of the region’s most prestigious chefs.
Positively influencing British cuisine in the future
Says Pierre Koffmann; “Growing up in Gascony has had a lasting impact on my philosophy. I have always enjoyed cooking with the freshest local produce while showing great respect towards every ingredient. It has been fantastic to see the transformation of British food culture over the last 40 years, which is in part thanks to the efforts of many inspirational chefs in the Slow Food Chef Alliance. Joining the Alliance as 100th member is an honour, and I am proud to work with Slow Food in this ambassadorial role and offer my experience alongside so many great chefs to positively influencing British cuisine in the future.”
Protecting and defending edible biodiversity
Cat Gazzoli commented; “The support that we have received from so many talented and influential chefs around the country has been incredible, and last night was a real landmark occasion for us. I want to personally say thank you to each and every chef member; Lavazza who has sponsored this event and Highland Park who also support us; and indeed every Slow Food UK member and supporter who have all come together in our pledge to protect and defend edible biodiversity that is our birth right.”
Says Claudia Galetta, Trade marketing Manager at Lavazza UK; “Lavazza has a long history with Slow Food in Italy, so it was only natural that we would continue to support the great cause here in the UK. Supporting the Chef Alliance is our great pleasure, as it focuses on supporting small producers, championing high quality produce and protecting biodiversity, which corresponds with the values Lavazza stand for. We have always enjoyed working closely with world-class chefs such as Ferran Adrià and Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and so we are delighted to support the Slow Food UK Chef Alliance.”
The Chef Alliance
The Chef Alliance aims to engage Britain’s chefs in actively supporting the aims of Slow Food UK, by championing small scale producers and sustainably sourced, quality produce. Slow Food is a global, grassroots movement that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.
For more information on how to partner with Slow Food UK to support the growth of the Chef Alliance, please get in touch via: chefalliance@slowfood.org.uk
What is Slow Food?
Slow Food is about helping people think differently about food. In the UK, it works to reconnect people with where their food comes from so they can better understand the implications of the choices they make about the food they put on their plates. It encourages people to choose nutritious food, from sustainable, local sources, and which tastes great, through education programmes. Slow Food is a non-profit organization, supported by members and donations.
To become a Slow Food member or supporter, to join our Chef Alliance, or find out more, visit www.slowfood.org.uk
About Slow Food UK’s Forgotten Foods
Slow Food UK’s Forgotten Foods is part of the International Ark of Taste network, which counts more than 1000 products from over 60 countries. Slow Food UK has saved 70 Forgotten Foods, which are often at risk of extinction. Slow Food aims to raise awareness about the products and traditional production methods so that they may be rediscovered and returned to the market.
About Slow UK Food Chef Alliance
Slow Food UK developed the Chef Alliance in September 2011 in recognition of those British-based chefs who share the vision to champion small scale producers and good quality local and sustainably produced food. There are currently over 100 leading chefs in England, Scotland and Wales who are members of the Alliance. The Slow Food UK Chef Alliance is supported by Lavazza coffee and Highland Park whisky.
Top left to bottom right (excluding event shot) Chef Chris Galvin, Valentine Warner, Richard Corrigan, Prue Leith, Lukas Pfaff, Phil Howard, Joe Mercer Nairne