Top London chefs and food industry people congregated in the opulent Crystal Ballroom at St Ermin’s Hotel for a day of cookery demonstrations, networking and all things ‘chef’ with a chance to meet young hospitality students from South Thames College in their quest to show off their skills and secure summer work placements.
Founded in 2010 by Catherine Farinha, The Chefs’ Forum now holds regular chefs conventions from the Cotswolds to Cornwall as well as in Kent. Its second London event was very well received by all involved and Adam, an excellent host!
Adam Handling
Young Scot, Adam (25), Head Chef of the Caxton Grill at St Ermin’s Hotel was a much-praised finalist in BBC2’s’ MasterChef: The Professionals’ 2013 and tipped as one of the ‘30 under 30’ to watch in The Caterer’s 2013 Acorn Awards, Adam has already won many further accolades in 2014. Crowned 2014 British Culinary Federation Chef of the Year on 7th April, he is now also a finalist in The Craft Guild National Chef of the Year which culminates at The Restaurant Show in London this October.
Adam took time out of his busy schedule to mentor five hospitality students from South Thames College: three in the kitchen and two in front of house. The students assisted Adam and his team in the preparation and service of fantastic canapés for the fifty top chefs in attendance. Adam commented:
I started my training at 16 as an apprentice chef at Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. I really enjoy working with young people and have been very impressed with the South Thames students today. Giving up time in their summer holidays to work at this event is truly admirable and shows that they are serious about a career in the industry.”
Adam performed an Asian cookery demonstration: starter – Chicken and Lobster yellow curry with ponzu and a main course of Turbot with basil and courgettes, shiso and pak choi.
He added:
“I do demos at food festivals all the time to thousands of people but have never been as nervous as I was today doing the same for my peers! It has been a real honour to host The Chefs’ Forum at St Ermin’s Hotel and it has been fantastic to talk to all the chefs, student and suppliers.”
The finest ingredients for the canapés and demos were donated by Chefs’ Forum Sponsors Walter Rose & Son, First Choice Produce and Turners Fine Foods. Guests also enjoyed Comins tea and Borough Coffee Company Coffee to accompany Adam’s feast of little bites showcasing his ‘Nibbles’ menu at the Caxton Grill.
To round off the day, the chefs were taken on a fascinating tour of the Bee Hotel, the first of its kind in London. The honey from the ‘Bee and Bee’ is incorporated in the menu by Adam at the Caxton Grill
The Chef’s Forum
Catherine Farinha, Chefs’ Forum Founder said: “It’s been a thoroughly inspiring day – This is our second London event having launched at Westminster Kingsway College last May. The Chefs’ Forum is going from strength to strength seeing quarterly events staged in Kent, The Cotswolds, Bath, Bristol, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall, I would urge chefs across the south of the UK to get involved in this extremely positive industry organisation that oils the wheels of communication across the various elements of the industry: Education, professional kitchens and top suppliers”.
The next London event will take place at South Thames College on the 29th September where chefs will enjoy an expert-led urban forage. The Chefs’ Forum would love to hear from London Chefs wishing to attend.
For more information on The Chefs’ Forum, any of its sponsors, please contact Catherine Farinha on 07585 700030 or email: catherine@redcherry.uk.com
Website: www.thechefsforum.co.uk
Twitter: @thechefsforum @catmfarinha
Adam Handling and St Ermin’s Hotel
For more information on the St Ermin’s Hote www.sterminshotel.co.uk, Adam Handling, Head Chef at the Caxton Grill www.caxtongrill.co.uk
Photography: Katinka Herbert