Executive Head Chef Carlos Martinez and Master Sommelier Gino Nardella have reached the International Finals of the Copa Jerez competition which takes place this month. Carlos and Gino won the UK Final in 2014 which qualified them to represent the UK in the International Final. They will compete against teams from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Russian, Spain and USA.
The event brings together some of the finest chefs and sommeliers from around the world to compete and show their skill using and promoting Sherry. Chefs must include Sherry in one of their dishes as an ingredient whilst sommeliers must show flair in selecting a different Sherry with each course, including a dry and sweet style.
The menu and Sherry pairings by Carlos and Gino from The Stafford London’s Lyttelton Restaurant, put through to the final are:
Starter
Crab & Mango Ravioli, Squid Ink Rock with
Almacenista, Manzanilla Pasada De Lustau
Main
Oak Smoked Sirloin Beef, Black Autumn Truffle Puree, Wild Mushroom Fircassee with
Leonor, Palo Cortado, Gonzalez Byass
Dessert
Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding, Vanilla & Pedro Ximenez Ice Cream with
Nectar, Pedro Ximenez, Gonzalez Byass
Carlos Martinez produces Modern British dishes using the finest selection of British produce in The Lyttelton Restaurant at The Stafford London. He has worked at many Michelin starred restaurants and as Head Executive Chef of Cliveden’s three restaurants he retained their Michelin Star. Gino Nardella oversees the 380-year old Wine Cellars at The Stafford London. His experience is vast, from his childhood spent on the family owned vineyard in Southern France to over 40 years accumulated experience as a Sommelier.
The international final takes place on 9th June in Jerez where Sherry is made.
For more on the UK final click here
For more information on Copa Jerez click here
For more information about The Stafford click here