Food and drink
FOOD HEROES : DAN ’ S KITCHEN
On the south side of St Helens ’ village green , with views across the Solent and beyond , Dan ’ s Kitchen is a smart neighbourhood eatery . We talked to chef Dan Maskell .
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FOOD STYLE ?
Classic British cooking , classic flavour combos with a little twist .
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST FOOD INFLUENCE ?
Jake Watkins , the chef / owner of JSW in Petersfield , taught me discipline and an understanding of food . Alan Staley taught me how to run a relaxed non ego-driven kitchen . Neil Hitchen , head chef of Le Poussin , which is now known as The Pig , taught me kitchen management .
HOW IMPORTANT IS SEASONALITY IN YOUR MENU ?
It is important to us and we do use as much seasonal produce as possible . We have a good relationship with Captain Stan of Bembridge , its nice to phone up every day and hear what local fish they have and get it on our ‘ specials board ’ that evening .
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ISLAND FLAVOUR ?
My favourite flavour / produce has to be using the Island brewery ’ s Fuggle de Dum in our batter for our fish and chips . We use the Island Bakers to supply our bread , John and Helen produce some of the best bread I ’ ve tasted . We also use Captain Stan for our fish .
WHAT INGREDIENT COULDN ’ T YOU DO WITHOUT ?
Salt and butter .
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