Knosh Catering is a family run business, headed by a gentleman that is generous, creative and talented. Knosh prides itself on supporting local producers. The majority of the ingredients used are provided by some of Edmonton's best local farmers and independent producers. They specialize in British and European cuisine. Cream Tea, Afternoon Tea and High Teas are their specialty.
Stuart Parry is completely self taught. The passion that he puts into his cooking and baking is evident in anything he puts on your plate. His customers are family and are treated as such when they have a meal with him. I have been following Stuart and family since the food truck days. The sandwiches and traditional English breakfasts are just as tasty as the Trifle and Victorian Sponge Cake!
Knosh Catering now calls the Crestwood Curling Club home; Stuart and family run the concession. They still cater for weddings and events. It's nothing fancy, unless of course, you are attending a Knosh Tea Party. I was lucky enough to get an invite to the most recent event. The tickets always sell out.
When you see the concession area transformed into Grandma's dining room, you can't help but marvel at it's beauty. The tables are covered in matching linens with the tea trays and teacups all ready to be filled for the guests. Stuart and his family are busy in the kitchen filling the tea trays for the guests that have already been seated.
Once you are comfortable, you have your tea brought out to you with your own tea set on a silver platter. Your tea tray is also brought to your table filled with tea sandwiches, savouries and Stuart's famous scones; one of each for everyone at the table. The scones by themselves are delightful, but Stuart puts it over the top with in house made clotted cream and strawberry preserves.
If that wasn't enough, there is also an entire table loaded with traditional cakes, tarts and biscuits! You will never leave Knosh hungry.
I LOVE dressing up for tea, but it is not mandatory. There is no dress code at Knosh. If you want to dress fancy, or if you want to dress down. Everyone is welcome.
After I was completely sated with such a delicious tea, I got the chance to chat a bit with Stuart and congratulate him on his new granddaughter. Proud Grandpa!
RR: What inspires you to cook and bake? What is your muse?
SP: All of my most treasured memories as a child are centered around food. I have always cooked for Family and Friends. I am self taught
by trial and error. My wife Karen says that I am most happiest in the kitchen and even on worst days I still have a smile on my face when
baking. When people come to Crestwood they are treated like family, I am always pulling people into the kitchen at Crestwood to eat this, sample that. Crestwood curling Club has become an extension of my family, so for me Family and Friends inspire me to cook and I love nothing more that see people eat and smile.
RR: What can we expect from Knosh in the near future?
Afternoon Tea
with
Knosh Catering
Knosh Catering
Article by YEGfoodie
www.edmontonmuse.ca