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IT ’ S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE …
BY PAUL ASKEW , CHEF PATRON OF THE ART SCHOOL RESTAURANT
For me , the festive period starts in August as I work away with my team to create menus for you to enjoy in our Sugnall Street home . Our festive menus are being released a little later than usual this year as I ’ ve waited as long as practicably possible to ensure the culinary wonders we ’ ve created for your enjoyment can be consistently delivered throughout December .
Of course , and I know I can rely on your understanding , whilst I have many powers (!) my ability to see into the future is somewhat limited ! We ’ ll do our best to ensure availability and there still may be some unavoidable changes but you can rest assured that we ’ ll only use the finest seasonal ingredients available from local suppliers .
Outside of the restaurant , our team have continued to excel in competitions . Our Wirral born Junior Sous pastry chef , Beth Disley-Jones , competed on the national stage and was awarded The Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Award for Pastry 2021 . Beth wowed the judges in London to such an extent she also received the prestigious Highest Achievement Award .
Beth also competes in the National Final of Young Chef of the Year in early October , hoping to replicate the success of fellow Art School Junior Sous Chef , Edwin Kuk , who won the award last year , beating off competition from a range of well-known culinary institutions on his way to being crowned champion .
It goes without saying that I am extremely proud of all their hard work and commitment to their craft .
I ’ m also looking forward to hosting the sold out “ Chefs at Home ” fundraising dinner , that will take place at Manchester ’ s five-star contemporary hotel - The Lowry . Supporting the very worthy cause that is Hospitality Action , the evening features old friends including Ellis Barrie , Lisa Goodwin-Allen , Tom Kerridge and Gary Usher , as they prepare a very special fourcourse meal for those lucky enough to be attending .
Plans to mark my 40-year anniversary in the industry are now well underway . Although Covid and travel restrictions are hampering final confirmations we are planning a number of prestigious evenings with Charles Heidsieck champagne , Ridge Wines of California , Antinori of Tuscany and a special evening with not one , not two but three Master Sommeliers . Ronan Sayburn , Demetri Mesnard and Nigel Wilkinson will wow guests with their knowledge , expertise and fine wines paired to a special menu from yours truly . Full details and booking links will be on the events page of our website as each event is finalised .
With so much to look forward to I ’ d advise booking at the earliest opportunity to guarantee your place at these special events and , as always , I hope to be seeing you soon .
Chef Askew
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