Tuesday 9 October 2012

Sharps Brewery Connoisseur/Walkers Sunbites Ambassador

September saw me developing recipes for the above two companies, and thus becoming a chosen connoisseur and ambassador of the brands

I'm really look forward to being on board with these two companies, and although each have very different businesses, both are really passionate about driving their brands forward through like mixed customers, and the use of social media.

Spending a day in London at The Cookery school with Sunbites, saw me blind taste testing the key ingredients that go into this product, and exploring the various ways that Sunbites can be consumed, through incorporating them into our food dishes.  Expanding people's minds into Sunbites being more than just a crisp.  Here is a simple canapĂ© dish I created for them:





Rock in Cornwall is where Sharps Brewery is based, and they invited myself and two other avid food bloggers down to Rick Steins cookery school in Padstow, to spend the day developing our dishes to match their connoisseur beers, whilst being paired and mentored by three great British chefs- the two Michelin starred Nathan Outlaw, the newly crowned  Michelin stared London based Alyn Williams, and Head chef/food developer Jack Stein.  Alyn was my mentor and a joy to work with, and during the evening saw us three bloggers go head to head in a cook off with an audience of around 20! ( no pressure then). Three judges deliberated, and decided to crown yours truly the Sharps Connoisseur 2012. Lots of exciting things ahead with this title and responsibility!!!







Friday 5 October 2012

Local eateries now and to come 2012/13...

Just a short post to highlight what's happening around town:

We welcome the opening of 3 new foodie ventures:

The Boat Deck - a no nonsense approach to tackling sustainable fish on the pier (although pick an off peak time to go) http://theboatdeck.net/

Carters Texas Smoke Pit - Old Portsmouth opposite Johnsons Fish Enterprises, American style meaty,smokey, BBQ menu of joyfulness, (the pulled pork sandwich was my favourite) http://carters-texas-smokepit.com/

The Hotwalls Cafe - Old Portsmouth, a small outdoor tea shop set up in walls arches (open summer months 9.30 - 5.30pm but October - March is weekends only 10- 3pm)


And we also look forward to seeing in the near future 2 new openings:

Coast2Coast at Gunwharf Quays - Small chain American restaurant and bar, promising big things!  due end of December 2012 http://www.c2crestaurants.com/

Chambers (27 the Terrace) Round by the corner where In-toto kitchens used to be/where Tenant Network is now located, owner of monks and former 8 kings road, is rumoured to be opening a restaurant here.  There is signs of a re-fit happening, so.....watch this space!