Businesses welcome chef with taste of what town has to offer
A VISIT from French celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli delighted Fleet residents and business owners over the weekend.
Diners enjoyed a meet and greet at Café Amici, La Casa and Daisy’s Tea Room in the town centre when Mr Novelli visited on Saturday and Sunday.
He also held a session with student chefs where they had the opportunity to ask him questions about the industry and his career. The visit was organised by the Fleet Business Improvement District (BID).
Mr Novelli is a multi-Michelin star chef who began his career when aged just 14 as a baker in Arras, in the north of France.
Moving to the UK in 1983, he worked in several well-known establishments including The Chewton Glen in New Milton, near Lymington. In 1991 he continued his success in Hampshire as he became the chef patron at Gordonton Mill, near Lymington, which is also where he earned his first Michelin star – just one year later.
As well as owning a portfolio of restaurants in several countries, Mr Novelli has made numerous TV appearances including with Raymond Blanc on ITV.
Tracey Shrimpton, Fleet BID Manager, said: “We love food in Fleet and have a great reputation for food with over 40 restaurants, cafes and bars.
“Due to Covid, we have been unable to organise the Fleet Food Festival for the last two years, an event which regularly attracts over 11,000 people to the town.
“So it was really exciting to be able to welcome Jean-Christophe Novelli, to showcase some of our wonderful independent eateries and give visitors the opportunity to meet this award-winning chef.”