Strachur chef picks up national award
Matthew Smith, head chef from Inver Restaurant, Strachur, was one of the top three winners in the National Chef of the Year competition run by The Craft Guild of Chefs, the largest UK chefs’ association with members worldwide.
After an “intense cook-off” at the University of West London under the eyes of some of the leading names in hospitality, the top two prizes came home to Scotland; overall winner was Alex Angelogiannis, senior sous chef from the Glenturret Lalique Restaurant in Crieff.
Matthew was runner-up with a menu of pumpkin and squid for starter, lamb with blackcurrant for main course and, as befits the
Museums create connections
Argyll and Bute will soon have a new museum and heritage project under way, thanks to the Museum Galleries Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage fund.
Their generous support has enabled the Argyll and Bute Museums and Heritage Forum to launch its latest venture, Creating Connections.
The aim is to identify and make contact with people and organisations throughout Argyll and Bute involved in heritage and who are not currently members of the forum.
Creating Connections will be recruiting to fill a number of roles in order to bring people and institutions together in a series of area meetings.
In order to build the kind of practical knowledge-base needed for the project to succeed there will be a “skills audit” carried out for the mutual benefit of everyone involved; those looking for help and advice and those with the knowledge to provide it. These get-togethers will be held in Cowal and Bute, Kintyre, Islay and Mid Argyll and North Argyll, Oban and the isles. Be on the look out for further information on the forum’s website at www.argyllheritage.org.uk.
The plans also include the creation of a digital heritage map which can be used by all interested in museums and heritage; this fascinating resource would be of great benefit to tourism and leisure. chef of a restaurant on the shores of Loch Fyne, a dessert of chocolate and seaweed.
The impressive list of judges included famous culinary names Kenny Atkinson, Matt Abe, James Petrie, Anna Haugh, Brett Graham, Tom Shepherd and Phil Howard.
Sponsors Essential Cuisine and Lumina will take the winners on a two-day culinary trip to Liverpool. This will include a masterclass by one of the UK’s leading chefs, Paul Askew, followed by private dining at his restaurant, The Art School, plus a culinary experience in the heart of London which will include three Michelin Star dining and an overnight stay thanks to Continental Chef Supplies.