27th Jan 2009 - 00:00
Image
Abstract
South Downs College in Hampshire will be hosting a celebrity banquet next month, giving students the opportunity to work with some of the most talented chefs in the industry.
The event, taking place on the 25th February, will be attended by 90 VIP guests for an evening of fine dining and complementary wines. Big names such as Heston Blumenthal, Angela Hartnett and John Campbell will be sharing their expertise and knowledge with the students, giving them a taste of their award-winning cooking skills.
Gerry Shurman, head of hospitality and catering at the college, said: "This evening will be a highlight of the College calendar this year. We are excited that such talented and well-known chefs are giving up there time to visit us and put on such an event. It gives our students such experience for the future and I'm sure will be a real inspiration to their future careers."
Following the meal, a prize auction will be held and proceeds will go to the Ark Foundation, which last year raised a staggering £10,000.
This is the second time this event has taken place at South Downs College. This charity has helped many people through addiction and substance misuse and is also linked with 'Sporting Chance' which was set up by current Portsmouth Football Club Manager Tony Adams in the 90's to help sports men and women through personal difficulties and dependency.
Food at South Downs has a modern British and European style, focusing on local produce. Delights on the dinner menu include terrine of guinea fowl with baby leeks, chestnuts and white grape chutney; spiced breast of Gressingham duck with stir fried bean shoots, pak choi and a plum sauce; and caramelised apple and fig tart with praline ice cream.