Well, what a day it was yesterday. Caterer held it annual Chef Conference at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London.
The conference kicked off with Heston Blumenthal who talked to Caterer group editor Mark Lewis about the affect of the norovirus had on his Michelin-starred restaurant the Fat Duck in Bray and how the HPA did not do enough to help restaurants in similar situations.
He also chatted about his new tasting menu, new book and the next instalment of his Feast TV programmed.
This was followed on by a debate on topical issues such as user-generated reviews, food sourcing and training. Joining the debate where chefs Shaun Hill, David Cavalier, Simon Hulstone, John Williams and Michael Caines. The debate was chaired by Brian Turner.
There were great masterclasses from Catey chef of the year, Angela Hartnett (Murano) who teamed up with Spain's Elena Arzak. Angela cooked roasted sweetbreads with pickled peaches, liquorish and fennel and a walnut pasta.
The smells in the conference room were amazing, and had the room salivating!
Elena, shared her recipes for walnut cream, with reinvented red cabbage - a delicate dish with vibrant colours.(see right)
The next masterclass came from two-Michelin starred chefs Michael Caines (Gidleigh Park) and Martin Burge (Whatley Manor).
Michael kicked off with pan-fried duck foie gras followed by wild salmon.
First-timer at the Chef Conference, Martin Burge, who despite his nerves presented his signature dish of mango cannelloni.
The Chef Conference ended with a Chef Eats out. Delegates to the conference had to choice to eat at two-Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley, Phil Howard's the Square and Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester.
To see more photos from the Chef Conference and Chef Eats Out go to Table Talk here >>