Fine Food: Our Forte

Members can enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean from the comfort of Woodcote Park this autumn, thanks to a menu curated by the Executive Chef from Sardinian resort Forte Village

Words by Jenny Linford

AS THE DAYS draw in and the weather turns colder, in a piece of welcome news, the Club is bringing a taste of sunny Sardinia to Surrey – a cheering thought for those who missed out on a summer holiday in the Mediterranean this year. A partnership with the award-winning Forte Village, the family-friendly Sardinian resort, will see authentic Italian dishes appearing on the menu at Stirling’s in Woodcote Park, both à la carte and with the popular Dining Club.

Forte Village’s Executive Chef, Paolo Simioni, has had a globe-trotting career, working at prestigious hotels and restaurants in Venice, Saint Moritz and London, among others, and cooking for well-known celebrities including Madonna, Roger Moore and Ringo Starr. “My style of cooking is often described as tradition meets innovation,” he explains enthusiastically. “Travelling and living in different parts of the world has certainly helped form my style.”

Food has an evocative power and the menu that Chef Simioni has created for the Club is designed to transport members to the warmth and wilderness, the crystalclear blue waves and rugged landscape of Sardinia. In the nine years he has been at the Forte Village Resort Chef Simioni has come to appreciate the culinary riches which this beautiful, sun-soaked island offers. “Sardinia offers unique and unmissable products. In all my travels as a chef, these are some of the best raw ingredients I’ve ever encountered. One of my favourite activities is going out fishing with the local fishermen to search for local spiny lobsters or sea urchins.”

By cooking with the very best delicacies that the bountiful island produces, Chef Simioni aims to give members a true taste of the Forte Village Resort, using local specialities such as bottarga, known as

“I absolutely adore both clubhouse locations, filled with heritage and history. I am so honoured to be showcasing my cuisine at the Club.”

Left from top: Forte Village dishes; Paolo Simioni ‘Sardinian gold’ – salted, cured mullet roe – or fregola, a typical and historic pasta, thought by some to have originated with the Phoenicians. “The dishes on this menu include the best that Sardinia can offer, of both land and sea.”

Having lived in London for more than 25 years, to have his food appear on menus at the Club is particularly meaningful for Chef Simioni. “I’ve been invited to the clubhouses in the last couple of years and I absolutely adore both locations, filled with heritage and history. I am so honoured to be showcasing my cuisine at the Club.”

Forte Village

STIRLING’S, WOODCOTE PARK

Wednesday 11 November – Saturday 14 November An à la carte menu will be available Thursday to Saturday during lunch and dinner. Alternatively, join the Stirling’s Dining Club for the complete Forte Village experience.

Stirling’s Dining Club: Wednesday 11 November Members: £80.00 Guests: £95.00 Price includes matching wines

For more information or to book, please visit the Club website or contact the Central Reservations team on 020 7930 2345