Chef Demonstration Stage 12.30pm: Jake Collins
1.30pm: Ondine Hartgroves – Private Chef
About Jake: Jake is a proud Northamptonian who when he’s not cooking, likes to walk, occasionally fish and definitely loves to visit a good food market.
About Ondine: Ondine is an accomplished Chef and previous ‘Masterchef’ contestant specialising in spice cuisines from around the world. A finalist and commended in the ‘Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards’ 2012/13 and a finalist 2013/2014 in the category of Spice Chef of the Year.
Beginning his career pot washing and preparing, Jake worked Saturdays for a café/deli in Daventry whilst still at school but once he’d left became an apprentice chef at a local hotel, attending Northampton College one day a week for his NVQ L3. What followed then was full time college studying for his advanced diploma in professional cookery and working for ‘The Narrow boat’ at Weedon where he then stayed before taking a Head Chef position at ‘The Sun Inn’ Kislingbury. Jake now works with ‘Hello Fresh’ who are on a mission to make cooking easy and fun by using their step-by-step recipe cards, so from your own kitchen you can learn delicious new recipes every single week. www.hellofresh.co.uk
Ondine runs a private dining business as well as tutoring at the ‘Shires Cookery School’ in Northamptonshire. When not cooking or teaching, Ondine can be frequently found at food and drink shows around the country demonstrating her skills as her passion and knowledge is reflected not only in her food, but also in her ability to teach and to get everyone else cooking. You can follow on Twitter @ondineph
2.30pm: Matt Whittington – The Laughing Onion in Brackley About Matt: Matt is Head Chef at ‘The Laughing Onion,’ a brasserie restaurant and bar in Brackley town centre, serving
great food in a relaxed atmosphere. Housed in a beautiful grade 2 listed Georgian building, it has been tastefully renovated to reflect its classy yet contemporary and innovative approach to food and where all are welcome for relaxed lunches, business entertaining or a night out with family or friends. Matt has been leading the kitchen team since the doors opened in July 2013 with his trademark creative flair and eye for detail. The menu changes with the seasons, from salads, shellfish and tarts perfect for those long lazy days of spring and summer, to slow cooked cassoulets, risottos and crumbles to help bring a warm glow to cold winter nights. Favourites from the menu include beef bourguignon with thyme & Gruyère dumplings, stuffed loin of lamb with white pudding, and our lemon grass brûlée with orange biscotti. As well as their a la carte dining, they organise a range of events including the popular ladies’ and steak nights, and a cocktail bar is open in the evening for those who just fancy a cheeky drink on their comfortable sofas.
www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk
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