Kevin Viners Charity Banquet.
The banquet was part of a nationwide fundraising event Cooks for the Cure, in aid of the Emily Begg fund for Teenage Cancer Trust and the Childrens Hospice South West. The premier fundraising event was a Gala Dinner at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, London, on 29th February. This event was hosted by celebrity chef Brian Turner, with TV chef and Lanesborough Hotel executive chef, Paul Gayler as part of the team of chefs plannng and preparing the menu.
The Cornish event was staged at Kingsley Village, Fraddon on Friday 7th March. It was an evening showcasing some of the best chefs in Cornwall, preparing delicious local Cornish produce. The chefs that cooked the sumptuous seven course menu were:
Kevin Viner - Viners Restaurant
David Sharland - The Seafood Restaurant
Ben Tunnicliffe - The Abbey, Penzance
Paul Ripley - Ripleys, St Merryn
Elliot Ketley - St Moritz, Rock
Chris Eden - The Driftwood
Tom Bradbury - The Watergate Bay
Paul Ainsworth - Number 6, Padstow
Peter Gorton - The Horn of Plenty
Neil Haydock - Fifteen at Watergate Bay
Jacqui Holland - Head Pastry Chef, Compass, London
The ingredients for each course was sourced locally where ever possible, much of which was donated by local companies. Some of the chefs included themselves as part of the charity auction by offering to cook privately for the lucky high bidders.
Many local business have supported the event, with Waverley TBS suppling the champagne and wine, Abbotts provided most of the glassware, crockery and cutlery. Catering students from Camborne College donated their time and provided fantastic service to the guests.
Guests were welcomed with a Champagne and canape reception, followed by the seven course menu and the evening culminated with a charity auction. During the evening there were various local musicians playing, including the Helston Jazz Quintet, and local flautist, Robyn Beresford.
The event raised in the region of £15,000 for the two charities.