Monthly Chef Meeting




It was one of the most productive chef meetings we’ve had so far. Almost everybody was there, bar Adriano, Garry and Francis (we sort of excuse them), and the ideas were both original and delicious. It was short as well.
Myles’ beetroot mash with ginger puree and duka was immediately popular. Sami stunned us all with some amazingly looking and tasting fairs using Odyssey’s giant butterbeans: No. 1 with burnt aubergine, pomegranate and mint (so Ottolenghi); No. 2 with avocado and chilli (so Mexico); no. 1 won by a small margin. Becky’s puy lentils with Jerusalem artichoke and truffle oil were a clear hit, beating Yotam’s lentils with roasted peppers and manuka honey. 1-0.
Then there was Mark’s aubergine with cinnamon, chilli and maple, served with pecorino, which was a real surprise (who would have thought? Not about Mark, about the cinnamom) and a great hit. Ling’s take on Waldorf, but Ottolenghi-fied, was spot one: celeriac, green apple, quinoa, red onion and poppy seeds with pickled chilli and a sharp dressing. Raphael brought couscous and freekeh salad with dried tomato and grilled courgettes. Also a triumph.
Expect all these wonders on the coming menu, starting next week. Oh, and almost forgot, welcome back Scully!



Comments
they look delicious!
Oh man. Can I come work with you?
On a serious note, these all look great, the colours are fantastic.
My goodness, I can barely breathe! Such fantastic ideas. I feel like biting into the screen... Exciting lunches next week, then!
@Sarah, @Sara, @Marta, Yes, I know. We are very lucky.
If you only knew how much love you have from Montreal, Québec, Canada, you'd be flabergasted !
I follow everything happening here and i think when i'll go to London for the first time, i'll visit you guys instead all the museum and historic places !
You are so much of an inspiration !
Thanks and never stop !
They all sound brilliant! Utterly delicious!! Any chance of recipes for those of us who live in France?
Don't you look for somebody top manage an opening of an (or more) Ottolenghi in Paris ?
@Catoo, @Carol, @Delphine, My God, suddenly only French or Frnech speaking places. And I thought nothing beats French cuisine ;). I am afraid no plans for an Ottolenghi in France. You'd need to cross the channel.
Wow, you guys take board meetings to a whole new level! I know it's serious work, but wow, what a wonderful and creative way to spend a few hours!
We've been cooking our way through both your cookbooks here in Sydney, Australia - just made your sardines with bulgur, and your saffron pasta (now sans saffron) has become our house staple, made with our homegrown eggs. Thanks for the continued inspiration! (I've posted about some of our experiences with your recipes on our blog.)
Cheers, Celia
Thanks Celia. You live in one of the best cities in the world. And so much good food!
Everything looks so delicious !!
i miss ottolenghi !!
i have been using recipes from ottolenghi here in BAHRAIN too ..
i love the middle eastern blend of ingredients and my taste palate says " LATHEETH !"
wishing you all the best , and hope to join a class when im in london
@Lala, thanks. Hope to teach you one day.