Local chefs tell us about their culinary experiences and inspiration
What is your earliest food memory?
Originally, I would have to say my grandfather on my father’s side. After he retired from being a farmer he filled his new-found time with cooking and baking. I have very fond memories of large tables of roasts or breakfasts - and I still haven’t had a better Victoria sponge.
Growing up I lived only a few doors up from one of the local pubs in Princetown which was a real Devon institution at the time under the ownership of James Langton. I was best friends with his son who was a similar age. It was brilliant seeing behind the scenes and I was always enchanted by the fast-paced hustle and bustle.
How would you describe your approach to food?
Flavourful! Taste is everything to me, big flavours and something I can see myself enjoying. I love traditional combinations and uncomplicated plates. Nicely seasoned locally sourced food cooked as if you are going to be eating it yourself. Add a bit of butter and what can go wrong.
Who’s your food hero, a chef who’s inspired you?
As a young chef it was always Gary Rhodes. I loved his traditional style showing off British classics.
Locally I’d have to say Dave Jenkins of Salumi in Plymouth. His dishes and flavours are always on point. A real inspiration.
A memorable cooking experience?
I’ve been lucky enough to do some pop-up, takeover evenings at Plymouth city college with Chef Farleigh and the students. It’s always fantastic to work alongside future industry talents. Their enthusiasm always makes it very worthwhile.
Your favourite dish on the current menu?
Currently I love our chicken parmesan roll on the day menu, and for dinner time, our aged rump steak with chimichurri and Cafe de Paris butter served with garlic butter and Cajun fries is a winner!
Our chicken leg ballotine is going down very well, we bone it and stuff it with hog’s pudding from the local butcher’s only a stone throws away. Fried to finish to give crispy skin and accompanied by a chicken fat fondant, chicken butter sauce and smoked bacon creamed cabbage.
A favourite dining out spot in Devon?
I do love a Sunday roast at the Castle Inn at Lydford. If I’m in the area, then a smoked pork burrito at the Little Lodge at Dartmoor Lodge Hotel in Ashburton is a must. Zephyr Burgers in Plymouth is an absolute treat.
What do you love most about Devon?
I love the abundance of passionate local suppliers. It’s fantastic to be a chef getting to work with suppliers and producers that are as passionate about the produce as you are to be serving it. It almost makes the job easy!
A downtime/go-to meal you like to cook at home?
At home my favourite place is cooking on the barbecue! Any excuse to light up the Kamado Joe. The perfect simplicity of a bbq roasted spatchcock chicken is always a winner and if you’ve never tried a bbq roasted rib of beef you are really missing out.
