Lucky pair take bite of Big Apple's food scene
It's not often Snifter is jealous, but two lucky people from the trade are jetting off to the Big Apple after winning a competition in PubChef magazine.
The title, which is a sister publication to the Morning Advertiser, ran the contest in conjunction with combo products supplier Kitchen Range Foods.
The lucky pair will take part in a study tour of New York this month to pick up new ideas from the city's pub food scene and then adopt ideas to use locally.
High on the list of must-sees on the tour is New York's gastro pub the Spotted Pig.
One of the winners, Richard Gordon, manager of the Swan, a McManus Pub Company gastro pub in Lamport, Northants, is all set to jet off.
Gordon said: 'I'm absolutely delighted to have this opportunity. The phone call to tell me I'd won came completely out of the blue, and it was a lovely surprise.
'New York is at the forefront of the food industry, so I'm hoping to steal some great ideas for our menus.
The Swan is renowned for its food and Gordon said that mixed platters and tapas are becoming increasingly popular choices for diners who want a 'lighter bite to share over a bottle of wine.
'Combos are a great way to enjoy a snack with a friend, or an informal way to share a meal and a bottle of wine in a group, he said. 'This is an area that I will definitely be looking to develop when I return.
The second winner is Michelle Crook chef/licensee at the Castle of Comfort Inn, East Harptree, Bristol.
