Food Excellence Awards
Global cuisine
James Rogers
Chef patron, the Grundisburgh Dog,
Grundisburgh, Suffolk
01473 735267
?grundisburghdog.co.uk
Tenure: Punch
Dish: Tandoori-baked local rabbit
Why is it a winner? The nuts and sultanas add a slight sweetness to the rabbit.
Background: Special initiatives at the Dog include early diners' discounts - this has enabled James to double evening trade. The rabbits on the menu are acquired for free, allowing maximum profits. James is also a finalist in this year's Knorr National Chef of the Year competition.
Judges comments:
James's dish was very attractive to look at. The leg had great flavour and it's fantastic to see a chef butchering his own meat.
Philip Milner
Head chef, the Orange Tree,
Thornham, Norfolk
01485 512213
?theorangetreethornham.co.uk
Tenure: Punch
Dish: Steamed turbot fillets, leek and Brancaster mussel tagliatelle, curry foam.
Why is it a winner? Simple, light and healthy, with local ingredients and a good balance of flavours.
Background: Philip has been a chef for 16 years and after cooking his way around Australia, he returned to Norfolk to work in pubs along the coast. Last year Philip introduced an al-fresco kitchen and dining experience at the pub.
Judges' comments:
The leeks were well-seasoned and tasty and the mussels were very buttery. The overall appearance of the dish was fantastic.
Jason Howlett
Joint head chef, Ring O' Bells,
Thornton, West Yorkshire
01274 832296
?theringobells.com
Tenure: Freehold
Dish: Mixed Thali - Kashmiri chicken, aloo gobi, lamb keema and chick peas.
Why is it a winner? It has a variety of flavours from the Indian continent, ranging from mild to spicy, and is presented in
fashionable, sharing Thali style.
Background: Jason has been a chef for 17 years and started his career in a Greek restaurant in Bradford. He has also spent time cooking in Cyprus. Indian cuisine is
one of Jason's passions and he enjoys
Thali-style dining.
Judges' comments:
It was good to see Jason tasting his food often, to get the spices right. All dishes were oozing with flavour. Thali is a very fashionable way of eating.
