And the winner is . . .
By Liz Duncan, 07 December 2011 –
Last Friday night I was lucky enough to be Executive Chef Justin Wood's 'plus one' at the Cumbria Life Food & Drink Awards where he was shortlisted for Chef of the Year.
We were treated to a Bedrock Gin reception (can still feel the headache!) and a three course dinner at Kendal College of ham hock terrine, lamb and chocolate delice cooked and served by the students themselves.
With Hairy Biker and fellow Cumbrian Dave Myers as host it was a great evening of celebration of all the fantastic fine dining and local produce that Cumbria has to offer culminating with Justin walking of with the coveted Chef of the Year award! Up against Paul McKinnon from the George & Dragon near Penrith and Mark Saunders of the Wild Boar Hotel, near Windermere, the judges commented that Justin's ability to retain his 2 AA Rosettes in our flagship Greenhouse Restaurant as well as overlooking our large banqueting operation, Alexanders Pub and our lounge bar put him head and shoulders above the rest.
His magnificent trophy will be placed slightly in front of colleague Andrew's National Young Chef of the Year Award when it goes in to the Hotel's trophy cabinet.
So with two award-winning chefs in our kitchen there's never been a better time to be a diner at Castle Green!