number one Balmoral Team wins Sherry Accolade
Craig Sandle and James O' Donnell of Edinburgh's luxury Balmoral Hotel have been awarded first prize in the prestigious, nationwide Copa Jerez Sherry Sous Chef of The Year and Wine Waiter of the Year 2006 competition, which took place in London on 20 February 2006.
The live cook-off and pairing competition, which was part of Le Salon Culinaire International De Londres at the Hotelympia Trade Show, was organised by The Sherry Institute of Spain. The event was judged by a number of leading food and wine experts, including Angela Hartnett of The Connaught, London.
Craig Sandle, Sous Chef at The Balmoral's Michelin-starred number one restaurant, was tasked with creating a three-course menu which was served by number one's Assistant Manager, James O'Donnell. The judges assessed the culinary skills of the Sous Chef, with the ability of the Wine Waiter to match a selection of fine sherries with the cuisine. In essence, an in-depth knowledge of sherry and its culinary versatility were key elements of this competition.
Craig and James's award-winning combination started with Sautéed Keltic Scallops, Chestnut Purée, Apples and Smoked Bacon Lardons, accompanied by Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla. For the main course they served Anjou Pigeon, Braised Brussels Sprout with Flaked Confit Leg Meat, Baby Beetroot, Potato Wafer and Raisin Jus, and a 30 year old Palo Cortado from Gonzalez Byass. The grand finalé was Caramelised Banana and Hazlenut Frangipane, Chocolate Ice Cream and Banana Cream with a Moscatel Sherry from Guttierez Colosia.
The duo was presented with the Copa Jerez Gold Medal, and will experience a trip to the wine region of Jerez, in Spain, as part of their prize. They will also go forward to compete against a number of leading chef and sommelier teams from other key sherry markets in the International Copa Jerez.
Craig Sandle commented: "James and I really enjoyed taking part in this innovative competition, and we are delighted to be awarded first prize. We both look forward to taking part in the International Copa Jerez, and developing our knowledge of sherry even further."
For further details and images of Craig and James, receiving their award, please contact The Balmoral's Press Office:
Emma Offord, PR Manager, Mobile: 07966 628607; eofford@thebalmoralhotel.com
Jessica Trotter, PR Assistant, Tel: 0131 622 8825; jtrotter@thebalmoralhotel.com
For further details on the Jerez Sherry Awards please contact Natalie_Charlesworth@jcpr.com or visit www.tenstartapas.com
The live cook-off and pairing competition, which was part of Le Salon Culinaire International De Londres at the Hotelympia Trade Show, was organised by The Sherry Institute of Spain. The event was judged by a number of leading food and wine experts, including Angela Hartnett of The Connaught, London.
Craig Sandle, Sous Chef at The Balmoral's Michelin-starred number one restaurant, was tasked with creating a three-course menu which was served by number one's Assistant Manager, James O'Donnell. The judges assessed the culinary skills of the Sous Chef, with the ability of the Wine Waiter to match a selection of fine sherries with the cuisine. In essence, an in-depth knowledge of sherry and its culinary versatility were key elements of this competition.
Craig and James's award-winning combination started with Sautéed Keltic Scallops, Chestnut Purée, Apples and Smoked Bacon Lardons, accompanied by Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla. For the main course they served Anjou Pigeon, Braised Brussels Sprout with Flaked Confit Leg Meat, Baby Beetroot, Potato Wafer and Raisin Jus, and a 30 year old Palo Cortado from Gonzalez Byass. The grand finalé was Caramelised Banana and Hazlenut Frangipane, Chocolate Ice Cream and Banana Cream with a Moscatel Sherry from Guttierez Colosia.
The duo was presented with the Copa Jerez Gold Medal, and will experience a trip to the wine region of Jerez, in Spain, as part of their prize. They will also go forward to compete against a number of leading chef and sommelier teams from other key sherry markets in the International Copa Jerez.
Craig Sandle commented: "James and I really enjoyed taking part in this innovative competition, and we are delighted to be awarded first prize. We both look forward to taking part in the International Copa Jerez, and developing our knowledge of sherry even further."
For further details and images of Craig and James, receiving their award, please contact The Balmoral's Press Office:
Emma Offord, PR Manager, Mobile: 07966 628607; eofford@thebalmoralhotel.com
Jessica Trotter, PR Assistant, Tel: 0131 622 8825; jtrotter@thebalmoralhotel.com
For further details on the Jerez Sherry Awards please contact Natalie_Charlesworth@jcpr.com or visit www.tenstartapas.com
