Chefs prepare for cooking challenge
Eight chefs will be looking to impress the judges at the annual Chefs' Challenge in Newbury on Saturday (April 9)
EIGHT West Berkshire chefs are preparing to roll up their sleeves and cook a meal in just 20 minutes in front of shoppers in Newbury Market Place.
The Chefs' Challenge heralds the start of the health initiative, Feelgood Fortnight on National Stroke Awareness Day and will see the cooks scurry round the Charter Market buying fresh ingredients beforehand.
Armed with a small basket of their own herbs and spices they'll need to conjure up a healthy meal to satisfy the palates of the judges, which this year include Executive Head Chef, Kelvin Johnson from the Donnington Valley Hotel, Newbury Weekly News chief reporter John Garvey and Jeremy Speed from the West Berkshire Partnership.
The chefs are: Jean-Marc Bidegain from the Compton Swan, Kaewta Canning, who specialises in Thai cuisine, from The Three Horse Shoes, Donnington; Shuheb Ahmed from Lucky's Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Newbury; Justin Brown from The Sun Inn, Drummer; Dan Miller from The Royal Oak, Ecchinswell, head chef Anthony Brand from the Carnarvon Arms, Nattakron Phongphom, from Studio Thai, Inches Yard, Newbury and Graham White from The Plough Inn, Eastbury.
They'll be under starters orders at 9am in Newbury Market Place beside the Town Hall on Saturday, April 9.
Newbury Events Manager Caroline Paus said: “We're spoilt for choice with some superb restaurants and pubs in the area and this year two chefs will be cooking at the same time. It should be very exciting to watch and I wish them all the very best of luck.”
Winners will receive kitchen equipment from local suppliers, Kitchenmonger in Bartholomew Street and a commemorative plate.
Feelgood fortnight is a two week health initiative of over 100 events happening all over West Berkshire. It begins on Saturday, April 9 and will finish on Friday, April 22.
Activities are free and include canoeing, golf and climbing lessons and yoga, massage and reflexology sessions as well as a cycle treasure hunt and lots of seasonal walks around the West Berkshire country side.
For information on Feelgood fortnight, contact Caroline Paus on 0845 003 9953 or email caroline@newburyevents.co.uk
