A Passion to Inspire; A recipe for Success

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Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa played host to a unique 11-course taster dinner on October 25th, bringing together many of the region’s top chefs and young, talented catering students – all working as a highly skilled team to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity.

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The spacious, well equipped kitchens at Stoke by Nayland Hotel were taken over by numerous renowned chefs – including one with a Michelin star Mark Poynton.  Executive Head Chef, Alan Paton,who runs the 2 AA Rosette-awardedLakes Restaurant at the hotel, was delighted to open his doors to his talented colleagues so they could all showcase their skills and produce a sumptuous dinner for over 130 delighted guests. Passionate catering students and professionals alike created an extraordinary range of dishes, from slow cooked hen’s eggs with pumpkin risotto and truffle to poached cod with mussels in curry sauce, to blue cheese and white chocolate bread.

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The dinner was held in the Hotel’s elegant Devora Suite overlooking the lake, and each dish was announced and described by the chef who created it, who also introduced their young team of assistant chefs. The food and wines were all donated by sponsors, so all proceeds went to the charity.  The evening included raffle prizes, auctions, bonhomie and, of course, amazing food. 

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“What an incredible evening, bringing together the best of today along with the talent of tomorrow all in the name of charity. I’d like to thank everyone who made the evening a success and Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa for being wonderful hosts.” said Murray founder of ‘A Passion to Inspire’.

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As a non-profit-making organisation, ‘A Passion to Inspire’ has worked with some very worthy  charities over the past 7 years which has allowed for these very experienced chefs to give something back to the industry they adore. Not only are they able to raise money for a great cause, they are also able to pass on their skills and knowledge to a fantastic team of enthusiastic students.

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By the end of the 11th, and final, course the evening had raised over £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, rounding off a truly inspiring evening for all involved. 

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---About ‘A Passion to Inspire’:

Originally founded in 2009, with the aim of bringing the working relationship between education and the hospitality industry closer together, A Passion to Inspire allows for enthusiastic students to support a fantastic event featuring some of the most revered chefs in the country.

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“I have been involved with A Passion to Inspire from the start. The charity works with over 160 colleges and hundreds of students, inspiring them to create great food and, more importantly, develop themselves in our fantastic industry." (Mark Poynton, Chef Patron at Michelin-star Alimentum   Restaurant, which also boasts 3 AA rosettes.)

 

“Everyone knows that involving young aspiring student chefs in any kitchen will always lead to them achieving success and a definite strong platform for high achievement in the future. At Passion much is done to Inspire young people to hit above and beyond their small goals and ambitions, which makes it a magnificent organisation that aims to help in achieving these goals!! For me it is a joy to work with them and help them help young people on their journey of success." (Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL DBA of Café Spice Namaste.) 

 

With the involvement of people from the entire industry – from farm  - Kitchen -  front of house – A Passion to Inspire helps and supports the future of tomorrow today.