Kitchen Rat

Sacked chef gives his staff a kitchen nightmare

2010-08-23T16:09:09Z

Chefs have a reputation for fiery tempers, cemented by the foul-mouthed TV rantings of fame junkie Gordon Ramsay.

But the c'leb chef's rage is nothing compared to the Florida fella in this video.

Apparently he has just been sacked. And apparently he's not too happy about it. His kicthen rampage forces his brigade to cower in fear as utensils and ingredients are flung in the air, before making a break for it.

But just as you think he might calm down, comes the money shot.

Definitely, DEFINITELY watch right to the end.

Kylie wows regulars with a one-off gig at a Somerset pub

2010-08-23T11:05:10Z

Kylie Minogue stunned punters at the Ring O'Bells pub in Compton Martin, Somerset, when she put in a surprise one-night-only performance at their local.

The pint-sized popster was joined by rapper Tinie Tempah as part of last week's treat for staff at record company Parlophone.

Pub landlord Reuben Goddard said: "The locals were shocked but we all had an evening we'll never forget.

"It's a bit out of the ordinary for round here."

After the impromptu gig, both acts sampled the local ale and chatted with the crowd.

One member of bar staff added: "It was surreal having Kylie play in a normal little pub.One of the strangest gigs I've ever been to."

Tempah performed his number one hit Pass Out followed by new single Written In The Stars. Kylie sang an acoustic version of All The Lovers and finished with her 1988 breakout Stock, Aitken and Waterman hit I Should Be So Lucky.

Hilton heiress to offer everyone a chance of one night in Paris

2010-08-19T10:38:35Z

Paris Hilton has her name attached to many things. Perfume, jewellery, "best friends", even a now notorious sex tape.

But now the fame junkie and former jailbird has decided to go back to her ancestors' roots and open her own hotel chain. One night in Paris, anyone?

According to figures released last year the Hilton heiress, who stands to inherit around £30m, already rakes in a staggering £7.3m a year from her promotional duties including a whopping $150,000 just for turning up to a Halloween party.

The socialite says she has "pretty much done all you can do" and now wants to learn the family business. Apparently it's something the 29-year old has always been interested in.

"Now that I've done everything I've wanted to do, that would definitely be the next step - to open my own hotels."

Really, Paris? Everything?

Turf's Up

2010-08-16T13:31:44Z

I've fallen asleep in enough stuffy meeting rooms after a heavy lunch to be receptive to ideas to make the weekly pow-wow more exciting.

But I'm not sure about Crowne Plaza's latest plan, which is to stimulate creative thinking among its business guests by laying fresh, living grass on the floors of its conference rooms.

The idea, according to Angela Whitlock who has penned the book Walk on Grass, is to remind guests of their childhood and therefore 'free them of societal barriers that restrict creativity'. Which is fine until someone turns up with a football and makes a goal out of two whiteboards. And I can't imagine the cleaning staff are going to be too thrilled when they have to fire up the Flymo at the end of a day.

But what do I know? It's only on for a week (until Friday 20 August) and is being trialled at Crowne Plaza London Docklands, Crowne Plaza Glasgow and Crowne Plaza Dublin Northwood. And if it's popular, business guests at other hotels may decide the grass is greener at Crowne Plaza and switch. It may even start a turf war as others get in on the act! Ok, I'll stop...

Hotel in a field of dreams

2010-08-13T14:43:25Z

Five star? Six star? What about a million-star hotel... but don't expect the standards to rise on quite the same scale.

In fact, you should probably avoid it if you're averse to the odd field mouse and suffer from hay fever but if it's views you're after, it can't be beat.

Carved into a wheat field in the shape of a hotel, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the starry night sky from their beds in 'rooms' costing between £2 and £6 a night.

Monika Fritz, who created the hotel in Germany, told the Metro: "Although some people are rather sceptical, the breathtaking view at night makes it worthwhile to visit.

"The air is always fresh and there is no street lights around here so nothing to disturb the view of the heavens," she added.

"We have a very short summer season - it only lasts about two weeks before the corn is harvested.

"But there are already around 400 reservations and we are fully booked up for the weekends months in advance."

Visit Britain's guide to help us avoid cultural clashes

2010-08-12T11:13:07Z

With the 2010 London Olympics now less than two years away, a new guide for the hospitality industry has been released by Visit Britain. Delivering a First Class Welcome is aimed to help avoid uncomfortable cultural clashes when visitors come to London for the games.

If you thought mentioning the war when talking to German guests was a no-no, then spare a thought for the Mexicans. The Mexican-American conflict between 1846-48 is still pretty raw and a subject that you should steer clear of!

The war saw Mexico lose Texas to the US and despite two centuries on, its still a sore point.

And for you with a flirtatious, cheeky nature, don't wink at anyone while in Hong Kong. It's rather than seen as an affectionate gesture and can be consider rude.

The advice to those in the hospitality industry includes:

MEXICO

It is best not to discuss poverty, illegal immigrants, earthquakes or the Mexican-American war of 1846-48. The U.S. had annexed Texas, which Mexico considered part of its territory. Mexico lost.

HONG KONG

Avoid winking - it is often considered rude. Pointing with an index finger is not advisable as this is generally used only for animals. Point with your hand open.
pugh.jpg

INDIA

Avoid physical contact when first meeting someone. Be tolerant if Indians at first seem impolite, noisy and impatient. This is partly the result of living in chaotic cities
and environments.

BELGIUM

Don't snap your fingers as it could be interpreted as impolite.

ARGENTINA

Pouring wine backwards into a glass indicates hostility. Don't be offended by Argentinian humour, which may mildly attack your clothing or weight.

CHINA

Avoid saying 'thank you' to a compliment. Instead, politely deny it to show humility. If you compliment a Chinese person, expect a denial.

JAPAN

A smiling Japanese person is not necessarily happy. They tend to smile when angry, embarrassed, sad or disappointed.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Arabs are not used to being told what to do. Visitors from the UAE can take great offence if you appear bossy. They appreciate being looked after by staff who understand Arab culture.
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SOUTH AFRICA

Do not be alarmed if South Africans say they were held up by 'robots' - to them it means traffic lights. Don't place your thumb between your forefinger and second
finger, as it's seen as obscene.

BRAZIL

Don't ask a Brazilian personal questions, especially about age, salary or marriage. And don't talk about Argentina - it's Brazil's fiercest sporting rival, especially in football.

SOUTH KOREA

When accepting thanks Koreans will typically say 'No, no'. This means 'You are welcome'.

Read the full article at www.dailymail.co.uk >>

I am back and I have seen The World (kind of...)

2010-08-09T16:10:49Z

Apologies for my absence to the blogging world of late, but I am back and raring to go. So much so you can find me now on Twitter - @thekitchenrat and keep up to date with my latest travels and adventures.

So, what have I been up to? My latest adventure took me around The World. Not the world as in our planet, but this niffty boat at travels around the world non-stop.

It's pitched as Residences at Sea and not a cruise ship - despite it's appearance.

The World is a luxury ship that continuously sails around the world. Some of the passengers live permanately on board in apartments they own, while others join the ship for a month or two at a time.

The voyages are incredible, with stop-offs to every corner of the world. From Iceland to Halifax, Canada; from Bahamas to Brazil, and Brazil to Antartica.

Alas my voyage was from Guernsey to Southampton...

But what a great experience... the suite was amazing, and the food on offer great. On my voyage we had guest chef Mark Jordon from the Atlantic Hotel, Jersey in the kitchen.

The menu for the evening included: Gin and Tonic jelly with lemon foam; caramalised pork belly, seared langoustines, wilted spinach, brazil nuts and jus d'Epice; Summer truffle risotto with fine beans and parmesan cappuccino; steamed Jersey sea bass, crab-crushed Jersey royals, asparagus, Champagne foam and to finish: Lemon Possett and Raspberry naugatine crunch.

Unfortunately for you - I ate it all before I took a photo! Sorry.

If you fancy booking yourself and seeing The World you can hop on at Whitehaven on 12 August, where you can continue to Liverpool, Greenock, Oban, Torshavn, Foroe Island, and Reykjavik. The World next stops in the UK in June 2011...

Bartlett Mitchell 'sold' - again

2010-03-15T11:56:59Z

Bartlett Mitchell is once again the subject of Chinese whispers apparently.

According to the Monday morning grapevine, managing director Wendy Bartlett has sold the business to rival contract caterer ISS Eaton.

But this latest rumour appears to be unfounded.

Wendy laughed when she asked me who she was meant to have sold to this week.

Simon Titchener, managing director at the 'purchaser' ISS Eaton says the rumour probably arose because of a random seating plan that sat the pair together at the recent BHA Food & Service Management Forum dinner at the top of the Gherkin.

"I can only imagine someone put two and two together and made 120!" he added.

Bartlett says she was also reckoned to have sold to BaxterStorey just last week, after she was spotted chatting with William Baxter. Before that it was Compass Group.

Any takers on who she might 'sell' to next?

Lampard goes to court over Marco Pierre White sabotage claim

2010-03-12T10:21:24Z

Chelsea and England football player Frank Lampard is heading for the high courts over a story in The Sun newspaper which alleged he "sabotaged" TV cookery show Marco Pierre White's Burnout.

The story claimed Lampard had behaved in a petty manner by pulling out of the show and persuading the whole Chelsea team to follow suit because his ex fiancée Elen Rivas was also due to make an appearance, according to the Press Gazette.

The 31-year-old has filed a claim in the High Court over the Sun story from 26 January, which was headlined "Visit El's kitchen? Er... no Franks!", and a web version headed "Lampard: It's Murder for Elern's Show. Exclusive."

Lampard argues that story injured his reputation, and caused him considerable hurt, distress and embarrassment. He is seeking an injunction banning the paper from repeating the allegations at the centre of his claim, in addition to damages and aggravated damages.

Great British Menu 2010 - the line up

2010-02-24T16:48:05Z

The Great British Menu 2010 hits our TV screens in a few weeks and as ever we are keen to find out which chefs are taking part.

There have been rumours flying around for a few months as to the format this year and with the help of Caterer's forum, Table Talk we can start to reveal the line-up.

Competing chefs are first judged by a former winner, with one chef getting knocked out. The remaining two have the chance to cook for the judges, Oliver Peyton, Prue Leith and Matthew Fort.

The participating chefs have been allocated a National Trust House, and have to source their ingredients from the surrounding area.

So here it is: The Great British Menu 2010 line-up so far...

London region

Tom Kerridge, The Hand & Flowers, Marlow
Anthony Demetre, Arbutus, London
Tristan Welch, Lauceston Place, London

Judge: Jason Atherton, Maze, London

Central region

Daniel Clifford, Midsummer House, Cambridge
Will Holland, La Becasse, Shropshire
Richard Bramble, Morston Hall, Norfolk

Judge: Glynn Purnell, Purnell's, Birmingham

FINALIST: WILL HOLLAND

NE region

Kenny Atkinson, Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Lee Bennett, Le Pont de la Tour, London
Tim Bilton, Butchers Arms Hepworth, Yorkshire

Judge: Nigel Haworth, Northcote, Lancashire

FINALIST: KENNY ATKINSON

Scotland

Alan Murchison, Paris House, Woburn
Tony Singh, Oloroso, Edinburgh
Michael Smith, The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye

Judge: Jeremy Lee

FINALIST: ALAN MURCHISON

Wales

James Sommerin, The Crown at Whitebrook, Monmouthshire
Aled Williams, Plas Bodegroes, Gwynedd
Richard Davies, Bybrook Restaurant, Manor House Hotel, Wiltshire

Judge: Stephen Terry, The Hardwick, Abergavenny

FINALIST: ALED WILLIAMS

NW Region

Aiden Byrne, The Church Green, Lymm
Lisa Allen, Northcote, Lancashire
Johnnie Mountain, Mosaica Restaurant at the Factory, London

Judge: Marcus Wareing, Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley, London

FINALIST: LISA ALLEN

SW region

Nathan Outlaw, Nathan Outlaw Seafood and Grill at St Enodoc Hotel in Rock
John Hooker, Browns Hotel, Tavistock, Devon
Henry Herbert, Coach & Horses, Clerkenwell, London

Judge: Michael Caines, Gidleigh Park, Devon

FINALIST: NATHAN OUTLAW

Northern Ireland

Niall McKenna, James Street South, Belfast
Brian McCann, Shu restaurant, Belfast
Derek Creagh, formerly of Deane's restaurant

Judge: Richard Corrigan, Corrigan's, Mayfair

FINALIST: NIALL McKENNA

Keep up to date with more news and gossip on The Great British Menu on Table Talk >>

Spend a night with Twilight hearthrob Edward Cullen

2010-01-05T14:39:28Z

Calling all fans of the Twilight triology, US hotel is cashing in on the phenomenon and has opened six Twilight themed rooms.

The Pacific Inn Motel, in Forks Washington (where the books are based) has dedicated these rooms to harden fans of the vampire novels and movies.

Sadly for the female fans, there is no sign of the hero himself.

Guests will have to settle for the gothic themed rooms with red and black walls, black curtains, red lampshades and framed Twilight posters on the walls.

The bedding is also black and red, with a floral pattern, and there are even pillows with some of the characters on! And if that wasn't enough, the bathroom has a black shower curtain and black towels with red Twilight logos embroidered on them.

Is it me, or are these rooms startint to sounds more like a teenage girl's bedroom, not a hotel room!

You can check out photos of the room by clicking here. Let us know what you think?

How did Apple appear on the menu of a Blackberry sponsored event?

2009-12-08T11:19:44Z

A friend of Kitchen Rat recently attended an event sponsored by mobile technology giant Blackberry.

Despite the success of the event, eyebrows were raised at the pudding on offer to guests.

When you consider Blackberry's biggest market threat in recent years has been the hugely successful iPhone, it begs the question: who's idea was it to serve apple and blackberry crumble for dessert?

A catering faux-pas or a pastry chef with a sense of humour?

The classic pud is one of the few ocassions these two brand giants are ever likely to be bedfellows, if the following two videos are anything to go by.

No more ministers at Artizian

2009-10-20T11:19:18Z

Bizarre job titles are made more traditional at Berkshire based contract caterer Artizian after it lost faith in the title 'minister'.

The firm said the "negative slant and connotation" now associated with the title 'minister' prompted the change.

"Whereas in the past it was regarded as an esteemed position and one to look up to, due to our government this appears no longer to be the case," it added.

New job titles, taking into account the "need for greater clarity on the roles", have been announced.

Pauline Vallance, previously minister of calm, is now senior manager - HR & team player insight
Martin Dibben, previously minister of excellence, is now senior manager - food & procurement insight
Kenny Tranquille, previously nutritional therapist, is now simply a nutritionist
Judith Owen previously consultant minister of fun & development, is now training partner

This Kitchen Rat can't help thinking that Judith must have been disappointed by the change.

Who wouldn't want to be the minister of fun?

James Martin cycling 'terror' prompts Twitter fury

2009-09-16T10:01:07Z

Celebrity chef James Martin has been forced to apologise for creating "sheer terror" for a group of cyclists while test driving a car.

The Saturday Kitchen presenter, who is known for his love of fast sports car said in his Mail on Sunday column, "that he had intentionally forced them into a hedge as he turned a corner" and it was the best thing he had "ever seen in my rear-view mirror". He also spoke of his "hate" for cyclists in the article.

Not only have these comments sparked fury from cycling groups, but users of social networking tool Twitter have also been tweeting their thoughts on the issue.

Needless to say, tweets have not been that complimentary with comments such as:

"James Martin, what a total c**k - http://tinyurl.com/mfrn8g - over rated no hope z-list chef too no"

"Sorry, my arse! James Martin sorry for cycling 'terror' http://bit.ly/Romrl Another reason to hurl bricks at the TV on a Sat morning"

"See that the 'I hate James Martin' fbook group has been renamed 'why does James Martin hate cyclists"

"I'm thinking of blasting James Martin with a foghorn as he takes a massive hot dish from an oven. Be a laugh for any cyclists I reckon!"

To read more on what people are saying click here.

Hungry for hospital food?

2009-09-15T13:56:58Z

Hospital food has long had a less-than savoury reputation in the UK.

It turns out it's a gripe shared by patients across the globe.

A scroll through Hospital Food reveals a broad selection nutrionally balanced dishes of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and fibre that have never looked so unappealing.

Tales and photos of hospital mealtime treats are invited by the blog owner Reno Dehareng, a social worker from Brussels.

Visual delights include a dish made almost entirely of soggy, boiled carrots; unidentifiable meat; and a bacon and canned spaghetti combo that looks like it's made a two-way journey through a patient's intestines.

It's not all bad though. The bacon wrapped carrot batons and green beans served in Greece look top notch and a three course feast served in a Paris hospital is awarded five stars.

Top prize for appetising grub must surely go to the pancake breakfast on offer in Michigan, USA.

Who wouldn't want to wake up to this when trudging the road to recovery?

But part of a healthy, balanced diet? Well... perhaps not everyday.