Traveling for food is a new passion point with global travelers on the move. In a hats off gesture to the kings and queens of cuisine around the world, who inspire us to eat with adventure no matter where we are, TravelSquire brings you CHEF TALK, sponsored by Le Cordon Bleu.
Meet Tess Ward:
Tess is a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, food writer, author and healthy eating advocate. She works on her own within YES Chef and participates and organizes various events: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/tess-ward-6279665091www.tessward.com – Instagram handle : @tessward Q: What is your favorite dish that you learned to make at Le Cordon Bleu?
A: I think learning the skills was the most useful thing rather than the dishes. Like gutting fish and preparing meat. Certainly a ballotine of rabbit and chicken princess were tasty but the things I remember most were the unusual recipes – like an Italian salad, with a mixture of chopped green beans, radish and carrot in a mayonnaise dressing. Q: Did you have a memorable culinary experience in the city where you studied that you can share?
A: London is full of amazing restaurants and dining experiences. Currently one of my favorites is a Nordic restaurant called Aquavit. That and Best Mangal, my local turkish kebab shop. I love going in for their charcoal cooked dishes. They do amazing Barbecued Quail for less than £15 (about $21). Q: Where in London can someone find a dish or dining experience similar to what was taught at Le Cordon Bleu?
A: For authentic French food I would recommend La Petite Maison (in Mayfair) or Chez Bruce (in Clapham). If you want a more modern alternative check out Gregory Marchand’s food at Frenchie in Covent Garden. Also the place to find the best croissants in London is definitely Olivier’s bakery in Borough Market.
Q: What country or city would you choose right now for a great culinary experience?
A: I travel constantly for inspiration and never fail to go back to the Mediterranean for amazing fresh ingredients and simplistic, classics. But my favorite cities for food would have to be Mexico City, Rome and New York. Q: What is your favorite international food?
A: Probably Greek