Posted: 10/06/16
Tastebuds to be tempted at fine dining feast
An evening of elegance and fine food awaits diners next week as four catering and hospitality students showcase their talents in West Nottinghamshire College’s Refined restaurant.
Kristen Martin, Bradley Jordan, Ryan Allen and Jordan Mort are getting set to give diners an evening to remember
Kristen Martin, 18, and Jordan Mort, 19 will be graduating from the Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Hospitality Supervision. They will be joining trainee chefs Bradley Jordan, 17, and Ryan Allen, 20, who are both completing the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery for their graduation event.
On Friday (17 June) diners can expect a five-course spectacular courtesy of the talented chefs who have completed their training at Refined fine dining restaurant, based at the Derby Road campus, which students help to run as part of their training.
Bradley and Jordan have carefully researched their own recipes for the evening which will include starters of lemon and rosemary chicken salad, a vanilla-cured confit salmon, belly pork and a pea and wild garlic and parmesan risotto.
Main dishes consist of either duck breast, braised lamb, pan-fried grey mullet or a goat’s cheese and baby spinach pithivier for vegetarian guests.
Sweet-toothed diners will be able to choose from chocolate delice, strawberry Eton mess or a summer peach tatin.
Kristen and Jordan will be organising the front of house duties for the evening, welcoming guests with a glass of elderflower pressé and tables will be dressed in an elegant black and white colour scheme. They will also be lining up a selection of their own cocktails for diners to try with their meals.
Outside of their studies the foursome are busy preparing for their future careers. Kristen has secured a full-time job at the Mangrove Restaurant in Mansfield.
She said: “I’ve come a long way in my three years at the college. I’m much more organised these days and I’ve really enjoyed helping the level one and two students and using my supervision skills. It’s been very rewarding to lead them.”
Jordan, who currently works at the Sir John Cockle pub in Mansfield, is hoping to find work at a Nottingham-based restaurant. He has really embraced working with the public.
He said: “It’s great to get good feedback from the public at Refined. To see your guests happy and returning to us time and time again gives you a huge motivational boost.
“In the future I dream of running my own bar abroad – somewhere like Tenerife – where I can enjoy the atmosphere with my customers.”
Budding chef Bradley has had a passion for cooking since his early teens as he studied catering at school. He currently works at The Junction pub in Sutton-in-Ashfield and is hoping to pursue a career as a professional chef in the industry.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed college. My tutor Mark has been the best – he’s so encouraging and he helps every learner achieve their best and is always willing to explain tasks thoroughly to us.
“I’m really keen to work as a chef and in the future I would love to own my restaurant in this area.”
Meanwhile Ryan, who currently works at The Lion pub in Farnsfield, has hopes of working at a Michelin-starred restaurant eventually.
He said: “I absolutely love food! I’ve always had a passion for cooking and love cooking at home. I’ve had an amazing time at college and learnt so much. Once I’ve passed my driving test I’ll be looking at working further from home.”
To book a table at Friday’s graduation dinner, please contact Refined restaurant on 01623 413629. Costs are £24.95 per person.
