GSM HOSPITALITY SERVICES
  • Home
  • About
  • Hotel & Restaurant Support
  • Gill'sBlog
  • Contact
  • St Helena
    • Gallery >
      • St Helena
      • Ascension Island
      • Cape Town

AA Hospitality Awards 2014

25/9/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
CLICK ON THIS PICTURE TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS AT THE AA WEBSITE
I was lucky enough to be invited to the AA Hotel of the Year awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. 
As this coincided with my trip back to the UK to see family and friends I was delighted to accept. 

These awards are some of the most prestigious national awards of their kind with winners categories covering many aspects of catering and hotel keeping.  They are incredibly sought after- as I know from when I worked for the AA Hotel Inspection team.

Picture
Picture
The event was catered for by Tom Kerridge who is the Chef Proprietor of the famous Hand and Flowers Restaurant in Marlow and previous AA Award winner.

Champagne by Tattinger flowed for much of the evening; I would love to know how many bottles they got through as there were over 1000 people quaffing away!


Dinner demonstrated Tom's pioneering spirit with simple names given to quite complicated dishes.  Serving anything to over 1000 people is a nightmare in logistics, let alone feeding 1000 of some of the most capable professionals in the Catering industry including many high level chefs!!
Picture
Potted Shrimp with Smoked Paprika Butter
Picture
Shepherd's Pie with Lamb Suet Pastry
Potted Crab with Smoked Paprika Butter and cucumber chutney was probably the most simple of the three courses with the freshness of the crab shining through the smokey butter.

Shepherd’s Pie with Lamb Suet Pastry with buttered cabbage and clotted cream mash was a triumph in flavour and the aspect of “how did he do this?”………the lamb had been cooked within a ball of crisp pastry which was then served with a whole baby cabbage and some of the silkiest mash ever sampled.  Every guest also had their own jug of rich savoury gravy which again boggles the mind to the number of jugs and keeping everything hot!

Whiskey cream served with a glass of 14 year old Balvenie Whiskey had a riot of colour and texture with honeycomb, blueberries and other fruits suspended in a whiskey flavoured cream dessert.  I didn't drink my whiskey as there appeared to be the equivalent of a glass in the dessert!

 
The awards which followed gave recognition to many in the industry.  Some of the most coveted awards are Hotel of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and Chef’s Chef of the year which this year went to Cornish Chef Nathan Outlaw

The AA Lifetime Achievement award which recognises someone in the industry who has committed their lives to the pursuit of perfection within their discipline.  This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ruth Rogers MBE of the River Café in west London.
 

Picture
Nathan Outlaw and 2014 Chef's Chef Award Winner
Picture
Ruth Rogers of River Café and 2014 AA Lifetime Achievement Award winner
Like many trades the UK Hospitality industry is incredibly small, or it seems so when one reaches a certain age and knows most people in a room of over 1000 people.

It was a fantastic evening and I was lucky enough to bump into many old colleagues and friends although I didn’t quite make it to the 5.30am finish which was when the evening allegedly ended! 
Picture
My goodself with Maureen Mills of Network London and PR Agent to Many of the countries' top Chefs
Picture
Andrew McKleish of Chapter One and Chapter Two Restaurants in Kent and Giovanna Grossi, Head of the AA Inspectorate
0 Comments

Saints go to Cape Town:  The final week

12/6/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Orangezicht City Farm
Picture
Food markets were high on the agenda across the whole visit as it has been identified that this style of catering is cheap and versatile and therefore well suited to this little island. 

The Orangezicht City Farm market on Saturdays has a stunning backdrop at the base of Table Mountain in the area behind the Mount Nelson Hotel. 

The surrounding market gardens supply the market with dew fresh greens of all colours and sizes. 


Veggie stalls are backed up by a mass of home prepared goods such as chutneys, breads, cakes and confectionary.  Food stalls offer Dim Sum, Salads, Paella and plenty of coffee!  One of the most interesting stalls was a guy making ice cream with liquid Nitrogen-.something I have seen done by Heston Blumenthal. 


Picture
Picture
Picture
Moving on from there we then travelled to Stellenbosch where yet another market has evolved. 

On Route 44, just outside of town there is a small village of tents, stalls and a stretch of grass with a stage at the end.  This was the second experience of the combination of live music and food and boy does it work well. 

There must have been in the region of 1000 or more people milling around, eating, people watching and generally enjoying their day.  All age groups and nationalities took advantage of the warm sunshine with no one going anywhere in a hurry. 

Our food experiences that day included representation from the following countries:  Thai Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexico, USA, France, Greece, Korea and of course a Massive hit of South Africa in not only food but the massive array of wines to sample.



Picture
Route 44 Stage and eating areas
Picture
Picture
Simple dining area
PictureUnilever Cooks!!

Monday’s visit to Unilever’s test kitchens in Century City gave us all an opportunity to sample many of the convenience offerings from one of the world’s biggest catering food suppliers.   

We were shown a variety of stocks and sauces plus seasonings and magic things to do with instant mash potato! 


The gang were split into teams and then were given a couple of hours to come up with a meal using a number of ingredients and the Unilever products.

There was no clear winner as all entered into the challenge with enthusiasm, butternut squash had never been cooked in so many ways in one kitchen!

Picture
Is Marissa in trouble?
Picture
Peeling Butternut
Picture
The Last Word in Bedrooms. With Bathroom behind
PictureDebbie admiring the bathroom
The Last Word in Constantia is a small luxury hotel owned by the Mantis Hotel Group. 

This was another opportunity to examine what our international visitors might expect from a hotel and why they might return to that same hotel year after year. 

One of the great selling points of this place were the enormous rooms (Suites actually) with sumptuous and calming décor enhanced by massive windows onto tropical gardens.  As the hotel has only 9 suites, the level of service here is naturally top notch with guests almost feeling as if they are almost family by the time they leave. 



Picture
The Stunning Tree Canopy Walkway
Picture
Following our Constantia visit we managed to fit in a lightning tour of Kirstenbosch Gardens.  The world famous gardens had just opened their Tree Canopy Walkway; a cross between a bridge and a flyover for people to walk above the treeline.


St Helena has many valleys and even more trees, some of which are only found on the island so perhaps some day a budding entrepreneur might think that this walkway would work well. 


The views from this swaying platform were amazing, look at the pictures.  The fact that it swayed was communicated in the notice before walking onto the walkway and I am glad I had read it as you could see the surprise on faces of those who hadn’t. 

Picture
Picture
Picture
PictureShiny Silverware
Three more big highlights to go before heading back to St Helena!  The first was a morning spent at the Cape Town convention centre at the Hostex Exhibition which just happened to be on whilst we were in town. 


This is an annual coming together of the major catering suppliers across South Africa.  It was an eye opener for many of our team and all came away with brochures, samples and one even bought a pizza oven! 


More of these events should be visited by Saints as the concentration of information in one area is a great advantage. 




Picture
One of the many competition areas at Hostex
Picture
Hostex chinaware display
Picture


Our trip to the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa had been eagerly anticipated as we had driven past the hotel at least three times in the previous week and just wondered at the magnificence of the location. 


It must be the most stunning location on the western cape as it is situated around 10 miles out of town on a pristine piece of coastline with a mountain backdrop. 



What more would you need!  

Picture
The Famous 12 Apostles Striped Carpet
Picture
One of the specially commissioned ceramic murals
PictureThe Leopard is carved from one piece of wood and has pride of place in the lounge bar
Numerous awards and accolades have been bestowed upon the hotel and spa in the 12 years it has been owned by the Red Carnation group of luxury hotels.  We could see how well justified they are during the four or so hours we spent in the company of the hotel’s management team. 

One of the most unique things about the hotel is the massive variety of South African Art on walls, floors and even a sculptured leopard in the middle of the bar. 

Our finale to the visit was afternoon tea in the lounge with the stunning backdrop of the 12 Apostles Mountains just outside the window.  We just didn't know where to look...was it the dainty cakes or the view which was the most attractive. 

 Perhaps if I return and do the whole thing again I might just make up my mind. 



Picture
Tea with the Mountain backdrop
Picture
Just some of the afternoon tea served at the 12 Apostles
PictureThe Hotel School and it's ocean frontage
The final day before boarding the RMS St Helena back home was spent at the CPUT Hotel School which is one of the best Hotel Schools in South Africa. 

Our team were shown the facilities, which included a working restaurant and bar area plus fabulous kitchens. 

 A superb lunch was enjoyed which was cooked and served by the first year students….. so a big thank you and credit to them for achieving such a lovely meal so soon into their training.


Picture
Julia makes the perfect Latte!
Picture
Part of the training school's restaurat
Our voyage back to the island gave all time to reflect on the array of experiences and learnings of the three weeks.  There is great excitement to share new knowledge and skills back home and there will be plenty of opportunity to do this.  St Helena being in such a remote location has many challenges ahead.  

I hope that this trip will enable some to consider other solutions to problems and new ways of achieving results.  Time will tell!

Picture
Last night in Cape Town and what a Sunset!
0 Comments

Saints go to Cape Town Week 1

1/6/2014

1 Comment

 
Picture
KJ, Marissa, Debbie, Kim, Bevan, Ettie, Me, Daryl, Julia, Dula and Moira
We have just returned from the long awaited Hospitality upskilling visit to Cape Town.  The objectives were varied although to caption them I would say we were looking at all aspects of the industry with a view to bringing back information, inspiration and a way forward.  This ranged from health and safety through to customer service and food styles. 
PicturePicking up our luggage on a grey Monday morning
10 Saints from all aspects of the industry joined me on the adventure. 
Our expedition was a great success, to the extent that I didn’t have time to update this blog whilst on the road.  The sheer variety and volume of experiences have intrigued, enticed and inspired our group. 

To say the trip has changed lives might be a tad overstated, however the initial signs are pretty positive. 
Cape Town in May can be cold and damp.  
This is a point many of us forgot and I for one spent much of the first week wishing I had packed warmer clothes and especially my socks!

Day one covered a trip down to the Two Oceans Restaurant on Cape Point, this restaurant serves up to 1000 very high quality meals a day in a fantastic setting, miles away from anywhere (sound familiar?).  The difficulties of getting supplies and staff were discussed and comparisons made with St Helena. 
Picture
Bar and Sushi Section with Bevan checking it out
Picture
Outside dining and what a view!
Picture
Inside getting ready for service
Picture
The kitchen runs the length of the restaurant
Picture
Bo Kaap Houses
PictureHot colours, Freezing day!
The remainder of the week was no less informative with a day cooking Cape Malay food in the Bo Kaap area of the city.  This area is famous for its coloured houses.  They were originally painted different colours so folk could locate an address even if they couldn’t read:  the purple house on Rose Street for example.   
Cape Malay food is spiced with many different spices although chile isn’t used in great quantity.  The Cooking was done in the house of a well known local cook who does these sessions as a business.  It was something that intrigued a couple of our Saints and something that could certainly take off at home. 

PictureEttie rolling Roti flatbreads
The gang got to work on Samosas, Roti breads, Chicken curry and a variety of Sambals and Chutneys. We then enjoyed the fruits of our labours at lunch.

Picture
Home Cooked Cape Malay Lunch
Picture
Bevan, Kim and Marissa: Born for better things??
PictureSome of the pastries on offer at breakfast
We also spent a morning at the Cape Grace Hotel on the Waterfront.  This was a highpoint for me as we have had a special relationship with the Cape Grace team and three of my sudents were spending part of their visit working in the kitchens of the hotel. 

The morning commenced with breakfast in Signal, the hotel’s main restaurant.   There was much to be impressed with as the hotel has been voted one of the best in the World!  We didn’t even start to dent the buffet which contained fruits of all varieties, cakes, pastries and breads, cereals and yoghurts, meats, fish, fresh juices and much more.  The choice of main courses is no less impressive with the full breakfast including steak being a favourite!  

The tour of the basement whiskey bar and bedrooms gave the group some idea of the quality at which international Five Star Hotels operate.  The talk by Barry Ross, the Head of HR was inspiring with an insight into why the hotel is one of the busiest in Cape Town and why it receives so many accolades:  it’s all about the customer.

Picture
Breakfast
Picture
Corridor to the loos and part of the wine cellar in Bascule Whiskey bar
Weekends in Cape Town are all about food and getting out and about.  The Old Biscuit Mill is one of the most popular destinations and rightly so. 
Picture


A plethora of foods and drinks can be viewed, sampled and then purchased in a funky atmosphere of music, smells and colour. 

The market has a massive variety of stalls and stands, some under giant tents which was good as it poured with rain for some of the time.

There is everything from cupcakes to pizza to Chinese food and champagne for sale.  Live music adds a carnival atmosphere and encourages people to stop and eat at the long communal tables. 

Prices are very reasonable as vendors have few overheads, quality is high as most food items are prepared and cooked to order.  The place was buzzing to the extent that we spent much of the day there.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Beer Crates and Planks for Seating
PictureRetro dining
.  It certainly gave our visitors ideas on how to start a small food business with next to nothing and what quality can be achieved even though the stall is a couple of planks resting on boxes! 

Wish we had more of these places in the UK although I guess the hygiene police would put a damper on the proceedings………..I didn’t see many coloured chopping boards!


Picture
Wall to Wall food
1 Comment

Cape Town Guest Houses

28/2/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
View from the terrace of the Bluegum Guest House
Having been an AA Hotel Inspector for nearly 10 years, I have stayed in the whole gamut of accommodations offered in the British Isles. 

Favourite visits include the Dorchester and Mandarin Oriental hotels in London who rightly hold their places at the pinnacle of high end hospitality and service.  Lesser known favourite visits were usually to small privately run and owned properties when the owner’s passion to please the customer is reflected in the whole stay.  its the type of service that many corporates dream of achieving!
PicturePeter ordering breakfast with a view!
There was one place I remember in the New Forest where the owners switched the water heating on for the swimming pool so I could have a swim in late September.  They then served me with a fabulous cream tea in response to a spontaneous offer of a hot drink.  Another place I remember well was in Callendar Scotland where the owner offered to iron my creased shirt and served the most amazing Scottish breakfast including home made jams and bakery products.  He then called ahead to a store in the nearby town to check that they had a pottery jug which I had admired.  These places remain strong memories, whereas others have faded into the past. 

We will always remember the fabulous place with the WOW factor.                   Will we remember the place that was just OK? 

Here are two places that I have stayed in Cape Town which will be remembered long after my time in St Helena is over.

PictureBluegum Room with a view
The Cape Town Guest Accommodation scene is alive and well with an abundance of choices across the Western Cape.  There seems to be a higher standard of accommodation, service and hospitality than in say the London or Edinburgh areas.  This is good news for any visitor who would possibly prefer a more personal stay than one in a hotel. 

There are two particular guest houses that I have been lucky enough to stay in.  They stand out as exceptional in many ways:  The quality of the accommodation itself and the friendly unobtrusive service offered to guests are probably the most important. 

The Bluegum Hill Guesthouse is perched on the highest road in the Green Point district; this might mean a £3 taxi ride whenever one needs to go to the waterfront, but that slight inconvenience is blown away by the staggering views across the city from the two patios.  As guests arrive and enjoy their welcome drink you can see eyes drawn through the floor to ceiling windows to the view and the pool on the patio below. 

Air conditioned bedrooms are fairly spacious with very good bathrooms.  Beds offer sumptuous comfort with fine cotton.  The patio breakfast served by some lovely local ladies gives guests a great start to a days touring.  


Picture
Hujus Haerlem Guest House Garden
PictureHujis Haerlem Typical bedroom
Hujis Haerlem Guest House in Sea Point is actually two houses with the gardens fused together giving guests a green space to relax and enjoy when the weather is fine which is most of the year.  Johan, one of the proprietors has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Western Cape and will gladly spend time helping visitors get the most out of their visit. 

Nothing is too much trouble here; bags are carried, tours are booked, wifi connections checked, Laundry, ironing, I have even had a lift to somewhere when a taxi didn’t turn up done.  Breakfast is a highlight of any stay with Johan ensuring that the team retain his high standards.  Coffee is a passion here with a state of the art cappuccino machine in pride of place in the breakfast room.  The whole philosophy here is “my home is your home”. 

I cant wait to return!

Picture
Hujis Haerlem Breakfast
Picture
The room I usually stay in with patio and bathroom with underfloor heating!
0 Comments
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Categories

    All
    Accommodation
    Cape Malay
    Cape Town
    Main Dishes
    P&O
    Recipes
    Restaurants
    Reviews
    Sharks
    St Helena
    Tours
    Training
    UK

    Archives

    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    August 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • About
  • Hotel & Restaurant Support
  • Gill'sBlog
  • Contact
  • St Helena
    • Gallery >
      • St Helena
      • Ascension Island
      • Cape Town