Caterers for Valentines Day

[cs_section id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 45px 0px; ” visibility=”” parallax=”false”][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_share title=”Share this Post” share_title=”Catering for Valentines Day” facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true” reddit=”true” email=”true” email_subject=”Hey, thought you might enjoy this! Check it out when you have a chance:”][x_video_embed no_container=”false” type=”16:9″][/x_video_embed][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section id=”” class=” center-text ” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 45px 0px; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-color: #e5e5e5; ” visibility=”” bg_color=”#ffffff” parallax=”false”][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px 7%; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”false” class=”man”]Catering for Valentines Day[/x_custom_headline][x_line style=”border-top-width: 1px; “][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”none”]

In our line of work there is no greater compliment than being asked to cater for some one again. After a bout of ill health Mr Jenkins called apon us to cater for him and his wife Nicky, not just to cater for a Valentines day meal, but a complete surprise for her organised from his hospital bed. We collaborated with Mr Jenkins to  come up with a Valentines day meal that Mr and Mrs Jenkins would remember fondly forever!

Clare and I were somewhat flattered that Mr Jenkins thought of us for a third event, as the way that he wanted to surprise his wife on Valentines Day and took it as a great compliment.

Mr Jenkins gave us the brief on what he would like to be on the menu (showing that he truly knows what his wife likes) and we worked with him to create something memorable for them both.

Read on to see what we created for Mr and Mrs Jenkins on Valentines day….

[/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”https://www.sussexchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Table-setting.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 45px 0px; ” visibility=”” bg_color=”#fafafa” parallax=”false”][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto 45px; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”2/3″][x_image type=”rounded” src=”https://www.sussexchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Valentines-day-catering-canapes.jpg” alt=”Placeholder” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” class=”man”][x_gap size=”20px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][/cs_column][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”1/3″][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 0 0 0.15em;”]Canapes[/x_custom_headline][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”none”]With all the thoughtful planning John had put in to this wonderful surprise  for his wife, Clare and I thought we should throw in a little surprise for him. We laid on some canapés for them as a little surprise for John.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 1.25em 0 0.35em;”]From left to right[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list id=”” class=”mvn” style=””][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”Poached salmon mayonaise” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”https://www.sussexchef.com/bens-stage-oakley-court-hotel/” link_title=”” link_new_tab=”false”]Poached salmon mayonaise[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”Sweetcorn and chorizo croquettes (an idea I picked up at Oakley Court)” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”true” link_url=”https://www.sussexchef.com/bens-stage-oakley-court-hotel/” link_title=”Oakley court hotel” link_new_tab=”false”]Sweetcorn and chorizo croquettes (an idea I picked up at Oakley Court)[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”Hot and cold tempura sushi” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_title=”” link_new_tab=”false”]Hot and cold tempura sushi[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto 45px; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”1/3″][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 0 0 0.15em;”]Homemade Bread[/x_custom_headline][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”none” title=”Copy of undefined”]One thing I love to make is bread! Home made bread is one thing that can’t be beaten. I was fortunate enough to get an authentic focaccia recipe from a friend of mine who is a food stylist and this was the perfect opportunity to have some fun with a recipe that had been given to me by a true professional.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 1.25em 0 0.35em;”]I made[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list id=”” class=”mvn” style=”” title=”Copy of undefined”][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”Laura's Focaccia” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_title=”” link_new_tab=”false”]Laura’s Focaccia[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”Wholemeal cumin and spelt bread” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_title=”” link_new_tab=”false”]Wholemeal cumin and spelt bread[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”Homemade brioche” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_title=”” link_new_tab=”false”]Homemade brioche[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][x_gap size=”20px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][/cs_column][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”2/3″][x_image type=”rounded” src=”https://www.sussexchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/valentinescateringbread750x400.jpg” alt=”Placeholder” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” class=”man”][x_image type=”rounded” src=”https://www.sussexchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/home-made-bread-400×750.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto 45px; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”2/3″][x_image type=”rounded” src=”https://www.sussexchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/valentinesstarter500x750.jpg” alt=”Placeholder” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” class=”man”][x_gap size=”20px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][/cs_column][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”1/3″][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 0 0 0.15em;”]Starter[/x_custom_headline][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”none”]John mentioned that he and Nicky love scallops and crab so we put hand dived scallops with fragrant crab served with a mango and chilli salsa on the menu.

We are so lucky that we have such a good fish supplier that can get us local sustainably sourced fresh fish on a daily basis.

With all these top quality ingredients it makes my job easy. I made the salsa using the fresh mango and coriander from  Tastables of Brighton with plenty of lime. It makes such a difference getting your supplies from a real grocer; it really enhances the  flavour of a dish.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 1.25em 0 0.35em;”]The dish[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list id=”” class=”mvn” style=””][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”hand dived scallops, fragrant crab with mango and chilli salsa” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_title=”” link_new_tab=”false”]hand dived scallops, fragrant crab with mango and chilli salsa[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto 45px; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”1/2″][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 0 0 0.15em;”]Palate Cleanser[/x_custom_headline][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”none”] 

After every fish course should come a palate cleanser. It does exactly what the name suggests and helps you go in fresh for the next course.

It is always good to go for citrus flavours to help cleanse the palate, and knowing that John and Nicky like dry wine, we went for the classic gin and tonic sorbet with a little twist of lime foam.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 1.25em 0 0.35em;”]The dish[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list id=”” class=”mvn” style=””][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”Home made gin and tonic sorbet with a lime foam” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_title=”” link_new_tab=”false”]Home made gin and tonic sorbet with a lime foam[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][x_gap size=”20px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][/cs_column][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”1/2″][x_image type=”rounded” src=”https://www.sussexchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Valentines-pallet-cleanser-course.jpg” alt=”Placeholder” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” class=”man”][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto 45px; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”2/3″][x_image type=”rounded” src=”https://www.sussexchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Vennison-main-course.jpg” alt=”Placeholder” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” class=”man”][x_gap size=”20px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][/cs_column][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”1/3″][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 0 0 0.15em;”]Main[/x_custom_headline][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”none”] 

Next was the venison dish. John had requested venison as it was one of Nicky’s favourites, with some chanterelle mushrooms that he had seen in one of my other blog posts (another benefit of using Tastables is they can get hold of fantastic wild mushrooms) that fit the dish beautifully.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 1.25em 0 0.35em;”]The dish[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list id=”” class=”mvn” style=””][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”Local venison with celeriac and red wine jus” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_title=”” link_new_tab=”false”]Local venison with celeriac and red wine jus[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”1/3″][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 0 0 0.15em;”]Dessert[/x_custom_headline][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”none”]For dessert John requested that we put together a trio of desserts. It’s always quite tricky to put together three dishes that trio up together nicely, but we think we nailed it here.

In the glass a limoncello posset with burnt meringue and limoncello filled mini doughnut.
A white chocolate mousse with raspberry spherification.
Finally a lavender shortbread stack with cassis cream. [/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” style=”margin: 1.25em 0 0.35em;”]The dish[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list id=”” class=”mvn” style=””][cs_icon_list_item id=”” class=”” style=”” title=”Trio of desserts” type=”cutlery” icon_color=”” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_title=”” link_new_tab=”false”]Trio of desserts[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][x_gap size=”20px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][/cs_column][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=”2/3″][x_image type=”rounded” src=”https://www.sussexchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Trio-of-desserts.jpg” alt=”Placeholder” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” class=”man”][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 45px 0px; ” visibility=”” parallax=”false”][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text “]What do you think?[/x_custom_headline][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”center-text”]Do you know John and Nicky? Did you like what we did, or perhaps just have a question?
Get in touch below and we’ll get right back to you![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section]