A Star Filled Success! Hospitality Action’s Christmas Charity Dinner 2014

Design Restaurants were delighted to attend the first of the season’s sparkling events on Monday 1st December – Hospitality Action’s now much anticipated spectacular ‘Star Filled Christmas Dinner’. Past line up of chef’s have included Claude Bosi, Daniel Clifford, Paul Cunningham and Tom Kerridge. This year we were treated to the exceptional and award winning talents of AA Chefs Chef of the year Nathan Outlaw, Simon Hulstone of Michelin star The Elephant and star of Channel 4’s Glamour Puds and Baking Mad, Eric Lanlard.

The event was held, as it has been in the past, at the prestigious Park Plaza Hotel Westminster with a Champagne and canape reception provided by Walter Ishizuka of Brasserie Joel. While enjoying the fizz and appetizers, guests were able to peruse the display of items in the silent auction which included a signed football boot of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Guests were a mixture of industry faces, foodies and Hospitality Action supporters.  After catching up with some old friends and new acquaintances we took our seats for the main event. We were lucky enough to share a table with Eric Lanlard’s charming PR lady Jean Egbunike, and the lovely Ellie Mathews of theyoungdomesticgoddess.blogspot.com.

Starter by Nathan Outlaw

Seaweed and cider cured salmon, horseradish yoghurt and cucumber salad

Main Course by Simon Hulstone

Fillet and cheek of beef, truffled cauliflower cheese croquette, salt baked turnip and marrowbone, cabbage puree, Madeira jus

Dessert by Eric Lanlard

Trio of chocolate “cremeux”, dark chocolate brownies with quenelles, “velour” of white, dark and milk chocolate mousses

Wine was donated by Sapori d’Italia.

During the delicious courses the live auction was expertly managed by HA Trustee, Andrew Latham and lots included a tasting menu dinner for two at La Gavroche, a tour of Simon Hulstone’s farm in North Devon including dinner in The Room and Cupcake decorating class for two at Cake Boy in South West London. Guests were also invited to enter the £10 prize draw with such prizes as £1,000 of Conde Nast Johansens vouchers, a Ponti’s Luxury Italian Hamper and one of our own Design Restaurants Memberships. We were thrilled when it was won by none other than Cyrus Todiwala, Award Winning Chef of Cafe Spice Namaste!

High point of the night was the announcement that an astounding £20,000 was raised over the course of the evening. Master patissier Eric Lanlard said: “I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to take part in this festive celebration on behalf of Hospitality Action. Simon, Nathan and I all know first-hand how demanding Christmas can be and I am really pleased that we have been able to give something back to a cause that is so close to all of our hearts.”

Our thanks to all Design Restaurants members who attended and donated. Look out for more invitations to Hospitality Action Events in the New Year!

Hospitality Action is a trade charity that offers a crucial lifeline to people of all ages, working and retired, from the hospitality industry. Whether they are approached by a chef, chambermaid, school cook or bar staff, Hospitality Action will endeavour to support, whatever the difficulty. For more details of the charity and work or events go to www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/  and to take part in their online Christmas Auction please go to www.32auctions.com/HAChristmasAuction14 – but hurry as auction ends at midnight!

Design Restaurants Club is the benchmark in gourmet clubs providing privileges and savings in the luxury fine dining restaurant sector for the well-connected foodie: Membership is £90 (inc) for 12 months or £10 (inc) for 10 days.  See www.designrestaurants.com for information and details of how to join online or call +44 (0) 1276 850581.