The students benefitted from a master class in fine cuisine from twice Michelin star winning chef, Adam Simmonds.
Adam Simmonds has collaborated with some of the best known masters of his art including Marco Pierre White, Christophe Novelli and Raymond Blanc. He passed on some of his secrets to the college students over two days, ending with a VIP fine dining event at the College’s own Brasserie restaurant on 5th July.
The dishes prepared on the night were all selected from the menu of the Alpha Club MK which is opening a new venue in the city later this year and hosted the event.
The unique collaboration offered students the chance to work alongside Adam, preparing an exquisite three course meal for guests, giving a taste of what members of the new Alpha Club can expect from the luxury private club’s restaurant when it opens. The partnership of the club with MK College for this event cemented the Alpha Club’s commitment to links with the local community, and was a great opportunity for local students to shine, and develop their talents and employability prospects.
Jane Horridge, Director for Corporate and Strategic External Affairs at the College said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students and staff to work alongside a Michelin starred chef, in our own kitchens. It’s the start of a close new relationship with Alpha Club which will bring many such possibilities for them to learn from the best. Along the way they can get to meet club members who will see them at work and may even be future employers.”
Angus Dudgeon, director of the Alpha Club said, “We chose to work with Adam on the Alpha Club Milton Keynes because of his excellence, and his reputation for exacting standards, honed while working at the best restaurants in the country, under some of the finest chefs in the world”.
The senior hospitality team for the Alpha Club is already in place, however the club will be recruiting locally for the restaurant and bar. Guests at the event were treated to the following sumptuous menu:
Starter
Mackerel tartare, oyster, cucumber, horseradish
Main
Roasted rump of lamb, aubergine, black garlic, goats curd, basil pesto
Dessert
Lemon parfit, fennel ice cream yuzu
The move back to Milton Keynes represents a homecoming of sorts for Adam Simmonds, who began his career locally by washing dishes at The Globe Inn at Leighton Buzzard to fund his place at catering college. Having since perfected his skills in exclusive restaurants like Le Gavroche and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Adam’s appointment as executive head chef of the new Alpha Club fits with the club’s ethos of providing a luxurious space for members to relax, network and do business or simply enjoy fine dining.
For more information on how to become a member of Alpha Club, created exclusively for ambitious professionals, please call 01908 354960 or visit the website.
