A SUCCESSFUL chef served mouth-watering meals for an exclusive dining experience with the help of Colchester culinary students.
A special dinner was held at the Balkerne restaurant at Colchester Institute in Sheepen Road, on Thursday.
The seven-course taster menu was designed by Tom Booton, a previous student at the college who is the head chef of The Grill at The Dorchester, in Park Lane, London.
Tom was joined by fellow Colchester Institute alumna Sophie O’Keefe alongside current staff and students.
During the service, Tom highlighted his skills when it comes to creating modern cuisine.
Some of the courses included lamb with stuffed potato and chive mayonnaise, Koffmans 'Squid Bolognese' Basil and beef tartare with radish, oxtail, and confit yolk.
Tom’s journey began at the age of 15 after completing work experience at Le Talbooth in Dedham.
At 24, he became head chef at the Westbury, and now at his latest role at the prestigious The Grill at The Dorchester, he is helping inspire the future generation of chefs.
Tom said: “It’s nice to be back in Colchester and inspire the next generation of chefs.
“I look forward to working with Colchester Institute students again in the future.”
During the service, Colchester Institute Level 3 professional chef students worked in the Kitchen to prepare, cook and serve the food, giving them an excellent opportunity to learn from Tom.
The chefs were supported by Level 2 and 3 Hospitality students to serve members of the public their food and drinks at the Balkerne Restaurant.
Sophie O'Keeffe, Colchester Institute alumna and chef at The Grill at The Dorchester, said: “During my time at the College, I made great connections in the industry.
“I was fortunate enough to gain some work experience with Tom after his visit to the college.
“I was so inspired and excited to work with him at The Dorchester.”
Anyone interested in dining at the college restaurant, the Balkerne is open during term-time for lunch from Wednesday to Friday.
It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays for dinner.
To find out more and book a table, visit colchester.ac.uk/open-to-the-public/restaurants.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here