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Our Islington showroom launch event is fast approaching, as well as having the chance to explore our beautiful new Butler design, the evening of the 21st September will feature exciting cooking demonstrations, tastings and professional culinary advice from celebrated Chef Ben Tish. Whilst visiting our stunning new Islington showroom we took the chance to sit down with Ben and hear more on his top tips, food stories and recommendations.
Classically trained, Ben began cooking professionally when he was 17, developing a passion for tasty food and good quality produce. After spending most of his formative career working with Michelin-starred chefs at some of the most ground-breaking London restaurants, Ben has shaped his cooking into his own personal style.
Traveling and working with different leading chefs has certainly changed my style of cooking over the years. I would say my style now is mainly southern Mediterranean inspired, particularly the Spanish and Italian regions. The recipes I have developed are largely produce led, simple ingredients but big on flavours.
Our showroom event will give you the chance to taste a range of various seasonal dishes. Whilst we still have three weeks left of summer, warming autumn recipes are already on our mind.
Autumn is the start of game season; delicious slow cooked dishes that can be left for hours are perfect as the weather cools down. Stone fruits are also in plentiful supply in September such as plums and peaches, which are especially delicious cooked with a few extra special ingredients.
Our Islington showroom is in a beautiful location, tree lined streets with plenty of independent restaurants and coffee shops.
I regularly go to the Pavilion café in Victoria Park as its local; it’s great for a quick brunch! Another favourite is Bistrotheque in Hackney, a chic restaurant housed in an old warehouse serving fresh flavours.
Most recently Ben left his position as Chef Director and Partner for the Salt Yard Group, a group of 5 modern Spanish/Italian restaurants in London, to start an exciting new solo venture.
After 11 fantastic years with the group it was time to take a bit of a break and tackle a fresh challenge. I have always been inspired by Southern Mediterranean and North African influences and flavours. So between my wife and I, we have been working on something exciting for 2018.
A journalist, I’m technically a quarter journalist anyway as I write a regular column in the industry publication, Chef Magazine. I have two books out already and starting to write the third, which is amazing, that will be out in 2019.
Our guest chef, Ben will be at our Islington showroom launch on the 21st September 6-8pm. To book your space simply follow this link and fill in your details as the bottom of the page: www.tomhowley.co.uk/islington-showroom-launch-event
For more information on Chef Ben Tish visit: www.chefbentish.com
Restaurants mentioned:
Pavilion Café: www.pavilionbakery.com
Bistrotheque: www.bistrotheque.com