It has been over 4 months since the first of the two devastating Earthquakes shocked Nepal. After the second quake it left a total of 8,897 dead and over 22,000 injured. As a result more than one in six children in the country are still in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
You will probably remember celebrity Chef Sat Bains was caught up in the disaster too. He was on Everest at the time attempting to break a World Record of the World's Highest Black Tie Dinner... as you do!
One of our Chefs in the main kitchen was from Nepal and desperately wanted to raise some money somehow for the appeal. He approached Executive Head Chef, Kieth Mitchell and a rather novel plan was hatched. The idea of a 'Come Dine with Me' prize was put together. Our Chef and Team would provide, prepare, cook, serve and wash up a delicious dinner at the home of the winners plus 6 guests!
This prize became part of the Auction at a Sportsman's dinner held at the Grand in May. The speaker at this event was football legend, Matt Le Tissier who helped push the price up for the prize! The winner, with a very generous donation was Mr Ryan Heal.
With the generous help of hotel suppliers Ritters, Spring Smokeries, CSP Food services and Covent Garden Supply, Chef was able to put together a delicious menu of Sussex Smoked Salmon, Pink Roasted Terriyaki Beef Fillet and a Trio of Desserts. To accompany a wonderful meal the guests were also to have Mojito Granita, Cocktails and fine wines.
So the day came and much preparation was afoot. All food , drinks and bits and bobs was transferred from the hotel to Ryan and Anne's Saltdean home. With Chef Mitchell were also Chef Carlos Dantas and Chef Yogi Sundaram taking over the Heal's kitchen, Oliver from the Cocktail Bar on duty to to greet guests and pour the wines. Sarah and Marine had the job of setting tables and serving the food. All in all it was definitely an 'A' Team on duty. One of the guests was none other than legendary Sussex DJ, Ambrose Harcourt, so no pressure to impress there then!
Ryan is an interesting character in his own right! Originally of Southern FM and Juice FM he is also Chief Executive of the Rockinghorse Children's Charity which is the official arm of the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital and also supports the Trevor Mann Baby Unit. They raise money for life saving and cutting edge medical equipment, whilst ensuring that children are treated in an environment that is better suited to their needs. For more information you can go online at www.rockinghorse.org.uk . A charity lunch is being held at the Grand next year for this very worthy cause.
So all round, great fun was had whilst still remembering the real reason and hopefully making a difference to the people of Nepal.
Ryan commented after the event: 'The team were incredible. Led by Keith, every one of them made it a night to remember. Needless to say a great time was had by all for a good cause'
Chef Mitchell also commented, saying: 'Everyone saw the disaster unfold on their TV screens and I defy anyone not to have wanted to help if they could, but we are all human and dilutes impact. When I was asked directly for help it was just the catalyst I needed to pull my finger out and actually do something for real. The idea was born and it was no problem at all gaining support from both colleagues and suppliers alike. Ryan and Anne were perfect hosts and all the volunteers had such a memorable evening whilst also having the bonus of knowing they had made a difference in some small but very real way'
Infact, so good was the feel good factor, Chef has offered up the same prize to be auctioned for the Rockinghorse Charity Dinner here at the hotel next year!......