COOKED TO PERFECTION Michelin-trained Loic Gratadoux, chef and founder of Frenchman in the Kitchen, has noted a growing demand for his private chef services amongst couples and their families seeking to take the stress out of the days leading up to weddings. He comments, “More and more couples with a love of good food are booking my services for two to three days before their wedding. It’s not just the big day they’re thinking about, but the exciting – and, let’s face it, slightly stressful – days when couples often have family staying with them or nearby. I provide a full-day Personal Chef service, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner as required (as healthy or as indulgent as they like), and I always ensure that everything is kept clean and tidy. Some couples choose to write their menus, some prefer me to provide a sample menu to guide their choices, and some of my more adventurous clients want me to surprise them with the best seasonal produce I can find to create wow gastronomic delights. If the bride has a favourite dish she wants to be served on the eve of the wedding, I will ensure it’s the best version of that dish she’s ever tasted.” For couples, or often parents of brides or grooms, seeking a memorable special meal for their closest loved ones, the supplier also offers luxury private dining services for groups of six and above. With several menus to choose from or the option to go bespoke, Loic can adapt to pretty much any setting as long as there’s a kitchen! He’s so proud of the 55 5-star reviews from his wonderful clients, which are a testament to the quality of his service and the passion he puts into creating dishes. Discover the company: http://frenchmaninthekitchen.co.uk BIG-DAY BAKES Amanda Reilly at Reilly Cakes is excited to hold consultations and tasting appointments at her new home studio. Here, displaying pictures and cakes will inspire clients to help with the design process. She’s always happy to offer advice, especially when couples choose flavours. Showstopper bakes are about how they look and, very importantly, how they taste! All the supplier’s cakes are individually made to order using locally sourced ingredients where possible. Amanda is constantly upgrading her flavour list and experimenting with different ingredients. A few favourites at the moment include peach melba with pistachio, white chocolate paired with cherry Bakewell, white chocolate and raspberry plus lemon, as well as elderflower complemented with coffee and orange. Choosing different flavours for each tier is a great idea, giving guests a good range to try and making it much easier to decide on flavours. As seen above, a favour list is helpful to accompany cakes when they’re cut up and ready to serve. Many online companies will personalise these, or couples can ask their wedding stationery supplier to help. Discover the company: https://reillycakes.co.uk WOW FACTOR MOMENTS The Lightship at Haslar Marina from boatfolk offers a unique dining experience aboard an iconic landmark on the Solent. It reopens for the summer season with a refined twist on its A La Carte offering and an event series that promises delicious revelry for all, with unparalleled views across the Solent and the historic Portsmouth Harbour. With its idyllic position on the English waters, this iconic venue transforms Portsmouth’s historic 1940s ex-Trinity House lightvessel into a destination restaurant with a 1940s gastronomic flair. The Lightship offers a mid-deck high-end dining experience and a more relaxed drop-in spot on the top deck for seafood platters and cocktails with a vibrant atmosphere and a sunset backdrop. The new menu won’t be the only draw to The Lightship this summer. Locals and visitors alike are sure to flock to the vibrant event series, which includes live jazz, British wine tasting, sundown sessions, seafood BBQs, and immersive experiences. Discover: www.thelightshiphaslar.co.uk www.instagram.com/jwhowardphoto 10
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