British chef, restaurateur and television personality, Marco Pierre White has been confirmed to headline this year’s Nottingham Food and Drink Festival in August.
Noted for his contributions to contemporary British cuisine, organisers are excited to secure Marco for the festival which sees thousands of foodies flock to the popular event each year set within the stunning grounds of Wollaton Park.
Simon Kimberley of Living Heritage, the company which organise the event said “The festival has a reputation as one of the annual highlights in Nottingham and we look forward to welcoming Marco to the kitchen demonstration marquee where he’ll be entertaining visitors with his own unique style of cooking”
By the age of 33 Marco was one of the youngest chefs at the time to win three Michelin stars, before going on to train the likes of Gordon Ramsey.
After leaving High School in Leeds aged 16 without any qualifications Marco went to London with £7.36, a box of books and a bag of clothes and began his classical training as a commis with the great Albert Roux and Michel Roux at Le Gavroche. Continuing his training under Pierre Koffman at La Tante Claire, he moved to work in the kitchen of Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir, working alongside Heston Blumenthal.
In 1987, Marco opened Harvey’s in Wandsworth Common, London where he won his first Michelin star almost immediately and was awarded his second in 1988. He later became chef-patron of The Restaurant Marco Pierre White in the dining room at the former Hyde Park Hotel where he won his third Michelin star.
Marco worked for 17 years to pursue his ambition, finding ultimately that, in spite of his accomplishments and fame, working 6 days a week, his career did not provide him with adequate returns in his personal life. So, in 1999 tired of being ‘Prisoner in his own world’ he returned his Michelin stars to spend time with his children and re-invent himself.
Television work followed with a stint as the host of Hells Kitchen, as well as the publishment of several books, including the influential cookbook ‘White Heat’
Marco is no stranger to Nottingham, having opened his own chain of restaurants, one of those franchises is the MPW Steakhouse and Grill in the city which he regularly visits.
Seen more recently advertising a certain well known stock cube, Marco states “By working with companies like Knorr it allows me to stand onto a bigger stage and enrich people’s lives..Michelin stars, they’re my past” Entertaining the people of Nottingham will be at the top of his agenda when he visits in August.
Event organiser, Simon Kimberley added “Preparations are well under way for this years festival. As well as Marco and a host of other popular chefs, there really will be something for everyone including dozens of exhibitors and artisan food from the best local producers plus the chance to try some of the best international cuisine too. It is a real family day out to look forward to”
Tickets can be purchased online now from: http//livingheritagefoodfestivals.co.uk/box-office/ priced £8 for adults, £7 concessions, £3 children.
By Tanya Raybould
Editor – NottinghamLIVE
@tanyalouiseray
