September sees the launch of Kew Gardens' first ever literary festival; 'Write on Kew'. The glorious grounds of Kew will play host to 80 events covering a range of genres, from fiction to science, and children's to cookery. We were delighted to discover that legendary chef Raymond Blanc OBE will host one of the events at the festival.
The best dish on a menu, according to Raymond Blanc OBE, is ‘one that’s in season’. From his earliest days, watching his mother cook for her family in France, this has been his mantra. On Thursday 24 September the charismatic Chef Patron of Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons will recommend a special seasonal menu highlighting how to make the very best of autumnal ingredients.
Kew is a very special place for Raymond. Earlier in the year he captivated the nation with a fascinating four-part series on BBC2 – Kew on a Plate. Together with TV presenter Kate Humble he was given the unique opportunity to spend a year at the country’s most famous botanical gardens. There he took on the exciting challenge of re-establishing the long-lost kitchen gardens which once provided produce for many royal tables from George II to Queen Victoria.
At the Write on Kew event, Raymond will discuss the joys and challenges of filming Kew on a Plate. Starting with spring, where he learnt about the infamous rhubarb triangle, then harvested rhubarb at Kew before going on to create a superb rhubarb and custard dessert. In summer Raymond faced a minor catastrophe growing strawberries at Kew and made his first ever gooseberry dish – gooseberry cheesecake.