A Bedale chef has given catering students a taste of fine dining after helping them stage a sell-out culinary event for the public.
Ruth Hansom-Rigby spent two days at Darlington College’s Culinary Arts Academy, working alongside students to design, prepare and serve a bespoke tasting menu at the college’s Glasshouse restaurant.
The restaurateur, owner of the Michelin Guide-listed Hansom Restaurant and a regular on Great British Menu, returned to her home town to mentor the next generation of chefs.
Originally from Darlington, Ruth was herself mentored in her early career by a Darlington College chef before serving her apprenticeship with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts — a charity that works with schools and colleges to encourage young people into the profession.
“It’s fascinating work,” she said.
“For instance, when I was in a school in Masham the children knew all about pheasant and duck because they live in the countryside. But when I went to Luton pupils didn’t even know what a leek was.
“I love coming into Darlington College to help the students develop their skills and help them showcase classic dishes and what is new in the industry. It’s great to get them involved in staging an event but it’s important that they do the bulk of the work.”
The Glasshouse event sold out instantly, with 42 guests enjoying an ambitious tasting menu created and delivered by the students under Ruth’s guidance.
Diners were served rapeseed focaccia and Black Sheep Stout soda bread with whipped Marmite butter, followed by slow-cooked hen’s egg with smoked potato foam, Jerusalem artichoke, pickled mushroom and Madeira sauce.
A cured sea trout dish with rhubarb, blood orange, pickled ginger and coriander came next, before roasted duck with duck leg bon bon, spiced carrot, rainbow chard and pickled plum. Dessert featured dark chocolate, beetroot and juniper sorbet with roasted hazelnut and lemon thyme truffle.
Ruth said the experience mirrored the pressures students would soon face in professional kitchens.
“It was a great experience for the students under real pressure. It is what they will be doing in industry shortly and this will help them get a job,” she said.
Charlie Pattison, 17, of Bedale, said working alongside the acclaimed chef had inspired him.
“Working with Ruth really did inspire me. I have always enjoyed coming to Darlington College where the facilities and tutors are great. One day, I hope to work as a chef in London,” he said.
Senior lecturer Dawn Cobb-Neate added: “We are so grateful to Ruth for helping stage what was an incredible event that was thoroughly enjoyed by customers.
“We strive to make the learning experience at college as realistic as possible and to have such a renowned chef come and work with the students really does motivate them.”
Ruth’s restaurant recently received national attention after a glowing review by The Sunday Times food critic Giles Coren, resulting in bookings being filled for months in advance.
“The food scene is no longer just in London,” she said. “We see clientele coming from all over the country and some staycation in the area as a result.”
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