It was over a week ago now, but I promised a few people who couldn’t make it that I would blog about the most recent Hidden Kitchen events. I had some lovely feedback from my guests (thanks guys!) both on the night itself and afterwards, plus some creative ideas as to how I can make this thing bigger and better… Unfortunately there were no photographers on the guest list this time, and I was too busy in the kitchen to take any pics, so on this occasion you’ll have to make do with the menu and your imagination…

Aperitif: Lillet with a twist of orange rind (for which idea and the Vermouth-style tipple itself we have Marius, one of my favourite restaurants, to thank)

Amuse bouche: Jerusalem artichoke, orange and truffle oil soup

Starter: Roasted garlic, mascarpone and thyme risotto with a toasted almond crumb (served, and cooked, with Italian Pinot Grigio, Sartori)

Vegetarian main: Spiced carrot, butternut squash and goat’s cheese tartlets (care of my can’t-live-without Ottolenghi cookbook) with a fennel, grape and winter postelein salad (served with a French Chinon)

Meat main: Roast venison with a sweet, red wine jus and a ratatouille of winter vegetables (served with a German Pinot Noir from Laufener Altenberg)

Palate cleanser: Calvados, cider and cinnamon espuma

Dessert: ‘Torta alla Gianduia’ – a gorgeous Nigella Lawson recipe for chocolate-hazelnut torte (served with the obligatory Frangelico)

Menu planning for the spring events is well under way, so looking forward to seeing some of you there in April!