Golden Rolling Pin Awarded to Ledbury Restaurant for Guest Defense during London 2011 Riots

Your Culinary World is proud to award a Golden Rolling Pin to Australia's Chef Brett Graham and his staff for their valiant defense of their guests and kitchen during the sadly still occurring London Riots.

Diners were enjoying dinner at The Ledbury in the affluent west London suburb of Notting Hill when 50 to 60 rioters smashed their way into the restaurant with machetes, knives and cricket bats. They demanded that the stunned diners hand over their wallets, cellphones and wedding rings.

As soon as the staff realized what was happening, they charged the looters with rolling pins and any other lethal-looking culinary tool they could find in the kitchen.  

Yelling and screaming they drove the robbers, all 50 plus, from their restaurant back into the street.

They then calmly served glasses of complimentary whisky and champagne to their shaken guests. What style! What composure! For this alone they deserve the Golden Rolling Pin Award.

But the story of their courage and professionalism doesn’t stop there.  When it was realized that the front door had been smashed, making the restaurant’s entrance onto the street unsecured, the staff first sheltered their guests in the restrooms and then the wine cellar, urging them each time to lock themselves safely inside.

Their decision was a wise one. The rioters did return, breaking and smashing everything in sight.

When it was all over, the restaurant’s guests emerged safe and sound to a scene of mob destruction few will ever forget. Yet none of those present could doubt that, first and foremost, the staff had thought only of them during the mayhem that wrecked the once elegant restaurant.

Amazed and thankful, the grateful guests offered to pay for the dinners never served as some small way of saying “thank you” for the staff’s brave efforts that evening. In a gracious response worthy of the great Alexis Soyer himself, the staff declined payment. 

Professionalism, as you known, requires that one never accept payment for a dinner unserved. That would not be honest. What a difference their attitude was to that of the looters outside.  They protected while those outside destroyed.

Bravo, bravo and so well, well done! How truly all those at The Ledbury deserve the Golden Rolling Pin Award for a night of remarkable bravery and professionalism!

One can only hope that one day compassion and hospitality will reign and that all of humanity will feast together at a "table of brotherhood" in mutual peace and understanding.

Post Note, August 26, 2011: Due to the threat of potential harm from the massive approaching Hurricane Irene to the hundreds of thousands expected to attend, the dedication of the Martin Luther King Memorial has been cancelled.

"It is with a heavy heart and enormous disappointment that we announce that, in the interest of public safety, we are forced to change our plans," Mr. Harry Johnson told a news conference today.

Instead, the historic event will be moved to September or October when the skies have cleared and any damage(hopefully minor) to roads and cell towers has been repaired. After years of effort to make the Memorial a reality, the decision to delay the dedication must have been a hard one, but the right one.  Safety always comes first – something every great hotel knows and practices daily.

Post Note, August 22, 2011: As the U.S. begins a week of celebration honoring the memory of Martin Luther King, many visitors to the new King Memorial are delighted that the installation promotes freedom as a universal human right, not merely a singular American occurrence.  Congratulations to the Martin Luther King Memorial designers for their personal courage and global perception.

Post Note, August 12, 2011: Many of Washington DC's leading hotels are working hard to make rooms (and tickets) available for the upcoming August 28th dedication of the Martin Luther King Memorial. If you were not present when King made his famous "I have a dream" speech, here is another choice to be present when history is made. 

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2011

Great Dad Day Gifts for Chef Dads

Father's Day is fast approaching and that makes it time to ask "What the best gift for a Chef Dad?"

Well have no fear - here are fifteen great gifts for that busy professional whose also a devoted dad who needs to be honored and appreciated on Father's Day (and all year long). 

Handpresso Portable Expresso Machine: An incredible new device that lets the lucky Dad make expresso anywhere at anytime at work or at play.

PolyScience's Smoking Gun: A great new kitchen tool that enables the Chef Dad to smoke meats as well as cheese and salad greens inside without the use of an outdoor grill.  Way to go Super Dad!

Ceiva Digital Picture Frame: This is the perfect oh-so modern updated version of the framed family picture that every loving Dad has on his desk - but with a great twist. Thanks to digital technology the loving Dad can now easily transfer pictures from his iphone or computer to this frame. The images can be viewed in a still or slideshow format.      

Taylor Digital Measuring Cup & Scale: European or Stateside measurements? Weight or ounces? Measuring cup or scale? Now the Chef Dad can easily have both with the very useful Taylor combination cup-scale. Any recipe can now easily be used AND enjoyed! 

Vacu Vin Instant Marinator: This is an ideal time and flavor saver for the Chef Dad whose days involve long hours. Simply put the meat and marinade in the container and remove the air with the attachable vacuum pump. The resulting effect is one that opens the meat's pores deeper, quicker and so enables the marinate to enter faster and deeper. The flavor (and ease) is something Dad will enjoy all year long.  

Niki Segnit's The Flavor Theasurus: Subtitled "A Compendium of Pairings, Recipes and Ideas for the Creative Cook", this remarkable book is a great idea-generator for the Chef Dad who enjoys the new and the creative. It's a must-have for any Chef Dad's library.

Joseph Joseph Index Chopping Boards: As they say, safe is better then sorry. And that's as true at home as in the professional kitchen. Joseph Joseph (yes, that is the real design firm's name) has crafted the solution to the problem of cross-contamination while preparing food - just use the correct index cutting board. What a great idea AND gift! 

The Big Green Egg: Nothing cooks like the Big Green Egg. Originally imported from Japan, it now sports a space age finish and wealth of amazing accessories that will enable the Chef Dad to do just about any form of cooking outside. And the flavor - unmatchable. (P.S. - be sure to check out the public Egg cookouts in your area.  They're 'egg-citing' events for the whole family! 

Berti Knives with Individualized Magnetized Insieme Wooden Blocks: Technology is great, but let's not forget the value (and resulting skill) that tradition honors. Berti Knives, crafted by Italian masters for over a hundred years, are a perfect example of why the best often comes with a legacy of craft and tradition. These are elegant knives, beloved by many major chefs. and each has an individual wooden holder that easily snaps to the next holder's magnetized side. Now that's a great design that works!    

Teroforma Whiskey Rocks: Many a Chef Dad enjoys a glass of premiere whiskey or scotch on the rocks at the end of a long day. But as the beverage chills, the ice melts and that expensive whiskey is slow but surely getting deluted. Now there's an answer - whiskey rocks!  Just chill, add and enjoy - now that's a great idea (and gift)!   

Aeropress Coffee Maker: A traditional cup of joe can be a mess to make what with a hot pot, messy coffee grounds and lots of leftover wasted brew. But have no fear, science (or rather a thoughtful scientist) has an answer: the easy to use Aeropress Cofee Maker. Simply measure the small amount of coffee neede for a single cup, add water and press the plunger down. The result is a cup of gourmet coffee that any Chef Dad will cheer. 

Cuisipro Ice Cream Scoop & Stack Scoop: There are those Chef Dads who love a dessert but were not, well, ever cut out to be a pastry chef. Yet they love a sweet at the end of the day (or evening). Ice cream's a perfect solution but why not make it more than a melting mess in a bowl. With Cuisipro's Scoop and Stack, it's easy to cut picture-perfect circles. Just drizzle with syrup and life's great no matter the hour or the day.      

Bamboo Bowls from MOMA: Tableware has become a statement of style these days as evidenced by the fact that many museum gift shops sell it as a kitchen collectable. Some of the loveliest bowls are those available from the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. Their bowls are stunning, support sustainablity and make an unforgettable Dad's Day Gift.  

SodaStream Soda Maker: Want a soda at the end of the day but suddenly find that you're out? No Chef Dad will ever have that problem if he has a Soda Stream.  Just add water to the bottle, charge the liquid, remove and then add a favorite soda syrup (or leave plain). The flavor's outstanding and resulting beverage costs only pennies to make. Fantastic bargain all year long and there're no endless supply of empty soda bottles for the busy Chef Dad to drag out to the recycling bend! Hurray for easier days!

Fire Wire Flexible Grilling Skewers: Cooking on skewers is great fun but often a tiesome task if the rods are too long or stiff to comfortably fit on the grill or in the pan. Fire Wire solves this problem for any Chef Dad who enjoys this cooking method. Just load the flexible wires with meats and vegetables then loop and bend to easily fit the cooking surface. This a gift that will get appreciate all year long - just as every Chef Dad should be!

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2011

How the Willard Hotel Made the Mint Julep Famous BEFORE the Horses Ran at the Kentucky Derby

On the first Saturday in May since the year 1883, the “Run for the Roses” has championed horse racing at the famed Kentucky Derby in fair Louisville. Events begin two week earlier with “Thunder Over Louisville”, the largest fireworks display in the world. The Great Balloon Festival, the Great Steamboat Race and the Pegasus Parade all follow, leading up to the fabulous Derby Day.

Yet despite all these activities set to the restless sound of the waiting horses, it is the culinary traditions of racing’s royalty that many remember and enjoy year after year.

Most famous, of course, is the mint julep, a nearly magical drink with an often misplaced history.  The mint julep is a classic American cocktail, long beloved in the South. Yet few know its national fame began, not south in Dixie, but further north in Washington DC at the Round Robin Bar in the Willard Hotel.

Prior to the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, many senators worked tirelessly but unsuccessfully to resolve the issues of taxation, representation and black emancipation that were threatening to tear the nation apart.

One of the hardest working senators was the esteemed Kentucky son, Henry Clay. An experienced hand at matters diplomatic, he often gathered those in conflict over state sovereignty and the issue of slavery together at the Willard Hotel and ordered that his favorite southern drink, the mint julep, be served.

For you see, the Willard’s Bar was actually round so no one and no point of view could hold center court. No individual could dominate from a head table there. He hope that, with a relaxing mint julep in their hand, cooler heads would prevail. Sadly his efforts to reach a resolution failed and a great national war occurred.

Yet many remembered his valiant efforts and when horses, northern or southern, later raced at Churchill Downs in the Kentucky Derby after the Civil War, well, when combined with local traditions, the mint julep seemed (and still is) the perfect drink for the nervous horse owners and the waiting racing fans. So enjoy this liquid classic and don't forget to pick your winner before the buzzer sounds!

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2011

Let’s Raise a Cocktail Glass to Toast Kate and William's Royal Wedding

Members of the hospitality industry around the world will pause tomorrow and raise a glass to wish Prince William and his beautiful English rose princess, Kate Middleton all the very best. But why not do it with one of two cocktails whose ingredients uniquely honor this remarkable couple.

The English Rose Cocktail was specially created by Anthony Caporale, the first U.S. brand ambassador for Drambuie, to commemorate England’s newest member of the royal family.

Drambuie is, of course, an excellent choice because it was originally blended for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland over 260 years ago from a unique combination of aged Scottish whiskies, heather honey, herbs and spices. Indeed, its name when translated means “the drink that satisfies”.

What better invitation can there be for a great cocktail?

The English Rose Cocktail

In a Champagne flute, add:

•       1 Sugar Cube
•       3 Drops Orange Bitters
•       1 oz. Drambuie

Slowly top with:

•       4 oz. Chilled Champagne
•       Splash of Campari
•       3 Drops Rosewater

Garnish with a thinly-sliced strawberry, fanned and floated on the top.

But the fun shouldn’t stop there. Charlotte Voisy, the famed female mixologist for William Grant & Sons USA, has also created a new cocktail that captures the love of London for their newest princess – The Rosie Lee, which is a cockney term for “tea” but this time with a bounce. Thanks to the addition of Hendrick Gin, this cocktail also has a delightful floral flavor, making it perfect for any wedding.

The Rosie Lee Cocktail

Combine and shake together:

• 1 ½ oz. Hendrick’s Gin
• ½ oz. Monin Rose Syrup
• 1 oz. Lychee Fruit Juice
• ½ oz. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 Brief Dash Angostura Bitters
• Lemon, Cut Paper Thin

Strain into an English bone china teacup or elegant cocktail glass.

Then garnish with a very thin lemon slice.

Either way, both are great – just like these two young people to whom we wish the very best – now and always!

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2011

Shackleton's Mystery Whisky Now Recreated by Whyte & Mackay

If you had a chance to keep up on all matters whisky, you know that bottles belonging to the famed Artic explorer Ernest Shackleton were discovered in 2006 by members of the Antarctic Heritage Trust while clearing out over a century’s worth of ice from under Shackleton's hut.

The three aged crates that they found were carefully transported back to New Zealand and slowly thawed under controlled laboratory conditions. Additional staff research discovered that the original distillery which crafted the whisky was now owned by Whyte & Mackay of Glasgow, Scotland.

Once restored to room temperature, Dr Vijay Mallya. the present owner of Whyte & Mackay, sent his private plane and Master Blender Richard Paterson (known in the profession as “The Nose”) to escort three precious bottles back to the home distillery in Scotland.

After carefully sampling the treasured whisky, Paterson and his staff have created “an exact replica” of the original. Unlike the standard heavy and rather peaty late century whisky favored by the Victorians, they found that Shackleton’s whisky was accented by the delicate aroma of crushed apples, pears and fresh pineapples with a gentle trace of marmalade, cinnamon and a whisper of smoke, ginger and muscovado sugar.

Based on Paterson’s success, Whyte & Mackay is now planning to market 50,000 bottles of the recrafted whisky in two to eight weeks starting first in the United Kingdom according to Rob Bruce, the firm’s head of global public relations. After that release Shackleton’s whisky will then be available to the rest of Europe, the United States, Australia and finally New Zealand.

Due to rare nature of the whisky, each bottle is expected to cost about £100 or $160 with 5% of the purchase price supporting the Antarctic Heritage Trust who are responsible for conserving Shackleton’s hut, among other polar restoration duties. The New Zealand nonprofit organization is hoping to receive as a result over £250,000 or $400,000 plus from the offering.

Shackleton was a remarkable person, a leader who never sacrificed his men for the goal of glory or gold. Though famous now, during his lifetime he struggled to find the funding for his polar expeditions and to purchase the proper equipment for his team. He must be smiling that the sale of his recreated abandoned whisky will now be protecting the beauty of the Artic that he dedicated his life to documenting and to sharing with others.

What a legacy – courage, style, flare…and now great whisky.  Well done!

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2011