Raymond Blanc 
Raymond Blanc hosts Atelier Martell Celebrity Dining Experience in the Window of Harrods
 19 October 2011



Last night, in a world-first, self taught French chef Raymond Blanc hosted an exclusive celebrity dining experience in the Atelier Martell window at Harrods. It was an extraordinary feast and a first for everyone. The menu, celebrating the best of autumnal produce, was as follows:

Nature morte automnale
Autumn still life

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Risotto aux truffes noires et blanches d’automne
Truffle risotto, black summer truffle and white Alba truffle

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Darne de turbot rôtie sur lit d’aromates, fumet de vin rouge
Grilled turbot steak, liquorice, star anise and spices, red wine jus
 
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La ronde des fromages fermiers
Artisan cheeses, chutneys

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Trio au chocolat
Theme on chocolate

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Café pur Arabica, petits fours et chocolats du Manoir
Coffee and petits fours from Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons



Blanc, who created a special four course menu for the event, was joined at the table by a special group of friends including veteran radio and TV broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, model and TV personality Jodie Kidd, entrepreneurial designer Sir Terence Conran and star of The Apprentice, Karren Brady.  Hosted in Harrods iconic Brompton Road window, the dining experience was themed on French craftsmanship and caused quite a stir as passing shoppers were able to view this unique scene from the street. Images of the dinner sent via social media networks made this extraordinary dinner party an inclusive event enabling this private dinner to become one that was experienced by many.



The dinner was a celebration of Blanc’s ongoing relationship with luxury cognac brand Martell and also an opportunity for the renowned chef to highlight his crusade to promote French gastronomy within the UK.



Commenting on the evening, Raymond Blanc said:

“This dinner with Martell showcased and celebrated much of what is beautiful in France that we have come to love; its food, its conviviality, its ‘art de vivre’. ‘Art de vivre’ is an untranslatable expression meaning everything that goes into making life joyous, elegant and expressive...be it the flowers and their complimentary fragrance, the porcelain that makes the food look delicious, the glasses that bring out the bouquet of a particular wine...and of course the fellowship and the celebration around the table. Tonight this dinner party has been a glorious moment to remember...and thanks to Harrods for having the imagination to honour us in staging this unique event in one of the most famous landmarks in the world.”  



Martell’s Master Cellar Master, Benoit Fil, showcased the new Martell Trunk by Pinel & Pinel and was on hand to offer cognac tastings after dinner whilst presenting the rich heritage of the brand which dates back to 1715, when it was founded by entrepreneur Jean Martell.

Martell Ambassador, James Robinson said: “The evening has been a tremendous success and Martell are proud to have been part of this unique experience. I am sure our guests will agree that Raymond Blanc was the perfect host and we look forward to developing our relationship with him as we move forward.”

The Atelier Martell live dining experience was filmed and ‘fly on the wall’ highlights will be shown on the Martell Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cognacmartell  

For more information on the work of Action Against Hunger, cllick on the link below:





http://actionagainsthunger.org.uk/


www.martell.com

www.harrods.com

Raymond Blanc's new book, Kitchen Secrets, featuring recipes from Kitchen Secrets Series 1 & 2 and many more, was published by Bloomsbury on 14 February and is available to buy online from Amazon, from Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Brasserie Blanc, Maison Blanc, and from online and retail bookstores.


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