IN THE KITCHEN WITH CHEF SARGENT
BORN AND RAISED IN NORTH CORNWALL, CHEF DAVE SARGENT CAN BRING THE RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE TO THE PINK HOUSE. PASSIONATE ABOUT LOCAL PRODUCE, HE SOURCES ALL THE BEST INGREDIENTS - FROM CATCH-OF-THE-DAY TO FARM FRESH PRODUCE - TO COOK FOR CELEBRATORY EVENTS TO DESIGNING DAILY MENUS FOR A GROUP ON A WEEKLONG HOLIDAY.
What makes Cornish produce so good?
Cornish produce is great because the people that make the products have such passion and enthusiasm but also, we have some great raw ingredients to start with. I love the salamis produced by Norton Barton Artisan Food Village and the Bude Bay lobsters when in season. I always use Cornish sea salt, St Ives smoked salmon and Trewithen Farm butter and cream.
Tell us your dream menu to cook up for a summer evening dinner party?
My favourite summer menu would have to be something simple and fresh. Barbecued fish, light tasty salads, just great fresh produce treated with respect, and cooked, and served correctly. My signature dish on the barbecue is Bude Bay Lobster with garlic and parsley butter, or a Thai marinaded salmon fillet. Off the grill, it’s my fresh ravioli filled with St Ives crab, ricotta and lemon with a roasted walnut and wild garlic sauce.
Can you tell us any hidden gems you love to eat at, and we should know about?
You have to go to the Electric Bakery in Bude, simply the best croissants and breads.
What kind of occasions do you normally get invited to cook for?
I’ll get asked to cook for various events from catering an intimate meal for two on a honeymoon, to a group of 12 on holiday celebrating an anniversary, or maybe I’ll be asked to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a family for a week or so while they are away.
What's the most memorable event you've ever planned a menu for?
I have cooked a lot of surprise meals over the years, I’ll talk to the guest in secret about his or her partner's birthday and I put together all their favourite dishes. When I turn up, it's a complete surprise for them.
To book Chef Sargent for your stay at The Pink House, please contact us, or visit his website at chefsargent.co.uk