The AA 2 Rosette WinePress Restaurant at the Maids Head Hotel has two exciting announcements.
Firstly, talented Head Chef, Alastair Grand, joined the Kitchen Brigade in October. With the busy festive season now firmly behind he has lots of new ideas he wants to bring to the table.
Norwich born and bred, Ali originally thought he wanted to be a PE Teacher. But a part time job in a local kitchen at the age of 16 gave him the bug to pursue his career as a Chef. Ali trained under several well-known local chefs aspiring to his first sous chef position at the age of 22.
Ali said “My style of cooking is French classics with a modern twist. I joined the Maids Head as I relish the trust given to the Brigade to cook the food we love to produce. I am being supported to strive for a 3rd Rosette which we all want to achieve this year”
He went on to add “The WinePress Restaurant offers a fine dining experience. Diners can choose between the a la carte menu or the tasting menu with the option of a wine flight. Menus champion seasonal ingredients sourced from the wealth of local suppliers on our doorstep.”
When asked about his favourite dish on the new Rosette menu Ali was quick to say “ I prefer savoury over dessert so it would be the Moroccan pan seared lamb rump infused with liquorice, duchess potato, compressed butternut squash, lamb & apricot tagine, liquorice puree, Moroccan spiced jus. A dish packed full of incredible flavours and also looks exciting on the plate!”
Ali loves to travel and to experience the local cuisine. He is also passionate to get involved with the local Food community and to inspire more young people to consider a hospitality career. Since the pandemic, the industry has lost so many good chefs, Ali is keen to try and turn this around.
In a climate which has seen several fine dining restaurants close their doors for economic reasons the Hotel is committed to the WinePress. General Manager, Christine Malcolm said “As an independent hotel we are proud to offer our guests the opportunity of a Rosette dining experience. There are also very few City centre restaurants which boast a car park which diners are welcome to use”.
Joining Ali’s kitchen brigade is Pastry Chef, Rebecca Redwood. Also Norfolk born and bred, she got the kitchen bug when completing her Year 10 work experience and has never looked back.
When asked why pastry, Rebecca said “there is always something to strive for, you never stand still. I love to experiment with new ideas and the Maids Head is allowing me the opportunity to explore and develop these. I am excited to bring a new twist to the Hotel’s afternoon tea experience too.”
Afternoon tea is served every day, visit our website to find out times available.
To book a table in the WinePress Restaurant call 01603 272010, alternatively go online. Remember to request afternoon tea and add any dietary requirements in the notes.