An Evening of Culinary Delight, Student Flair, and Gastronomic Camaraderie

On a lively evening infused with both elegance and anticipation, we gathered for a most memorable dinner at the Escoffier Restaurant, Westminster Kingsway College — and what an extraordinary treat it was. Titled “A Taste of Gavroche”, the menu paid homage to classic French gastronomy with the refined precision of a modern culinary brigade. And the best part? It was served with charm, grace, and exceptional professionalism by the college’s talented student team.

A Sparkling Start
We began with a delicate duo of canapés — Cheese & Chive Gougères (warm, feather-light, and dangerously moreish) alongside a dainty Pickled Beetroot Parcel that danced on the palate with bright acidity. These bites were beautifully paired with a glass of Bolney Bubbly Brut from Sussex — a homegrown sparkler that proved the English wine revolution is alive and fizzing.

Spring on a Plate
The Green & White Asparagus with Truffle Vinaigrette and a crisp Parmesan shard was nothing short of springtime poetry. Elegant, vibrant, and luxuriously earthy, it was lifted by the flinty minerality of a 2023 Domaine Durand Sancerre — a Loire classic that brought out the best.

Under the Sea
The standout course for many was the Lobster Raviolo — a plump, silky parcel nestled in an opulent bisque, crowned with a delicate lobster medallion. This dish whispered of Parisian brasseries and found a playful pink partner in the 2023 Etoile Rosé from the Languedoc

Main Event: A Triumph in Veal
The Roasted Loin of Rose Veal was the sort of dish that makes you fall in love with classic cuisine all over again. Perfectly pink, resting beside fresh peas and a buttery Pomme Anna, it was blanketed in a rich, glossy Madeira Sauce. The robust yet elegant 2020 Amarone from Sartori stood up valiantly to the richness, its dark fruit and velvety tannins adding just the right amount of drama.

Cheese, Please
Cheese first naturally! Whether your tastes leaned to creamy or crumbly, there was a delicious wedge to match.

A Sweet Goodbye
The Passion Fruit Soufflé rose triumphantly — light, tangy, and perfectly risen — its tropical zing balanced by a scoop of superb White Chocolate Ice Cream. The accompanying 2020 Chateau Delmond Sauternes added a golden kiss!

And just when we thought it was all over and we had retired to the bar – Madeleines and Petits Fours appeared like an encore, proving once and for all that great meals should end with a flourish (but pehaps a second decaf these days!)

A Standing Ovation for the Students
Throughout the evening, the students of Westminster Kingsway College demonstrated professionalism, warmth, and poise well beyond their years. Their service was seamless, their wine knowledge impressive, and their genuine enthusiasm infectious. It was a joy to be in their capable hands, and a reminder of the incredible talent rising through the hospitality ranks.

In Conclusion…
A Taste of Gavroche was more than a dinner — it was a celebration of classical training, hospitality passion, and the enduring joy of breaking bread together. On behalf of all the Gastronomes present, a heartfelt thank you to the students and staff who made the evening so unforgettable.

Bravo, Escoffier team — the future of our industry is clearly in very safe hands