News has just reached me of yet another wonderful achievement for Purple pager Roger Jones's team from the Michelin-starred Harrow at Little Bedwyn. Yesterday's Grand Final of the Jacquart Rising Stars Trophy 2010 was won by a 16-year-old female chef and her female sommelier colleague. We are told that Jaillin Argent, 16, and Heather McKnight, 24, 'produced a glittering display of teamwork with exceptional cooking and wine-matching ability'. For the full story see Jane Parkinson's article on the Drinks Business website.
The winning menu and wine choices were:
Smoked Somerset Eel with Domaine Rieflé Pinot Gris 2008 Alsace
New season milk-fed Ceredigion lamb with Bilancia Pinot Noir 2006 Hawke's Bay
Raspberry Soufflé with Jacquart, Mosaïque Rosé NV Champagne
Roger added: 'Heather will be leaving us in June (with our blessing). She is joining the management team in Heston's new restaurant opening at The Mandarin Oriental. She has 6 months' training at The Fat Duck first.'