We've spent the day at the Michelin Starred Simpsons Restaurant in Edgebaston on their ecole de cuisine experience.

It's been fantastic, a client bought it us to say thanks and give us something to look forward to following our fertility problems.  It's took us nearly a year to find a weekend to go.  Thank you G.

Another client, wanted us to experience the full day which included wine and chauffeured us there and back; thanks M & E.

During the day, we had a chance to tour the restaurant and kitchen before being taken to the cooking school area for our lesson.

We made butternut squash ravioli, tagiatelli, sea bream with potato scales and an apple tart.  The food tasted amazing.

Throughout the morning and lunch service, the Head Chef explained and was proud of where he sourced his ingredients.  The ingredients are the main part of being able to make good food.  

If you want good food start with good ingredients.

You don't have to source them from the places Michelin Starred restaurants do, although you could, Simpsons get the meat from Aubrey Allens in Leamington.  You just have to put a little effort in and go to the butchers rather than the supermarket.

Visit the market for fruit and vegetables rather than the supermarket or get a vegetable box from Five Acre Farm at Raton.  Organic veggies for a little over £7.00 per week.

It's a little more effort but it works out cheaper and the taste of the food makes it worth it.

Darren 'masterchef' Checkley

P.S.  Today's Daily Lent Challenge - an easy one as it's late in the day, 2 x 60 seconds plank.