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May 2009
This month we are delighted to have interviewed Mich Turner, who has been described by Amanda Wakeley as ‘The undisputed Queen of Couture Cakes.’ Mich Turner trained as a Food Scientist graduating with an honours degree in 1992. After working as a Patisserie buyer at Harvey Nichols she founded LITTLE VENICE CAKE COMPANY in 1999. Mich has been awarded Harpers Bazaar & Chanel Entrepreneur of the Year and has written three books available internationally. Her first book - Spectacular Cakes - was voted Best Dessert Book in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. Mich is an accomplished speaker and has recently judged the PUDZ Amateur Pudding Chef of the Year. Her latest book is the fabulous Couture Wedding Cakes which is the Hot Brands Cool Places Book of the Month.Q. Where does your inspiration come from?
A. ‘It comes from different places, but at the moment it’s very heavily fashion led, especially with the new book Couture Wedding Cakes. The book looks at inspirational, iconic fashions from the early 19 0 0’s through to the modern day. From Coco Chanel, the 30’s, very art deco, through to Hubert de Givenchy, the whole 50’s era and coming right though to the more modern day – Vivienne Westwood, Matthew Williamson, John Galliano, Amanda Wakeley – with pearl encrusted designs, pleats, frills and bows. It’s bringing in all those elements of inspiration and working with different media like chocolate, sugar paste or royal icing and using intricate techniques- hand painting to create beautiful pearls and crystals, hand painting colour lustre’s and hand moulding to create sculptures.’
In celebration of the spotlight on Chelsea’s calendar, Peter Jones has created the ultimate RHS Chelsea Flower Show inspired afternoon tea – the Peter Jones Darling Puds of May. Amongst the selection of floral dainties on the menu, expert pâtissiers at Peter Jones have reinvented the Chelsea Bun - with its local heritage and new floral twist, Peter Jones’ Chelsea Honey-Bun captures the essence of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show beautifully in the form of a tea-time treat.
Originally created at the local Bun House on Pimlico Road, Peter Jones has brought the Chelsea Bun back to life with the addition of special floral ingredients.
Lashings of honey produced from mountain heather nectar, described as the ‘Rolls Royce of Honey’ both for its distinct toffee-like taste and its relative rarity as well as sprinkles of sugared rose petals make the Chelsea Honey Bun a blooming marvellous addition to the Darling Puds of May menu at Peter Jones.
If you are looking for inspiration, here are some fabulous ideas for planning your special day, or gifts for the bride and groom. Together with This Month We Love and our shortly to be launched new Wedding category, the Hot Brands approach to Weddings is growing daily!
CHAMPNEYS BRIDE TO BE DAY
For a relaxing pre-wedding escape why not enjoy a luxurious Bride to be day with your girlfriends at Champneys Tring, a pampering alternative to the normal hen do! Prices start from £149.95 per person and the day includes:
• Arrival 9:00am - Departure 6:00pm
• Welcome and Introduction to facilities
• Champneys Massage
• Manicure
• Make-Up Application
• Champneys gift for the Bride to Be
• Unlimited use of facilities
• Up to 20 different classes per day Hot & Cold Buffet Lunch
• Complimentary Robe Hire
To book your stay or for more information please call: Reservations on 08703 300 300 or got www.champneys.com
EXCLUSIVE OFFER
For a 10% discount call Champneys reservations line on 08703 300 300 and quote 'HBCP09' or go online to www.champneys.com and insert the promotional code where prompted.
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