WINCHESTER RESIDENT -t16 Aug | Page 19

Student chefs explore Hampshire’s finest fare T ‘‘ wo years ago the talented Andy Mackenzie stepped down from the position of head chef at Lainston House to turn his attention to the chefs of the future. Andy was an obvious choice for the Exclusive Group which owns Lainston House, Penny Hill Park, South Lodge and The Manor House. Andy comes with experience, kitchen wisdom and plenty of flair, but it is his calm and nurturing manner that made him the man for the job. After two years of leading his first cohort through their paces it is clear he has formed bonds that will last. He cares and this means they care. The course is a practical one, with the student chefs visiting producers from across the county and working alongside chefs in the Exclusive Group. A keen One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own www.resident�agazine.co.uk EAT DRINK & MERRY TWO PAGES Resident Aug Sept.indd 19 advocate of local produce, Andy has introduced the aspiring chefs to farmers, butchers, cheese makers on a quest to turn them into passionate and well-informed cooks. Andy explains: “Hampshire is full of quality local ingredients. It is essential that chefs understand the process and hard work behind their ingredients. The student chefs really enjoy going out to different parts of the county and hearing from people involved in the food chain.” This summer Andy will wave goodbye to the first nine chefs whom he welcomed onto the course two years ago: “I suppose they were the guinea pigs in many ways. Our first intake to embark on a course built on ideas and passion. “Well, I am pleased that I can confidently say our vision has ‘‘ ra Eat, drink and be merry Resident 19 15/07/2016 11:34