Seasonal local produce

Posted by Paula Woodward in Cornwall, Food & Drink, What's On,

We are extremely lucky to have such a variety of fresh, seasonal produce during autumn. From hearty root vegetables to leafy cabbages and crumble-worthy tart fruits, autumn’s harvest influences warming dishes that will help you make the transition from our long, hot summer into the colder months ahead.

Head chef Joe Simmonds has taken inspiration from Cornish produce that is at its best during autumn to create our new menus, with many dishes featuring some of our favourites below.

We caught up with Joe after a busy lunch shift so he could tell us about his thought process behind the new menus, and what he loves about autumnal produce:

 

What do you like about the ingredients at this time of year?

We start to move away from the lighter, more delicate foods that we use in the summer, but yet they’re still not too heavy. I love foraging in autumn, not only do you find the best fresh ingredients but it’s also a really fun activity to do. Being creative with food pairings is great as the seasons start to change (we think Joe’s starter of the cauliflower salad with apple is a delicious example of this).

Do you use local suppliers?

Yes, our west country suppliers are some of the best in the UK. Our wild mushrooms come from just across the boarder in Devon, but we’re very fortunate in Cornwall to be both close to the coastline for fresh seafood, and also be surrounded by glorious green fields full of vegetables and livestock.

If you had to pick, which would be your favourite dish from the new menu?

I think it would have to be the pan roasted haunch of venison. The flavours and textures of the dish are really earthy, and it combines some of my favourite autumnal ingredients, red cabbage and wild mushrooms, in a variety of different forms.

 

JOE’S TOP FIVE SEASONAL INGREDIENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR AT THIS TIME OF YEAR ARE:

  • Cavolo nero
  • Celeriac
  • Wild mushrooms
  • Red cabbage
  • Quince

 

View our evening menu for more information, and call the team on 01288 389800 to book a table.