Martel’s Mouth-watering Masterclass…

March 2008 saw the successful opening of Home Farm Beningbrough, the new farm shop, the proprietor Lucy Jackson has seen it go from strength to strength. Keen to follow from the success of her appearance at the Beningbrough Hall Food Festival last weekend, Lucy organised an evening of entertainment for her customers. She arranged a cookery demonstration by Martel Smith from the recently revamped gastropub, the Dawnay Arms in Newton on Ouse to perform his culinary magic in front of an appreciative audience. He chose a three course meal which is currently on the menu in the restaurant and using the finest local ingredients. On hand to help present and provide information was Linda Carter from the Regional Food Group, an organisation funded by Yorkshire Forward and the Regional Development Agency set up to help promote the best of Yorkshire produce.  Linda has been instrumental in providing Lucy with invaluable advice whist establishing the Farm Shop and she was full of praise of Lucy’s venture. “Helping Lucy from the initial concept and assisting her to fight for planning permission, advising on the types of products to stock and where to source them and seeing the success of her loyalty cards has been an absolute privilege. She has worked so hard to get here and is so enthusiastic and full of ideas for the future”

Lucy warmly welcomed everyone. There were loyal locals and some from much further a field. One couple, Ian and Alison Jemison come all the way from Bishopthorpe on their bikes every Sunday. Although they were keen to point out they hadn’t cycled tonight! “Tickets sold like hot cakes” Lucy said “I was worried about how I was going to fit everyone in. It’s a good job I offer a B & B service here,” She laughed “now everyone is sandwiched in, they look like they’re here for the night!” The lucky £5 ticket holders were offered wine on arrival and canapés created by Lucy with local produce. They settled to watch the demonstration which included a wild mushroom risotto, roasted venison in a delicious port and orange jus, followed by a wicked chocolate torte. Martel mastered the art of talking and cooking at the same time without a hint of bad language. Having worked with Marco Pierre White in London, Martel is more at home being hurled abuse at in the kitchen than presenting to a large audience but he certainly seemed comfortable in the limelight. It’s a rare treat for him to have the night off from his own kitchen. Having just celebrated their first year at the Dawnay Arms and with another restaurant in Leeds, he and his wife Kerry work 6 days a week. That coupled with a 2 year old in tow, that’s a tall order.

More entertainments are planned for Home Farm Shop, with another cookery demonstration, pumpkin carving and Christmas arrangements. For more directions and more information visit www.homefarm-beningbrough.co.uk