Meeting Michel Roux, Dinner at Le Gavroche & A Global Knife Giveaway

This giveaway has now closed. Thanks to all who took part. Please see my giveaways page for the winners and more prizes.

Michel Roux Jr - Photo from Global Knives

Sometimes it is a hard job being a food blogger; although that hardship is eased when an e-mail pops into your inbox inviting you to dinner at Le Gavroche and to meet Michel Roux Jr.      I thought about it for about half a second and then accepted.   The usual Orange Wednesday cinema trip and 2 for 1 pizza and free dough balls could wait a week.

Le Gavroche

Le Gavroche is iconic, the first and undoubtedly the best French restaurant in London.     I had worked opposite the restaurant for a spell about 12 years ago, but sadly had never dined there, although my boss did from time to time, presumably on expenses, whilst I was paid a pittance.

The overriding memory of the meal was of one of perfection and it left a lingering feeling of contentment, I made no notes during the meal and took no photos.  For detailed and visual account and review read about Pig Pig’s visit here.

A cheese souffle cooked on double cream was as light and fluffy as a cloud, and one of the most perfect things that I have ever eaten.   John Dory with wild rice & chorizo and lobster jus was equally as exquisite.    The fillet of Scotch beef with a red wine shallot sauce and potato was perfection.   Pudding was a cherry compote, peaches and a Kirsch sabayon.   Coupled with canapes and petit fours I should have been far too full, but the amount of food served was just right.

This was probably the best meal I have ever had, which I enjoyed at leisure without the usual analysing and note taking that slightly stops me from relaxing.

As expected service was excellent with the Maitre d’ so efficient, she seemingly was in two places at once.   It was only after the meal and looking at Le Gavroche’s website that I realise that the Maitre d’ possibly was in two places at once, as the position is held by a pair of identical twins.

The highlight of the evening was that Michel Roux, came and sat and talked with us.   I am quite in awe and had been convinced for the entire day that I would say something daft, happily not, and he seems just as delightful in real life as he comes across on the television and in interviews.   I am certain that there is no shouting, no bullying or macho behaviour in his kitchen, as surely his staff share his passion for excellence and give their all so as not to disappoint him?

Global Knives

The purpose of the evening was to launch the Michel Roux Jr Global Knives collection.     All the Roux family use Global knives in their restaurants.    In this age where it seems that every chef has a named range of equipment I have become a little cynical of celebrity chef endorsed and named products.    It seems that the Roux family share this feeling, and it is obvious that much thought has been had, and they have approached the partnership with some caution, and are in it because they truly believe in the quality of the product.

Global knives are made in Japan using a process inspired by the craftsmen who made Samurai swords.   They are moulded from one piece of metal, so there is no seam between the blade and the handle.    The Global G2 chef’s knife recently won the Which Best Buy Awards for the 20cm cooks knife.

I am wowed by my new Global knife.  It is sharper than any knife that I have had before; so sharp that I make sure I am wearing shoes when I use it, in case it gets dropped as I fear for the attachment of my toes to my feet.   It is lightweight, well balanced and a delight to hold and use.   A blunt kitchen knife is a dangerous knife so I am delighted with my new Global.   If you do not have a good knife then please go and buy one, it is worth every penny.

The UK importers and distributors of Global, are Grunwerg, a family firm based in Sheffield.     As well as knives they have a fantastic range of cook, table and servingware.     They have offered me a Global GS-39 Fluted Vegetable chopper RRP £95 for one lucky reader.

As a runner up prize I have one of Grunwerg’s new Out For Lunch Flask, a 0.38l unbreakable double wall vacuum flask with bowl and integral folding spoon – perfect for taking a hot lunch to work, school or for a picnic.    I love mine and will be making lots of use of it.   The winner can chose a pink, green or white flask.

Win a Global Knife Worth £95

RULES

This giveaway is open to all readers over 18 with a UK mainland address. The winner will be chosen using an online randomiser and announced on my giveaway page. You need to leave your e-mail address in order to comment, I am the only person that can see it. Please do not include it in the actual comment as well.

As I am allowing multiple entries the same person may win more than once, in this case I shall pick another winner until there are two separate winners.

I am running this competition on behalf of Grunwerg who will be responsible for sending the prize to the winner. Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

There is one main way to enter and several ways to get bonus entries. You must leave a separate comment below for each bonus entry otherwise they will not be counted.

Closing date: 10pm Monday 22nd August

For a chance to win Using the Global website complete the following sentence   “I deserve to win the Global GS-39 Fluted Vegetable chopper because…”

For a second chance to win please tweet this post using the button below and comment with your twitter ID telling me you have done so.

For a third chance to win please follow me @fussfreeflavour on Twitter and comment below to tell me you have done so.

For a fourth chance to win please like the Global Knives facebook page and comment below to tell me you have done so.

For a fifth chance to win please follow  Global Knives on Twitter and comment below to tell me you have done so.

For a sixth chance to win sign up for the Fuss Free Flavours free mailing list using the button below, and comment below to tell me you have done so.

If you already like, follow or subscribe then comment to tell me so.

Good Luck!

For more competitions and prizes please bookmark my giveaways page.

Thank you to Grunwerg, Global, Michel Roux Jr and Le Gavroche for a lovely evening and my new knife.