OLYMPIC TRADE: Masterchef finalist to open restaurant (From Dorset Echo)
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OLYMPIC TRADE: Masterchef finalist to open restaurant
11:00am Tuesday 19th June 2012 in Local News By Samantha Harman
OLYMPIC CUISINE: Claire Hutchings and partner Ibraheem Muslen
A FORMER MasterChef finalist is opening up a pop-up restaurant for the Olympics.
Claire Hutchings, who reached the finals of MasterChef the Professionals last year, is taking over Cafe Vie D’Amour in Weymouth town centre with her partner Ibraheem Musleh.
The pair will be offering a unique dining experience in the St Mary Street restaurant with a set five course menu for £45 a head that will change regularly during their three month tenure.
Claire, 23, said: “Pop-up restaurants are really interesting.
“You can be so elaborate with the menus and have them just running for a couple of days or a week or so.
“I’m hoping us coming to Weymouth will be great for local businesses.
“The business we are working with is a local business and all businesses are struggling at the moment so I think it’s brilliant to bring in the foodies to Weymouth.”
The couple have opened pop-up restaurants all over the country and even one in the Dordogne region of France.
Ibraheem, 25, grew up in Weymouth and studied at Weymouth College. He worked at Moonfleet Manor Hotel before heading to London to develop his career in Michelin Starred establishments.
He met Claire, from Birmingham, at Tom Aikens’ Restaurant in Chelsea, where they were both working.
Ibraheem said: “We work well together. We will both be doing the cooking and will do a bit of serving and chat to the customers about what’s on the plate and the produce.
“We plan to be quite interactive with the customers.”
The former Budmouth College student said he thought the pop-up restaurant would benefit everyone.
“We think that a pop-up restaurant is the way forward.
“We are creating a menu and we can make it as wacky as possible.
“It’s good for everyone. That’s what I think. We want to work with as many people in the community as we can.
“I wouldn’t mind going back to Weymouth College and working with the students.”
Diners who wish to sample cuisine made by the cooking couple are required to book ahead for reservations and should arrive at 7pm for drinks and canapés.
But some local traders have branded temporary restaurateurs ‘fly-by-nights’ who are cashing in on the Olympics.
Patrick Chubb, owner of the Criterion Restaurant on the Esplanade, said: “The council is feathering their own nests at the expense of local businesses.
“We disapprove of anything like this. Our rates are going up every year and they are very, very high.
“Our restaurant has been here 60 years or more.
“We have to try and survive through the winter and all these temporary traders are taking our trade.”
Competition not a factor
COUNCILLOR Ian Roebuck, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s spokesman for environment, said the effect on commercial competition was not a factor that could be taken into consideration by members of local authority planning committees.
He said comments on a change of use application by Weymouth College for 106 St Mary Street to serve food during the Olympics were taken into account.
He added: “Planning permission was granted by the borough council’s planning and traffic committee to change the use of 106 St Mary Street to a restaurant or cafe from July 23 until August 12, 2012.
“Everyone was given the opportunity to have their say about the proposal during a consultation period before the application went to the committee and all those responses were reported to the committee and taken into account by them.”
Comments(38)
YerTisThsUn
says...
1:00pm Tue 19 Jun 12
mrgoo wrote:I agree she did cook some amazing food but who the 'DONALD DUCK' can afford 45 quid a bleedin head,oh sorry obviously you can mrgoo. So this is being dumped on the town for the benefit of the rich Ruperet & Rodneys of the twyachting fraternity. I think tha the councillor's will all be there with brown envelopes open at the ready. I just hope mrgoo has the intellectual ability to converse with these clowns,cause it won't be like a night in Wetherspoon's Swan and a bag o'chips from the Marlboro on t'way home
well, I for one look forward to this opening, she cooked some amazing food on masterchef. wish her the best of luck
stench
says...
1:43pm Tue 19 Jun 12
As long as, for the money, they make it a great experiance, as well as a great meal.
Hope to see local fresh seafood on the menu too :)
ohcetesrod
says...
1:44pm Tue 19 Jun 12
YerTisThsUn wrote:You would be surprised how many can actually afford a meal at £45 a head.
mrgoo wrote:I agree she did cook some amazing food but who the 'DONALD DUCK' can afford 45 quid a bleedin head,oh sorry obviously you can mrgoo. So this is being dumped on the town for the benefit of the rich Ruperet & Rodneys of the twyachting fraternity. I think tha the councillor's will all be there with brown envelopes open at the ready. I just hope mrgoo has the intellectual ability to converse with these clowns,cause it won't be like a night in Wetherspoon's Swan and a bag o'chips from the Marlboro on t'way home
well, I for one look forward to this opening, she cooked some amazing food on masterchef. wish her the best of luck
If times are so tough, why are so many still going through that amount of money on beer and WKD's etc on a Saturday night.
Getting drunk and falling into a gutter is hardly being a 'Rupert & Rodney', more like a 'Shaz & Baz'
stench
says...
1:45pm Tue 19 Jun 12
ohcetesrod wrote:check out judge judy here!
YerTisThsUn wrote:You would be surprised how many can actually afford a meal at £45 a head. If times are so tough, why are so many still going through that amount of money on beer and WKD's etc on a Saturday night. Getting drunk and falling into a gutter is hardly being a 'Rupert & Rodney', more like a 'Shaz & Baz'mrgoo wrote: well, I for one look forward to this opening, she cooked some amazing food on masterchef. wish her the best of luckI agree she did cook some amazing food but who the 'DONALD DUCK' can afford 45 quid a bleedin head,oh sorry obviously you can mrgoo. So this is being dumped on the town for the benefit of the rich Ruperet & Rodneys of the twyachting fraternity. I think tha the councillor's will all be there with brown envelopes open at the ready. I just hope mrgoo has the intellectual ability to converse with these clowns,cause it won't be like a night in Wetherspoon's Swan and a bag o'chips from the Marlboro on t'way home
dont think this is aimed at youngsters trying to have a good time, in a dead town!
ohcetesrod
says...
2:45pm Tue 19 Jun 12
stench wrote:Who it aimed at then, as YerTisThsUn said who can afford £45 per head.
ohcetesrod wrote:check out judge judy here!
YerTisThsUn wrote:You would be surprised how many can actually afford a meal at £45 a head. If times are so tough, why are so many still going through that amount of money on beer and WKD's etc on a Saturday night. Getting drunk and falling into a gutter is hardly being a 'Rupert & Rodney', more like a 'Shaz & Baz'mrgoo wrote: well, I for one look forward to this opening, she cooked some amazing food on masterchef. wish her the best of luckI agree she did cook some amazing food but who the 'DONALD DUCK' can afford 45 quid a bleedin head,oh sorry obviously you can mrgoo. So this is being dumped on the town for the benefit of the rich Ruperet & Rodneys of the twyachting fraternity. I think tha the councillor's will all be there with brown envelopes open at the ready. I just hope mrgoo has the intellectual ability to converse with these clowns,cause it won't be like a night in Wetherspoon's Swan and a bag o'chips from the Marlboro on t'way home
dont think this is aimed at youngsters trying to have a good time, in a dead town!
Some people can, some can't.
alfiesmont
says...
2:54pm Tue 19 Jun 12
stench
says...
3:19pm Tue 19 Jun 12
ohcetesrod wrote:sorry if you cant, but a lot in the town can...
stench wrote:Who it aimed at then, as YerTisThsUn said who can afford £45 per head. Some people can, some can't.ohcetesrod wrote:check out judge judy here! dont think this is aimed at youngsters trying to have a good time, in a dead town!YerTisThsUn wrote:You would be surprised how many can actually afford a meal at £45 a head. If times are so tough, why are so many still going through that amount of money on beer and WKD's etc on a Saturday night. Getting drunk and falling into a gutter is hardly being a 'Rupert & Rodney', more like a 'Shaz & Baz'mrgoo wrote: well, I for one look forward to this opening, she cooked some amazing food on masterchef. wish her the best of luckI agree she did cook some amazing food but who the 'DONALD DUCK' can afford 45 quid a bleedin head,oh sorry obviously you can mrgoo. So this is being dumped on the town for the benefit of the rich Ruperet & Rodneys of the twyachting fraternity. I think tha the councillor's will all be there with brown envelopes open at the ready. I just hope mrgoo has the intellectual ability to converse with these clowns,cause it won't be like a night in Wetherspoon's Swan and a bag o'chips from the Marlboro on t'way home
Just thought it was irrelavent to put down youngsters drinking on a saturday night. you're 18, what do you do? spend your weeks spare cash on a meal or go out and enjoy a few shandies with friends...?
Under35andout
says...
4:28pm Tue 19 Jun 12
AaronGJ
says...
5:00pm Tue 19 Jun 12
I understand that not all people can appreciate what they are endeavoring to accomplish but the few that may understand and appreciate good food, good drink and a great dinning experience should splash out and give them a go.
stench
says...
5:08pm Tue 19 Jun 12
AaronGJ wrote:Assure them I'll be in with my partner :)
The £45.00 includes a 5 course taster menu and several canapés. I think it's quite reasonable for the talent that goes into cooking and presenting these dishes. Bias I admit as ibby is a friend of mine but I know just how much work has gone into the set up of the restaurant. All the produce they are using is fresh and locally supplied. Bought this morning from one of the fisher mans boats. I understand that not all people can appreciate what they are endeavoring to accomplish but the few that may understand and appreciate good food, good drink and a great dinning experience should splash out and give them a go.
212 dorset
says...
5:19pm Tue 19 Jun 12
weymouthfox
says...
5:30pm Tue 19 Jun 12
I'mavoter
says...
6:44pm Tue 19 Jun 12
alfiesmont wrote:What are they giving back to the community exactly ?
What a great asset to weymouth these two talented chefs will be. I think it is fantastic that young people return to their roots to give something back to the community and show that young people are passionate about their careers. Yes it may be more expensive than the everyday restaurant but you have to consider this will not be your everyday meal, how exciting to be able to sample something so unique. I for one will be booking up and as for competition - thats exactly what other restaurants need to keep them on their toes and to keep producing quality meals. I hope these two young chefs are successful and maybe they will be encouraged to stay in this area. Good luck on your opening night Claire and Ibraheem.
I'mavoter
says...
6:50pm Tue 19 Jun 12
AaronGJ wrote:£45 per head ? Crikey not on my 'pegged' wages mate !
The £45.00 includes a 5 course taster menu and several canapés. I think it's quite reasonable for the talent that goes into cooking and presenting these dishes. Bias I admit as ibby is a friend of mine but I know just how much work has gone into the set up of the restaurant. All the produce they are using is fresh and locally supplied. Bought this morning from one of the fisher mans boats.
I understand that not all people can appreciate what they are endeavoring to accomplish but the few that may understand and appreciate good food, good drink and a great dinning experience should splash out and give them a go.
Got to be honest ..... What exactly is a "pop-up" restaurant ?
Pardon my ignorance, sound a bit like the cardboard toy pop-post office I had as a kid, lol.
Genghis
says...
9:53pm Tue 19 Jun 12
Personally I wouldn't be able to afford those prices but I won't use that as an excuse to deny it to those that can.
Lisa J
says...
9:59am Wed 20 Jun 12
I hope I am lucky enough to be taken again!!!
Grockle13
says...
12:49pm Wed 20 Jun 12
It is a treat for tourists and locals alike for a limited period, and part of making the Olympics hopefully a brilliant experience.
You have a unique opportunity to make Weymouth look good and attract return-visitors during the Olympics - why not enjoy it?
monkeydog
says...
4:20pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Ashers 5
says...
5:25pm Wed 20 Jun 12
http://www.cafe-vie.
co.uk/images/stories
/cafe-vie_menu_2012.
AaronGJ
says...
6:16pm Wed 20 Jun 12
ngs.co.uk/events-2/ this is the page that will have the taster menu on.. That other URL is from the actual cafe day trade
greenglasses
says...
8:52am Thu 21 Jun 12
alfiesmont
says...
2:51pm Thu 21 Jun 12
I'mavoter wrote:These two talented chefs have already been to a local school to encourage youngsters in their food technology classes, ibraheem has said he would like to engage with students at Weymouth college where he studied and both chefs have employed local staff in their evening restaurant. Cafe vie d'amour is already running as a restaurant, the currant owners were wise to allow these two top chefs to run a evening menu from their restaurant good luck to them they must be chuffed to have secured these two as the owners will also gain valuable experience which will only serve to benefit them in future months.
alfiesmont wrote:What are they giving back to the community exactly ?
What a great asset to weymouth these two talented chefs will be. I think it is fantastic that young people return to their roots to give something back to the community and show that young people are passionate about their careers. Yes it may be more expensive than the everyday restaurant but you have to consider this will not be your everyday meal, how exciting to be able to sample something so unique. I for one will be booking up and as for competition - thats exactly what other restaurants need to keep them on their toes and to keep producing quality meals. I hope these two young chefs are successful and maybe they will be encouraged to stay in this area. Good luck on your opening night Claire and Ibraheem.
alfiesmont
says...
2:57pm Thu 21 Jun 12
greenglasses wrote:Cafe vie d'amoure is here 12 months of the year. These two chefs are running a restaurant in the evenings I can only see it as an asset to this restaurant, which otherwise would not have been doing such good business.
They say it will bring "foodies" to Weymouth, if it does great but it is the restaurants that are here 12 months of the year that need support... perhaps a few of these places could try doing a special menu at different times during the year...But the problem is that if the foodies arrive we have very few shops worth looking in so money wont be spent in the town during the day. Weymouth has become a town full of food and drink but nothing else!
Weymouth Girl
says...
4:55pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Weymouth is full of different eateries there is something for everyone, if you don't want to spend £45 then you don't have to, but I will!!
greenglasses
says...
6:22pm Thu 21 Jun 12
alfiesmont wrote:I was trying to say that i can see the good in this, and that other restaurants could mix things up a bit by doing the same....BUT there isnt anything to spend money on other than food anymore in town!
greenglasses wrote:Cafe vie d'amoure is here 12 months of the year. These two chefs are running a restaurant in the evenings I can only see it as an asset to this restaurant, which otherwise would not have been doing such good business.
They say it will bring "foodies" to Weymouth, if it does great but it is the restaurants that are here 12 months of the year that need support... perhaps a few of these places could try doing a special menu at different times during the year...But the problem is that if the foodies arrive we have very few shops worth looking in so money wont be spent in the town during the day. Weymouth has become a town full of food and drink but nothing else!
Bondi007
says...
8:10pm Thu 21 Jun 12
alfiesmont
says...
4:18pm Fri 22 Jun 12
greenglasses wrote:Well I have to agree with you on that one ... I came to Weymouth last week and was disappointed at the choice of shops .. I very rarely visit for shopping these days I go elsewhere.
alfiesmont wrote:I was trying to say that i can see the good in this, and that other restaurants could mix things up a bit by doing the same....BUT there isnt anything to spend money on other than food anymore in town!
greenglasses wrote:Cafe vie d'amoure is here 12 months of the year. These two chefs are running a restaurant in the evenings I can only see it as an asset to this restaurant, which otherwise would not have been doing such good business.
They say it will bring "foodies" to Weymouth, if it does great but it is the restaurants that are here 12 months of the year that need support... perhaps a few of these places could try doing a special menu at different times during the year...But the problem is that if the foodies arrive we have very few shops worth looking in so money wont be spent in the town during the day. Weymouth has become a town full of food and drink but nothing else!
I'mavoter
says...
5:33pm Sat 23 Jun 12
Lisa J wrote:Well t would be on opening night wouldn't it, lol.
Last night I attended the opening night at Cafe Ve D'Amore for Ibraheem's and Claire's Pop up Kitchen. It was outstanding. The waitresses were polite, well presented, helpful and clearly hard working. The setting even though you could see was a cafe was transformed in to a very presentable restaurant with beautiful views as well as a convenient location. Which brings me to the food. It was imaginative, beautifully presented and tasted fantastic. I am in the 18-25 years age bracket and local. So I can safely say that their is nothing in Weymouth that compares to the food we were served last night and is well worth every penny. It would be a shame for anyone to miss this opportunity.
I hope I am lucky enough to be taken again!!!
bedpans
says...
6:04pm Sat 23 Jun 12
Bondi007 wrote:So how much did your total day/night out cost you then? 200 mile round trip...£30 petrol? 4hrs parking....£5.00? Food bill....£90.00.. Drinks bill..... £15? Total..Approx £140 ish?? Good luck to you if you can afford it, but there is no hope that this restaurant will last 12 months, relying on local people. cus they simply cant afford it.
My husband and I travelled 100miles to experience the cooking of these two young Chefs. We have experienced restaurants such as Michael Caines,John Burton Race, Hugh Fernely Whittingstall and Percy's in Devon and I can honestly say they are up there with them. I don't think £45 is a lot of money for 5 courses and 4hrs where you can eat,drink and relax without being rushed out of your seat. There's a place for fast food and there's definetly a place for fine dining. I could see how hard these two young chefs worked to get out food that was emaculately presented and which tasted great. I wish them every success
alfiesmont
says...
10:06pm Sat 23 Jun 12
bedpans wrote:It is a pop up, it is temporary. Are you reading anything here or just adding mindless comments. I have been and it was an incredible experiance. I am not rich but would rather go out once or twice and have a great experiance rather than 10 nights being disappointed. Competition is good it drives quality, no surprise there are some other restaurants panicking (Criterion for one) - have they forgotten they are private sector and not public?
Bondi007 wrote:So how much did your total day/night out cost you then? 200 mile round trip...£30 petrol? 4hrs parking....£5.00? Food bill....£90.00.. Drinks bill..... £15? Total..Approx £140 ish?? Good luck to you if you can afford it, but there is no hope that this restaurant will last 12 months, relying on local people. cus they simply cant afford it.
My husband and I travelled 100miles to experience the cooking of these two young Chefs. We have experienced restaurants such as Michael Caines,John Burton Race, Hugh Fernely Whittingstall and Percy's in Devon and I can honestly say they are up there with them. I don't think £45 is a lot of money for 5 courses and 4hrs where you can eat,drink and relax without being rushed out of your seat. There's a place for fast food and there's definetly a place for fine dining. I could see how hard these two young chefs worked to get out food that was emaculately presented and which tasted great. I wish them every success
bedpans
says...
10:50am Sun 24 Jun 12
alfiesmont wrote:The Criterion panicking?? What a stupid comment. The Criterion and this new restaurant are catering for completly different ends of the market. If you wanted quality food, you wouldnt go to the Criterion, you'd go to a proper restaurant. If you want to pay premium prices, you'd go this £45 a head Cafe.
bedpans wrote:It is a pop up, it is temporary. Are you reading anything here or just adding mindless comments. I have been and it was an incredible experiance. I am not rich but would rather go out once or twice and have a great experiance rather than 10 nights being disappointed. Competition is good it drives quality, no surprise there are some other restaurants panicking (Criterion for one) - have they forgotten they are private sector and not public?Bondi007 wrote: My husband and I travelled 100miles to experience the cooking of these two young Chefs. We have experienced restaurants such as Michael Caines,John Burton Race, Hugh Fernely Whittingstall and Percy's in Devon and I can honestly say they are up there with them. I don't think £45 is a lot of money for 5 courses and 4hrs where you can eat,drink and relax without being rushed out of your seat. There's a place for fast food and there's definetly a place for fine dining. I could see how hard these two young chefs worked to get out food that was emaculately presented and which tasted great. I wish them every successSo how much did your total day/night out cost you then? 200 mile round trip...£30 petrol? 4hrs parking....£5.00? Food bill....£90.00.. Drinks bill..... £15? Total..Approx £140 ish?? Good luck to you if you can afford it, but there is no hope that this restaurant will last 12 months, relying on local people. cus they simply cant afford it.
I'mavoter
says...
5:20pm Sun 24 Jun 12
Criterion has been here for donkeys years, enough said.
paulsc11
says...
10:54am Mon 25 Jun 12
Why Not ?
I'mavoter
says...
5:06pm Mon 25 Jun 12
stench wrote:Assure them that I won't.
AaronGJ wrote:Assure them I'll be in with my partner :)
The £45.00 includes a 5 course taster menu and several canapés. I think it's quite reasonable for the talent that goes into cooking and presenting these dishes. Bias I admit as ibby is a friend of mine but I know just how much work has gone into the set up of the restaurant. All the produce they are using is fresh and locally supplied. Bought this morning from one of the fisher mans boats. I understand that not all people can appreciate what they are endeavoring to accomplish but the few that may understand and appreciate good food, good drink and a great dinning experience should splash out and give them a go.
I'mavoter
says...
5:09pm Mon 25 Jun 12
Weymouth Girl wrote:Lucky old you, obviously got more money than sense !
Sounds good to me, I will be going and I bet many other locals and visitors will do to.
Weymouth is full of different eateries there is something for everyone, if you don't want to spend £45 then you don't have to, but I will!!
Lisa J
says...
5:36pm Mon 25 Jun 12
as for " here today gone tomorrow." yes your right that's is the idea of a POP-UP. I'm hope the criterion is here for years to come but that is a cafe and the pop-up is an evening restaurant. the two are completely irreverent of each other. In fact the owner even apologized and said that he was misquoted.
I'mavoter
says...
6:14pm Mon 25 Jun 12
Lisa J wrote:Have too much time on my hands ? Ha ha, I wish, I work 60+ hours a week !
i'mavoter. I'm not sure exactly why your being so defensive and critical about the business plan. My bets would be either that you have far to much time on your hands or you linked to a local business and are feeling nervous. Its fine to give your opinion but trying to put other off isn't. If you don't have or want to spend the money then stay at home.
as for " here today gone tomorrow." yes your right that's is the idea of a POP-UP. I'm hope the criterion is here for years to come but that is a cafe and the pop-up is an evening restaurant. the two are completely irreverent of each other. In fact the owner even apologized and said that he was misquoted.
And no I am not in, or connected too the catering industry at all, so wrong on both counts, but that doesn't stop me from having an opinion.
mrgoo says...
12:04pm Tue 19 Jun 12