A MICHELIN starred Dorchester chef has been helping show off the best of the South West.

Russell Brown from Sienna was asked to cook the main course at a special launch of a new food guide at celebrity chef Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall.

Six chefs from across the region each produced a course at the lunch to mark the release of the 20th Trencherman’s Guide, which showcases more than 100 of the best restaurants in the South West.

Russell, Dorset’s only Michelin starred chef, said: “I was delighted to be asked to take part in the launch of the Trencherman’s Guide.

“It is fantastic to see how far the South West has come over the past few years.

“We have the advantage of wonderful local produce as well as some great places to eat.”

The Trencherman’s Guide only features restaurants that achieve consistently high ratings across top international publications such as The Michelin Guide, The Good Food Guide and the AA Restaurant Guide. It will be available free of charge from participating restaurants after being launched in style.

Jack Stein, from the Seafood Restaurant, said: “We were delighted to host the launch of the 2012/2013 Trencherman’s Guide at The Seafood Restaurant.

“We’ve been associated with the guide since its inception and believe it holds a special position in promoting excellence throughout the region.”

Restaurant critic and food writer Matthew Fort believes the West Country has rapidly become synonymous with fantastic food.

Writing in the book’s foreword, he said: “This Trencherman’s Guide shows there is proper food made with proper care from proper, local ingredients to be found in the South West.”

Sienna first gained its Michelin star in 2010 and retained the accolade last year, making it the only restaurant in Dorset to have held a Michelin start for more than 12 months since 1983.

For more information on Russell Brown visit the website chefrussellbrown.co.uk