In June, the Food and Nutrition Department welcomed Simon Shaw, Chef Patron of El Gato Negro and Carlos Gomes, who is also Head Chef at one of Simon’s other restaurants, Canto.

The Year 10 GCSE pupils uncovered the recipes of some of the most popular items on Simon’s menu at Habas – a Middle Eastern influenced restaurant in Manchester. They learnt about the importance of food preparation in restaurants and use of ingredients, in addition to different culinary skills such as a hack to de-seed a pomegranate and how to create flavoured oils. The group gained a real insight into the behind-the- scenes work in the restaurant trade, made their own pitta breads and hummus, and enjoyed sampling all the tasty meals including a lentil dish that has been a core staple on Simon’s various menus since 2005.

This was Simon’s first workshop in a school and we are very grateful to him and Carlos for sharing their expertise. On his visit, Simon said: “It was a real pleasure to come and share our journey with you at Withington and to share some of our recipes and demonstrate some of our dishes. It was great to see the pupils really invested and enjoying the session. We were made to feel so welcome by everyone at the school. A great day had by all and we look forward to seeing you sometime soon.”