The hospitality sector’s premier annual fundraising event The National Restaurateurs’ Dinner (NRD) raised £102,620 on 5th April at The Dorchester. In its 29th year, the dinner celebrated the year’s successes and raise vital funds for the future of training and education in the hospitality industry.
To make the NRD possible three of the most prominent organisations in the industry joined forces: The Restaurant Association (part of The British Hospitality Association); The Academy of Food and Wine Service; and The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. The joint initiative created a one of a kind night to remember for the industry to come together and enjoy the company of old, and new friends.
President of The Restaurant Association Robert Walton said: “Each year we are able to undertake the work we do to support the industry because of the charity of those who choose to attend, become patrons, sponsor and donate to this exciting event. Thanks to the help and generosity of our supporters, we are now able to continue to advance our industry for the better.”
The 2016 team of chefs were all hand selected by renowned chef Brian Turner CBE and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Sara Jayne Stanes.
Jeff Galvin MCA, Chef and Patron, Galvin Restaurants said: “It was a great honour to be Chairman of the chefs and to work with such high profile professionals on this prestigious event. Many of the chefs travelled from all over of the UK- and all gave their time and resources to support this wonderful cause.
“I would like to thank them all for their hard work and also all of our sponsors including The Dorchester Hotel who hosted us so generously.”
Nigel Haworth, Joint Managing Director and Chef Patron at Northcote Manor said: “It is always a great pleasure to work with Henry [Brosi] and his team at the Dorchester for the very special NRD event, and Jeff Galvin for his organisation. It was a great night for a very worthy cause, a big thank you to everybody involved.”
André Garrett MCA, Executive Head Chef at Cliveden House said: “I really enjoyed the event and cooking together with the other chefs and the Dorchester team, as with multi-chef events it’s great to catch up with everyone. It’s always rewarding to be involved in raising money for such a worthy cause.”
The dinner itself opened with a Champagne Montaudon reception followed by a delicious four-course meal with wines matched to each course from the UK Guild of Wine Service. Attendants’ dish favourites included: Egg yolk & Jersey Royal ravioli, Wye Valley asparagus, sauce hollandaise and Cornish smoked brandade, hot smoked salmon pate and whisky jelly, cod’s roe dip.
As part of the NRD festivities, the night featured an organized auction and raffle. Here guests had the opportunity to win luxury prizes donated by businesses across the hospitality industry. Gifts included: a champagne dinner for four at L’Escargot, a golf session at The Cambridge Hallmark, a two night weekend stay at Devonshire Club, a five night stay in Las Vegas, a six night stay in a South African safari, exclusive artwork, pro-athlete signed memorabilia and much more. The auction raised over £50,000.
Charlotte Ponti of Nestlé Professional® and Chef® said: “The National Restaurateurs’ Dinner is a landmark event in raising funds to drive skills development for the industry’s next generation of chefs. The record level funds raised this year is testament to the priority that restaurateurs place on learning and driving fresh innovation in the kitchen.”
The NRD Committee is immensely grateful to the sponsors of the NRD 2016 including head sponsor Nestlé Chef® and secondary sponsors, Champagne Montaudon; Berkmann Wine Cellars; Bibendum Wine; Chateaux & Domaines Castel; Laurent-Perrier. We also thank our supporters Givergy Events; Global Payments Inc.; PSAV ®
The pearl anniversary of the National Restaurateurs’ Dinner is set for 4th April 2017 at The Dorchester.
For information on sponsorship packages or to book a table email [email protected].