Porthminster Beach Cafe – The Cook Book – Launch Party – May 2013
St Ives Restaurant Reveals Secrets to Success
Last week saw the launch of eagerly-anticipated recipe book of the summer – Porthminster Beach Café – The Cook Book. At a busy private party at the popular St Ives restaurant which overlooks the beach, regular diners celebrated alongside journalists and leading figures from the Cornish hospitality industry, hosted by Executive Chef Michael Smith and his team.
As well as a Foreword written by Nathan Outlaw, whose restaurant in Rock holds two Michelin Stars, the book was further endorsed by Heston Blumenthal. Heston, whose restaurant The Fat Duck consistently receives the highest accolades in the whole of the UK, was pleased to recommend Porthminster as a “favourite holiday eating spot of mine,” going on to praise “inventive cooking and a gorgeous location.”
Michael Smith is humble about his achievement, although the book has clearly been a labour of love. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’m so pleased with the result. I really hope people enjoy recreating these recipes, whilst flicking through inspiring images of St Ives.” Australian-born Michael arrived in St Ives twelve years ago and immediately fell in love with the town. The opportunity to work with abundant local produce, and to combine his fresh, Asian style with the highest quality seafood he had ever come across, was too good for this creative chef to pass up. For almost all of that time he has been at the helm of the kitchen at Porthminster Beach Café, where he became a partner in the business several years ago.
As well as revealing what have become the restaurant’s signature dishes, the book celebrates Porthminster Beach Café’s unique location. It includes brief guides to the best seafood to look out for from St Ives Bay, and examples of ingredients the chefs forage for everyday along the coastal path. The release also marks the restaurant’s 21st year and contains a tribute to all the staff past and present.
The book is available at the restaurant and online at www.porthminstercafe.co.uk and costs £18.95.