For years, tofu has hovered on the edges of foodservice menus - often well-intentioned, but rarely exciting. Too often it’s been treated as a compromise; a substitute for meat rather than a hero ingredient capable of delivering real depth, texture and flavour. Yet for centuries, tofu has been a cornerstone of East Asian cuisine, valued for its versatility, protein content and ability to carry bold, savoury flavours.
As spring unfolds, so does an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. From tender asparagus and sweet carrots to vibrant rhubarb and crisp peas, April is a time of renewal in the kitchen. At Essential Cuisine, we are passionate about helping chefs create seasonal menus that not only highlight these fresh ingredients but also deliver exceptional flavour and variety.
Essential Cuisine teamed up with Harvest Fine Foods, a Southampton based wholesaler to host a kitchen takeover, in aim to raise money for Eastleigh College Culinary students, to allow them to partake in culinary competitions.
Last week, Robin Dudley and Gary Kilminster were invited by City College Southampton to host a three day workshop for catering students across all levels as part of "industry week". As well as hosting interactive workshops, the duo demonstrated trending recipe and product applications.
