Kiddy chef sets his sights on 7th Seafood title » Communities » 24dash.com

Kidderminster is set to go seafood crazy in September, with one of the towns most successful chefs looking to rewrite the records books for the second time.
 

Matt Gardner, who runs the Mare and Colt with Jess Harris, is looking to win his seventh consecutive National Pub of the Year title - by promoting sustainability and creating the largest menu ever seen in the competition.
 

A staggering array of some 45 starters and main meals will be the highlight of the seafood fortnight (September 5th-21st), which will also include a 50-strong balloon launch, an appearance at Stourport Carnival and a host of competitions aimed at educating people on the benefits of eating seafood.
 

There are over 140 Chef and Brewer pubs in the competition, so there is a real challenge for us to be more imaginative with the dishes we serve and the way we dress the restaurant, explained Matt, who studied at Halesowen College.
 

We won it for five years whilst working at the Running Horse in Bewdley, so to win it last year for the Mare and Colt was great...we now want to repeat the success in 2008.
 

He went on to add: For the first time ever, we are going to be providing 2 menus, one for the first week and a different selection for the second. Diners can expect to taste Whole Lobster Americane, Red Thai Seafood, Whole Black Sea Bream and Monkfish, not to mention six bar nibbles, including Anchovy Banderilles, Crab Claws and Cured Salmon Rolls.
 

Just like last years Spider Crab, we are providing a signature dish and this time it is going to be Fruits De Mer. This is a stunning collection of lobster, crab, prawn, crayfish, salmon and octopus on a three tiered platter ideal to share.
Sustainability is a big issue in 2008, with the emphasis on promoting the industry and ensuring a healthy stock of the worlds depleted fisheries.
 

This is an area that Matt and Jess feel very strongly about and they are demonstrating this commitment by ensuring that most of their fish is organic and approved by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
 

We are one of only a few restaurants to feature Cornish line-caught white tuna or Albacore as it is sometimes known. This fish is caught through sustainable UK fishing methods and is tastier and more nutritious than the more common Bluefin Tuna.
 

Jess continued: Another element of our offer is Mussel Mania, eight carefully prepared dishes that feature green thai, Hoegaarden and red wine and chilli sauces.
 

The Sea Fish Authority-backed fortnight is a lot of fun, but there are some serious messages behind it, such as the importance of a balanced diet, the use of local UK produce and awareness of what you can do with these meals.
 

It also makes staff and customers more aware of different cooking methods and encourages the Mare and Colts 25 employees to come up with ideas around marketing the event and talking diners through the different choices.
 

Matt concluded: Last year was amazing and we really helped to put Kidderminster on the map. That is going to be nothing compared to what we have planned this time, with a greater selection of sea food, more creative decorations and our balloon launch that will give up to 50 people the chance to win a dinner for two if they return them with the right answer.
 

Were raising the towns profile nationally and hope local people will join in the fun by eating healthy and enjoying some of the best seafood dishes in the UK.
 

Situated two miles outside Kidderminster Town Centre on the A449, the Mare and Colt is one of the areas fastest growing pubs and restaurants, with turnover set to break the £600k mark this year.
 

Good quality food, a welcoming atmosphere and a weekly selection of Cask Marque approved real ales has seen its customer base grow beyond all expectations, with diners often travelling from Birmingham, the Black Country and Worcester.
 

For further information, please contact 01562 824116.