‘LOCAL heroes’ Stuart Phillips and Suree Coates are teaming up with TV’s The Hairy Bikers at Shrewsbury Flower Show today and tomorrow to demonstrate how flowers are used in their every day cooking.
Stuart, from the Hundred House hotel and restaurant at Norton and chef Suree, from the King and Thai restaurant in Broseley, both pictured, will be on stage at noon on both days.
They have been brought together by Shropshire based foodie James Day of gourmet-life.co.uk Lifestyle Dining Club which focuses on the region’s chefs who source local produce.
Stuart will be using fresh herbs and flowers from his own gardens, and Suree traditional Thai flowers, fruits and roots to complement her locally sourced meats, and ingredients from the region.
“When I was asked to add my support to this year’s Shrewsbury Flower Show, and to come up with something a little different, I immediately thought of combining cooking with flowers.” said James.
“Both Suree, who is a passionate local foodie from Thailand, and is one of the most dedicated chefs I know in the region, sourcing many of her ingredients from local suppliers, and of course Stuart who is constantly experimenting with fresh herbs, and produce from his own gardens, and also local suppliers seemed like the perfect pairing.
“Working with Suree has been real fun, and a real inspiration.” said Stuart. “Her fruit and vegetable carvings which she will be demonstrating are a real skill, one I have yet to master, but intend to keep trying.”
Suree said: “Stuart is a real inspiration, and his knowledge of herbs and flavours have taught me some tricks to apply to my dishes, with an Asian twist – it is going to be real fun on stage together for the first time.
“I am really looking forward to it – though a little apprehensive as the Hairy Bikers are two of my favourite chefs.”