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Truffles the almost mystical mushrooms

Friday Jul 15, 2011

Truffles are a rare and delicate type of mushroom and are mostly grown in France, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. They are also collected in the United States in Oregon and Washington.

The truffles form a symbolic relationship with the environs around them as they grow underground amongst the roots of elm, chestnut, oak, willow and pine trees. The price of truffles is high due to not being able to grow them commercially or in a cost effective basis.

When in season the chef’s favourite are the winter whole black truffles that are made from Italian fresh black truffles. It gives an exotic aroma in the dishes that contain meat and poultry and also in pasta. Fresh winter truffles season is from November to March. Because of the limited number available, and the fact that this item that is extremely perishable, they cost in excess of £78 per ounce.

By fusing Italian truffles with cheese from the region of Parmesan a creamy and buttery sauce can be made. White Summer Truffles and Cannellini Beans is another dish made with white Italian truffle juice, with water and white beans.

A more inexpensive way to the special flavours can help dishes is using truffle juice and combining it with both appetisers and main courses and by just adding a small amount of juice you have brilliant flavours in seconds.

Fresh truffles are a rare and seasonal product that are hard to acquire and very expensive. Fortunately the pungency and intensity of earthy truffle paste is a great match to combine with many bases like pastes, butters and creams. This enables chefs to give their cuisine the taste of the distinct truffle flavour at a more economical price. A good start to sauces and creams is truffle paste on a base of peanut oil.

The greatest truffles in the world are considered the Perigord black truffles found in France. Rich, delicate butter made of French truffles fuses the complex and intense flavors of French truffles perfectly. This butter can accompany any variety of different dishes transforming them from everyday food to an extraordinary brilliant dish.

Because it is very intense only a very little amount of the butter is needed to give other dishes the flavor. It also can be used to replace other butters. For the best results the truffle but should not be used until the end of the cooking.

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Rhodes W1 Truffle fortnight

Monday Oct 4, 2010

Paul Welburn Rhodes W1 Head ChefFollowing the success of the British Asparagus fortnight back in May, Gary Rhodes’ Michelin starred fine dining restaurant, Rhodes W1, is hosting an exclusive Truffle fortnight to celebrate the start of the new season.

Launched on the 12th October 2010, Head Chef and Gary Rhodes’ protégé, Paul Welburn, is treating guests to a fabulous four course menu from just £55.00 per person or seven courses for £75.00 per person.

The delicious menu includes ‘Truffled Jerusalem artichoke soup partridge and chestnut’, Truffle and pine nut crusted halibut celeriac and confit chicken wing’, ‘Beef Rossini’ and ‘White chocolate custard truffle sorbet’ for dessert.

Head Chef Paul Welburn says: “I worked closely with Gary to design this delightful menu in order to surprise people with something that they wouldn’t necessarily expect. This is going to be our first annual Truffle fortnight and we hope you will enjoy it as much as you enjoyed our British Asparagus menu.”

Designed by Kelly Hoppen, with beautiful antique mirrors draped in plush velvet, stunning Spina crystal chandeliers and original French chairs printed with Gary’s own handwritten recipes, Rhodes W1 is at the height of dining sophistication. Influenced by Gary’s style of classic British cuisine with a modern European twist, guests can enjoy award winning food in a luxurious setting.

Rhodes W1 Restaurant is located within the Cumberland Hotel at Marble Arch Station. For further information or to book a table visit www.rhodesw1.com or call 020 7616 5930

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