Young Chef Joe Wilde cooked up a storm in the second heat of award winning Nigel Smith’s culinary competition at his new home – The Villa in Wrea Green.

There’s £1,000 in vouchers and a week’s work with the famous Michel Roux Jnr at the world famous La Gavroche restaurant for the winner in a competition launched by Nigel Smith last April to promote his team of young chef’s. Joe’s brief was to prepare a meal for £20 per person using as much locally sourced product as possible and he received   thumbs up for a menu which included crab blini; Formby asparagus with caramelized shallot tartlet, Parma ham and pea mousse; smoked salmon pate, watercress salad and olive oil crostinis; braised lamb shoulder olive oil and minted mash, peas, broad beans and balsamic jus; and assiette of strawberries.

“I wanted to balance more expensive items like the crab with a cheaper cut such as braised lamb coupled with seasonal produce like asparagus and strawberries – all with as new a twist as possible,” said 21-year old Joe, who has been with Nigel Smith for more than a year after gaining previous experience working at different restaurants in Lytham.

Nigel praised his efforts and that of the whole team he has taken with him from Ribby Hall to The Villa where he is now  a partner and chef patron and is hoping to revitalise the venue with a “back to basics” approach – focusing on locally sourced produce.

“The whole idea of these evenings is to give the young team the opportunity to choose the right menu, order the ingredients and cook the food,” he said. “The highest two scorers at the end will cook head to head for the first prize. I’m particularly impressed with the way the team have handled changing kitchens mid stream.”

Bookings for all events can be made on 01772 80 40 40, fax 01772 687647 or email info@thevilla.co.uk.