Top chef Novelli has taste for Northern Irish seafood
Celebrated French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli reckons Northern Ireland has "some of the greatest fish and seafood in the world". And the world famous chef has also praised Northern Ireland's "grass-fed beef, high-quality lamb and pork and superb dairy products".
Novelli was speaking ahead of his first-ever culinary presentation at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society's annual Balmoral Show, among the biggest events of its kind in the UK and Ireland.
Soon to open an exclusive restaurant in Belfast, Novelli accepted an invitation by Food NI to take part in the popular programme of cookery presentations in the popular show's Food Pavilion, one of the main attractions at the four-day show which opens on 10 May.
His first restaurant in Ireland is part of the new £25 million Marriott Hotel at City Quays in the Belfast Harbour area, which will open its doors in early 2018.
Novelli is pledging to focus on creating his classic Mediterranean dishes using the best locally sourced ingredients in the new restaurant. "Many Northern Ireland products have also won international acclaim in major awards. There really is an impressive food culture developing in Northern Ireland, which we will seek to encourage and promote," he adds.
"It makes business and environmental sense to work with local suppliers. I intend to meet as many as I can and to get a better understanding of what they produce and how they create it," he continues. "I look forward to working with local suppliers in creating deliciously different dishes that will attract the attention to local diners as well as international visitors. I believe we can develop mutually beneficial relationships and that I can help them in creating new product ideas that will help them grow their business."
Born in Arras, in France's Pas de Calais, Novelli began his remarkable journey to culinary excellence as a baker aged just 14. At 19, he was the private head chef to Elie de Rothschild. He moved to Britain in 1983 and spent a year taking care of Keith Floyd's pub, 'The Maltsters', as head chef. He then opened four restaurants in London, and so began the foundations for his successful business.
He's quick to point out that he's been in Belfast on many occasions and been impressed by the food scene here. "I've seen dramatic changes in the restaurant scene in the city and the innovation being demonstrated by chefs here. There's a tremendous passion for quality ingredients and really creative dishes. I must say, I am privileged to be teaming up with such a passionate team at the new Marriott Hotel."
The new restaurant, to be branded Jean-Christophe Novelli at City Quays' will see him in Belfast "as often as practicable". "This is going to be a successful venture for us. It's a hugely important and immensely exciting investment, a tremendous opportunity to be part of such a dynamic food scene."
He will also be linking up with further education colleges in Northern Ireland to contribute to the development of chefs and front-of-house staff.