Justin Woods, head chef at The Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, and Greenhouse restaurant.

Question:

I'm hosting a buffet for England's opening World Cup game against Italy on Saturday, what would chef suggest I serve?

Danni West, Kendal

 

Justin says...

An Anglo-Italian theme would go down a treat. A lovely platter of some great Italian air dried ham and salamis (feel free to sneak in a few Cumbrian ones as well), some marinated black and green olives, some sun dried tomatoes. Put out a tasty cheeseboard with some soft, creamy Gorgonzola, some washed rind Taleggio, a sharp Pecorino and then the great smoked Cumberland Farmhouse from Thornby Moor. Make some mini beef burgers, top with tomato salsa and serve on small bread buns. Look out for some buffalo mozzarella, you might even find an English mozzarella, and serve with some slow roasted cherry tomatoes and freshly shredded basil. Couple of fantastic bakers in Kendal, so buy some focaccia bread, serve with some good olive oil. Serve a lovely bowl of potato salad, dressed with olive oil and chives rather than mayonnaise and some classic coleslaw. For dessert, if you have space, it has got to be a tiramisu. Go buy it from the shop and spend more time enjoying watching the World Cup.