ONE of Dorset's best known chef's, Russell Brown, took time out to host a special Michelin-star event at Bournemouth & Poole College last month.

Head of Hospitality and Tourism at The College, Christophe Baffos, told Taste it was a very memorable occasion for both staff and students.

"Russell Brown, chef patron of the famous Sienna Restaurant in Dorchester, agreed to come and work our advanced cookery students. Two members of the team he brought with him are ex-college students.

"The day started at 9.30am, preparing the entire dinner’s “Mise en Place” (chef lingo for “set up ready for service”) from fresh ingredients.

"While the various preparations took place, Russell gathered the students, on several occasions, to demonstrate some special techniques which was an amazing opportunity for these students and their chef tutor Steve West.

"The evening came and customers poured into the Escoffier Restaurant, to be greeted with a glass of English Sparkling Wine. Upon sitting they were served an array of exquisite food."

The restaurant team was led by Julia Macey and her group of second year students who were really thrilled to have to the opportunity to work with a local celebrity chef.

Finally the dinner was brought to a close with the chef’s “brigade” standing in the restaurant for the “santé du chef”.

One customer, David Bailey, general manager of The Miramar Hotel, and an alumni of the department said: "The standards of the students who graduate from this department continue to be of the highest standards. And it is great to see that young people have the passion and drive to study this great industry which has so much to offer as a career and is so important to our town”.

Christophe sums up: “Our links with industry professionals are extremely important to us; this continuous dialogue ensures that our teaching is in line with what employers require from our trainees.

"We would like to thank Russell and his team for giving up their time and making this evening such a memorable one."