Mugaritz kitchen fire

Early last Monday fire severely damaged the kitchens at Mugaritz, the world-famous restaurant in Spain's Basque Country. Luckily, no-one was hurt. For the management and staff of Mugaritz, the destruction of their workplace was a tragedy. But for three other young people, this was also a calamity.

When the dust settled on Mugaritz after last Monday's inflagration, Mattias from Sweden, Diego from Guatemala and Greg from the US found themselves without their most valued possessions. Their precious knife sets, not covered by the restaurant's insurance, had been incinerated.

Many of you will be familiar with John Sconzo of Docsconz - The Blog. John is a food blogger widely known across the world of hospitality and he has kindly volunteered to set up and administer a fund to recoup what these young chefs have lost. Can you please help with a personal pledge? Donations will be so welcome, no matter how large or small. Email John at docsconz[at]gmail[dot]com with your pledge and he will get back to you as soon as possible with details of exactly how you can contribute to the fund.

Febuary 9th du jour menu

Scallop and rosemary brochette

orange scented crosnes, rye crumble, Jerusalem artichoke veloute

Pressed leeks "a la ficelle" and king prawn

saffron marinated mussels, razor clam, mussel vinaigrette

Sous vide pork loin

cipollini and roscoff onion, french beans, chestnut tuille, sloe gin sauce, smoked bacon froth

Trio of English cheese

Winchester with its rind jelly, Cerney and beetroot, Tunworth with dried fruit and whiskey