St George’s Day gourmet celebration at Grill 3301

Grill 3301 in St George’s Bay hosted a British-themed night to mark St George’s Day by bringing over UK chef Garry Hollihead from Corinthia Hotel London, who teamed up with Grill 3301 head chef Kevin Arpa and his brigade to produce an exquisite array of food.

Three-time Michelin star Hollihead, who specialises in classic English food, prepared a five-course dinner complemented by Semillon Chardonnay and Shiraz Broken Back Australian wine and English beer by John Smith.

The first item on the menu was wild garlic soup with creme fraiche, followed by Severn and wye smoked salmon, lemon and capers and Irish soda bread.

The main dish featured roast sirloin of Aberdeen Angus, served with classic Yorkshire pudding, creamed baby spinach with horse-radish, roast root vegetables and potatoes.

Dessert was a combination of warm bread and butter pudding and vanilla anglaise, followed by a selection of British artisan cheeses served with crisp bread, fruit jelly, grapes and celery.

Accompanying coffee was a selection of chocolates from Corinthia London.

The occasion proved to be a traditional evening of patriotic English flag-waving and singing. Pianist Vinny Vella and singer Adreana led the guests into a spontaneous sing-along, which included Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and God Save the Queen.

Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay general manager Stuart Chappell said: “It’s about time St Georges’s Day is celebrated with an action-packed event built around it so everyone can enjoy the experience. With our wonderful position overlooking the bay, it is only natural that we should host the unique celebration.”

During the event, funds were raised for Dar il-Kaptan.