Leading Cornish Light Launches Lifestyle Cookbook

Feb. 21, 2013 - PRLog -- A leading light at one of Cornwall’s best loved food establishments is launching a book which will enable enthusiastic foodies to recreate his popular dishes in their own homes.

Michael Smith, Executive Chef at Porthminster Beach Café, will be unveiling his publication – “Porthminster Beach Café – The Cookbook” at a special party at the restaurant on Friday 17th May, to coincide with the start of the St Ives Food and Drink Festival.

More than a cookbook and moving towards a lifestyle guide, readers will be able to enjoy beautiful images of St Ives and its beaches, as well as information about the area, alongside recipes which include some of the long-standing favourites served at Porthminster Beach Café.

Michael is very excited to see his dreams in print:
“I’ve wanted to produce this book for a while.  The time feels right and I have the people around me to make it happen.  I have included some of the most popular dishes enjoyed at Porthminster Beach Café, simplified so that they will be achievable for anyone interested in food – so the book should have a wide appeal.  This isn’t a chef’s cookbook, but a lifestyle book for everyone that loves Cornwall, its breath-taking scenery and food.”

All three are combined in his publication, as Michael explains: “Many of our ingredients are foraged from hedgerows along the coast path, on the beach, or from our garden. I use local suppliers wherever possible and sustainable fishing is a key part of the restaurant’s ethos and a commitment.  I hope that those recreating the dishes in their homes will have easy access to many of the ingredients, growing them for themselves or shopping locally - encouraging low food miles and sustainable thinking.”

Growing up in Victoria, Australia, Michael trained as a chef in the country’s most cosmopolitan city of Melbourne.  The iconic Donovans, on St Kilda’s lively beachfront, formed Michael’s apprenticeship, resulting in an Italian influence on his food.

Michael travelled extensively in Asia  exploring ingredients that would go on to play a major role in his signature style, before settling in Edinburgh and then London. In the latter he worked in hit restaurant - The Sugar Club - which won multiple awards and led the way with fusion food in the late 1990s.

Tempted by the highest quality, most diverse seafood he had ever used, Michael eventually settled in St Ives 10 years ago and soon became Executive Chef at Porthminster Beach Café.

Michael’s food uses the finest ingredients, alongside a fresh, Asian influence, where flavours are fused in a myriad of exciting ways.

Michael’s book will be available after the launch through local bookshops and on line at http://www.porthminstercafe.co.uk It will also be on sale during the St Ives Food and Drink Festival from the restaurant, costing £18.95

For further information, please visit http://www.porthminstercafe.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTES:

Invite and book for review: If you would like to attend the VIP party on Friday 17th May, or would like a copy of the book to review, please contact Lucy Cornes on lucycornes@hotmail.com

Contact: For general info: info@porthminstercafe.co.uk   Helen at Eventy – Marketing & PR on 01326 376273 / Helen@eventy.co.uk

Images: Please find attached low res images of Michael Smith and the image from the cover of the book. A photocall will also be available at the launch event of Michael with his book at 7pm at the restaurant.
For higher res or alternatives, please contact Helen Mulhern on 01326 376273 / Helen@eventy.co.uk

Further info:  If you would like Michael Smith’s biography and/or a full history of the Porthminster Café, please contact Helen Mulhern on 01326 376273 / Helen@eventy.co.uk .