Sirloin? No. Top chef says you should be buying this cheaper cut instead
Every Thursday, our Money blog team interviews chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks and more. This week, we chat to Brian Hennessy, head chef at the acclaimed Winter Garden Restaurant in London.
My favourite cheap substitute is... using bavette, also known as flank, as the cut of meat for steak and chips. It is often overlooked but the flavour is beautiful. You are also getting a range of different textures in one single cut. I'll take it over a sirloin any day of the week.
Read all the latest Money news here
My secret crispy chilli oil, no longer to be a secret, makes any meal better... I batch-make it and store it. Added to almost anything, it can make a meal. From a little bit in scrambled egg in the morning (my personal favourite) to popping it in a stir-fry or pasta. There's no need for any expensive products - just add a few tablespoons and it will add the perfect amount of umami to any dish at home.
100g whole dried chilli (seeds removed)
40g caster sugar
75g garlic
500g grapeseed oil
5g black pepper
6g cumin
12g dried porcini
200g crispy shallot
20g salt
Blitz the chillies (or chop) until flakes. Thinly slice your garlic and gently fry in the grapeseed oil. Mix the salt, spices and porcini powder. Combine with the dried chilli. Once garlic is golden brown and crispy, pour over chilli mix. Mix in crispy shallots.
Young chefs shouldn't worry about money... your position or the hours when choosing where to work early on in your career. Work for the best possible chef you can learn from. Having worked under chefs like John Williams, Spencer Metzger and Gareth Byrne, their investment in young chefs and ability to pass on their knowledge has been invaluable to me. Money and everything else will follow suit down the line.
One restaurant that's worth spending big on... Cocina Hermanos Torres in Barcelona. Worth it, including the plane journey. Went on a whim last year and it was simply mind-blowing. You go into almost a lab-type restaurant, but the friendly service makes you instantly at ease. They proceed to serve you food and ingredients you recognise but in the most innovative way. We had a pea and ham dish, sounds simple - easily the best dish I have ever eaten.
The worst type of customer is… those who are late without calling and then demanding upon arrival. It's both a lack of respect for the staff and their fellow diners. It has the potential to ruin multiple dining experiences, not just their own.
It's not exactly a secret ingredient, but the sheer amount of salted butter used certainly is... a secret kept from the guy writing the cookbooks. It's not just great for taste but also texture!
French cuisine is often associated with pricey, fancy ingredients... but classical French cooking is deep-rooted in maximising the use of every part of the animal and veg. We have become too used to over-prepared products in the supermarket, but with some basic knowledge and skills, you can really stretch the ingredients in your weekly shop.
My chef hero is… Daniel Calvert, the only British chef to hold three Michelin stars outside the UK, in Tokyo. The level of precision in his work is awe-inspiring. He went from sous chef at 23 at Per Se in New York, then back to being a commis chef at Epicure in Paris to learn traditional techniques, which shows his passion and desire to improve and learn. I believe his journey should be an inspiration for any young chef.
Read more from this series:
A tip non-chefs might not know is... add acid. Don't be afraid to add that touch of acid, whether it be vinegar or lemon juice, to a sauce, soups, broths or a piece of fish. It can make the world of a difference to any product and make a dish go from good to great.
My favourite cookbook is... The French Laundry by Thomas Keller. It is just a timeless classic. It's a book you can always go back to for inspiration and proves that trends will come and go, but true class is permanent.
My go-to cheap eat out... is Oki in Wimbledon, south London. £8 buffet-style Japanese, I often go for the katsu curry. Why I love it is not just the convenience, but it being so, so good. Perfect to pick up on the way home after a long day at work. They are far from shy on portions also!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Richard Simmons' L.A. Mansion Where He Died Listed for $7 Million 1 Year After His Death
The home where Richard Simmons died is up for sale one year after his death His former 4-bedroom and 5-bathroom estate is listed for $7 million The fitness guru died one day after celebrating his 76th birthdayRichard Simmons' longtime Los Angeles home where he died has been listed for sale, one year after his death. The fitness guru died in the Hollywood Hills home one day after celebrating his 76th birthday, his longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed to PEOPLE on July 13, 2024. At the time, a law enforcement source told PEOPLE, "The LAPD are not pursuing the investigation as if foul play was involved at this point." The Richard Simmons Estate, as the $7 million property is called, was built in 1937. Sitting on a half-acre lot above the Sunset Strip, it spans approximately 4,119 sq. ft. and has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. John A. Lucy of Keller Williams Hollywood Hills is the listing agent of the home, which is described as a Neo-Classical Revival colonial. Features include a gated motor court, separate from the stately front portico with grand columns. Once inside, the front doors lead to a formal center hall entry with custom wood flooring, an updated kitchen featuring Thermador appliances and breakfast area, plus a formal dining room spacious enough to hold 10 guests. Additional areas for entertaining include a step-down living room and music room with a double-sided fireplace. Palladian fan windows and French doors are among the carefully thought-out architectural detailing. An added maid suite for staff or guests has its own laundry, pantry and service entrance. With a home this special, of course, the primary suite — with its two levels and four rooms — would also be designed to impress. The area is home to a dressing room, bathroom and a large finished upper level Keiser-equipped gym or additional living space. A pool and pool house are some of the perks to be enjoyed, along with the landscaping design that offers a scenic backdrop. Simmons, known for his vibrant personality, had not been publicly seen since 2014 and became increasingly private as time went on. However, he posted on social media the day before his death, letting fans know he was grateful for the 'many messages' he received for his birthday. Teresa Reveles lived with Simmons for 35 years and was often erroneously referred to as his housekeeper. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. After his death, she recalled how every night a family of skunks would arrive at his back door in West Hollywood, Calif. Simmons would feed them peanuts by hand, getting so close that the animals became accustomed to him. ''Richard! They probably have rabies!' I would tell him,' Reveles told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. 'He died happy,' she added of her longtime friend. Read the original article on People
Elle
an hour ago
- Elle
The Best Bobs to Get, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
There's no denying the skyrocketing popularity of the bob—from shaggy to blunt chops—but if you're unsure which style to get, perhaps it's time to try finding the best bob based on your zodiac sign. Any hairstylist worth their salt will agree that the best bob for you is the one that suits your everyday lifestyle and personality the most. And considering just how spot-on horoscopes can be, it makes sense to look at your star sign for some guidance. Are you a water sign who appreciates stability (and perhaps a chic French bob)? Or are you a fixed sign who's unafraid to experiment with a dramatic Hollywood bob? For the chameleonic mutable sign (looking at you, Sagittarians), perhaps the versatility and ease of a lob would best complement your free-spirited vibe. Of course, your chosen haircut should ultimately be the one you love the most (no matter what your birth chart says), but given the endless array of choices available, looking at astrology can be a fun way to navigate the trend this summer. Ahead, find the best bob haircuts to try based on your star sign: Aquarians are known for being trendsetters and trailblazers (famous Aquarians include Harry Styles, Megan Thee Stallion, Oprah Winfrey, and Jennifer Aniston, if you need any proof), and what better way to embrace your rebellious side than with an ultra-cool shaggy bob? Considering how social Aquarians can be, the shaggy bob is exactly the conversation starter you need—and you'll no doubt enjoy the compliments it brings. As one of the most romantic star signs (just ask fellow Pisces Olivia Rodrigo), it's only natural for you to gravitate towards a tousled, woke-up-like-this French bob. Pisceans are known to be charming, dreamy, and imaginative, just like the versatile French bob. Its slightly longer layers make for a great canvas for accessories and can easily be tied into a half-updo or a petite chignon or ponytail. Très jolie. Aries are revered for their self-assured, highly competitive nature, so what better way to embrace that ambitious side than with a pristine, precise blunt bob? Naturally, the straight-edge silhouette of a blunt bob is high-maintenance, but no one fulfills that demand for perfection better than the no-nonsense Aries. That said, Aries do have a tendency to act on a whim, so make sure to have a thorough consultation with your hairstylist before committing to this chop. If you love all things cozy and comfortable, you're likely to be a textbook Taurus. This star sign enjoys the lovelier things in life and appreciate having a sense of stability, which means something perennially chic and classic like a bob with bangs will suit you perfectly. Follow in the footsteps of follow Taureans, such as Audrey Hepburn and Lizzo, by pairing a short bob with a matching eyebrow-grazing fringe. Yes, the micro bob is dramatic and not for the faint of heart, but if anyone can pull it off, it's a Gemini. There's a playfulness to Geminis and a natural sense of curiosity, which makes the whimsical micro bob so alluring for the star sign. Given that Geminis are generally easily adaptable, there's no doubt that you'll find a myriad of ways to style this statement-making cut—whether it's through accessories or a punchy color. It'll make you the trendsetter of your friendship circle too, which is excellent, given how Geminis are known for being comfortable in social groups. Cancers are beloved for their gentle, intuitive, and sensitive side (think of famous Cancers like Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, and Emily Ratajkowski), which makes the wavy bob the ideal haircut. It's fluffy, soft, and fairly easy-going—all the personality traits found in a classic Cancer. There's a welcoming warmth to Cancers, which drives many into their orbit, not unlike the endlessly flattering wavy bob, which is a low-maintenance way to embrace a shorter haircut. Leos are partial to showstopping glam (looking at you, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna) and are often the beauty icons of their social circles, so why not go big with a breathtaking Hollywood bob? The party-ready, voluminous bob is perfect for a Leo's big personality. This star sign is fearless and inventive (just like fellow Leo Coco Chanel), which makes them the perfect candidate for a red-carpet-ready haircut. It's easy to recommend a razor-sharp bob to the Virgo—they're so organized, they're unlikely to miss a salon appointment. But given just how Type A they can be in their everyday life, it's probably better to go for a more low-maintenance cut, so they can focus their energy elsewhere. Enter: the layered bob, or a '90s bob, with its soft layers and natural volume. This practical and chic cut lets Virgos spend their time crossing off their endless to-do list instead of dedicating hours to styling. Lucky Libras really have a keen sense of aesthetic and a penchant for the little details. This means that the little flippy bob (as seen on fellow Libra Kim Kardashian) is a perfect fit for this air sign. This hairstyle is also a balm for a Libra's indecisive nature, as it's more a styling trick than a specific haircut. They can always opt to style it sans flip, should they change their minds. Scorpions like Lorde, Willow Smith, and Tracee Ellis Ross march to the beat of their own drum when it comes to style, and the clean-cut, polished finish of the Italian bob can serve as their ideal canvas. The look won't compete with the Scorpio's penchant for trendsetting fashion choices, but rather, complements it. If there's anyone who'll trick you into thinking they've gotten a bob, it's likely to be a Sagittarius. As a free-spirited star sign who finds it challenging to commit, a long bob (also known as the lob) or a faux bob will let them lean into the shorter style without fully taking the plunge. The versatility of these longer layers also mirrors the Sagittarius's ability to be easily adaptable in most situations. Capricorns are the epitome of 'quiet luxury.' They often favor something understated and elegant, things that whisper rather than shout. The grown-up vibe of the graduated bob, which is slightly shorter in the back and longer in the front, is a softer, more modern version of a power haircut, which Capricorns will no doubt gravitate towards.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Make way for The Rosalia, a new hotel coming to Pottsville
POTTSVILLE — Beneath its Doric columns and busts of Greek gods, a 29-year-old entrepreneur announced plans to convert the Miners National Bank to a hotel Tuesday evening at a gathering outside 120 S. Centre Street. 'We loved this building so much,' Hannah Corbacio said, 'we built our business plan around it.' Hannah Corbacio speaks during a plans unveiling outside the Miners National Bank on Centre St. in Pottsville, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Along with her (left to right) Nick Hair and Bill and Jackie Metzinger. The former bank will become a hotel with event and conference spaces. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) If all goes well, Corbacio and her husband, 30-year-old Nick Hair, will open the doors of the Rosalia hotel in spring 2026. In partnership with Bill Metzinger, owner of Metz Properties, who bought the building from Santander Bank, the Pottsville couple will operate an upscale 30-room hotel, venue space and day spa in the former bank building. Work crews began the conversion of the 24,000-square-foot building this week. The bank, a landmark known for the 10-foot-tall brass doors depicting coal miners at its entrance, was incorporated in 1828. READ MORE: Transformation coming for Miners National Bank Metzinger has renovated about 15 properties throughout Schuylkill County. This project is the second biggest after the revitalization of the former St. Francis Orphanage, now 900 Market Street apartments. The Rosalia hotel, Metzinger said, is his first venture into Pottsville. In recent weeks, about 30 city officials and others visited the property to offer advice and assistance. 'It's refreshing that business and investors can work hand-in-hand with the city to do great things,' Metzinger said. On Tuesday, plans for the project was officially unveiled. After the outside program, a crowd of more than 100 assembled inside the bank's 40-foot-high lobby. Bill Metzinger during a plans unveiling outside the Miners National Bank on Centre St. in Pottsville, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The former bank will become a hotel with event and conference spaces. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Designed by architect Cass Gilbert, whose work includes the U. S. Supreme Court building, the bank's lobby features French limestone, Italian travertine stone floors and hardwood paneling and teller's windows. State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., called attention to about $8 million invested in the city's downtown in recent years. Pottsville city council member Andy Wollyung speaks Tuesday during the unveiling of plans for Miners National Bank to become The Rosalia, an upscale hotel. Plans call for it to include event and conference space. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Projects included Alvernia University PottsvilleTowne campus, the Pottsville YMCA, Black Rock Brewpub and The Chopping Block. The Rosalia has received $450,000 from a $1 million state Keystone Communities grant Pottsville shares with Tamaqua. 'I want to congratulate PADCO, the city, Metz Properties, Hannah and Nick on their dedication to turning this dream into a reality,' Argall said. Savas Logothetides, PADCO executive director, recognized Hannah Corbacio and Nick Hair's involvement in Ignite Schuylkill, a Chamber of Commerce business incubator program, where the initial proposal for a downtown hotel surfaced. 'They wouldn't give up, and they were stubborn about it,' he said. 'If I could buy stock in Hannah and Nick, I would.' A banner for The Rosalia hangs during an official event Tuesday to announce plans for renovating the old Miners National Bank on Centre Street into an upscale hotel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) The Pottsville couple own HC Digital Agency, an online marketing firm. Hannah is the daughter of John Corbacio of Pottsville and Rhoda Gerace of Schuylkill Haven. Nick is the son of Constance Ridge, formerly of Pottsville. Robert S. Carl Sr., Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said the new hotel would boost tourism in the area. 'Tourism is measured by overnight stays,' Carl said. 'It's difficult to measure it if there are no overnight stays.' State Reps. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp., and Jamie Barton, R-124, East Brunswick Twp., were among the guests. City Councilman Andrew Wollyung represented Pottsville, and chairman Ian Lipton represented the Pottsville Redevelopment Authority, which approved a $75,000 grant for the project.
