Latest news with #Michelin-trained
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Chef's three-ingredient air fryer chip trick means they will always be crispy
Michelin-trained chef Poppy O'Toole, 31, has taken to TikTok to share her recipe for the perfect air fryer chips - and you only need three ingredients to make them A Michelin-trained chef with an obsession for all things potato, unsurprisingly has the perfect recipe for homemade chips in the air fryer. Poppy O'Toole, 31, tips and tricks ensure that each chip comes out crispy and delicious every time. The best-selling cookbook author shared her recipe on TikTok to her 4.8 million fans. She claims this is "one of the easiest recipes to do in an air fryer" and the method only involves three ingredients - potatoes, oil and then salt. Firstly, peel your potatoes and slice them into batons - go thicker for chips and much thinner for fries. Then, add them into a bowl as Poppy suggests it's easier to season them this way. Seasoning is key to transforming your spuds into tasty chips that will pair perfectly as a side with most meals or simply enjoyed on their own as a snack. In Poppy's recipe, she uses a tablespoon of vegetable oil and "a good sprinkling of salt" for some classic chips, but you could use anything to create different flavours. There are dozens of combinations that can bring different flavours to your chips. Add some Chinese Five Spice to create a salt and pepper fakeaway, try Italian herbs for a fresh and aromatic side dish, or combine multiple herbs and spices to create your own signature blend. Adding a thin layer of oil to chips before seasoning or cooking, particularly when using an air fryer, helps the seasoning stick better and produces a crunchier texture. The oil serves as a carrier, enabling the seasoning to adhere to the chips' surface, reports the Express. Moreover, oil can facilitate a more uniform cooking process, resulting in a crisper exterior. Returning to Poppy's thicker chips, the chef places the entire batch directly into the air fryer at 180C for 15 minutes. After that, she shakes the basket and puts the chips back in for an additional 15 minutes. She remarks, "It's half an hour, all in, for golden, crispy, delicious, fresh potato chips or fries." What are the benefits of using an air fryer to cook chips? These widely used kitchen appliances employ hot air circulation, requiring little to no oil, which leads to lower fat and calorie consumption compared to deep-fried chips. A 2015 study found that food cooked with an air fryer contained significantly less fat. According to BBC Good Food, this "healthier approach" is more beneficial for our bodies compared to traditional frying methods, which have been linked to weight gain and heart disease. Further research also suggests that using an air fryer reduces the presence of acrylamide, a known carcinogenic chemical formed when starchy foods like potatoes are cooked at high temperatures (above 120C).
Vancouver Sun
27-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Exploring Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton: A road trip along B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky
There are few places you can sail, snowboard, explore towering snow walls and get a tan all in one week, but B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky Corridor is one of them. The region stretches along Highway 99, known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway, starting around Horseshoe Bay and stretching beyond the Pemberton Valley. A road trip that weaves through dramatic peaks, rugged coastlines and towering forests, past pristine lakes and iconic rock formations. Armed with the latest Range Rover Sport — a luxury performance electric hybrid SUV, built for mountain adventures — for the week, I set out to experience the ultimate coastal bucket list. I've never been so equally in awe of 'my' car and absolutely terrified of it. The Range Rover Sport handled the varied terrain of my adventure as if it were gliding on a cloud, but I worried that, at any moment, a small stone or tree branch could ruin its beauty forever. Not something I think about when tearing around town in my Jeep. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Steal my trip below, which took me from sea to sky to field to mountain and back again. My heart lies in Squamish, a gateway to adrenaline-fuelled activities like alpine hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and kiteboarding, and my home for the last eight years. Known as the 'Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,' people from all over the world come to climb the Chief, a granite monolith overlooking the town, or to chuck themselves down a rocky mountain trail on a very expensive bike . I took this opportunity to get out of my comfort zone (which oddly enough involves all aforementioned activities) and explore new experiences in the area. The below were my favourites. A new company in town focusing on helping people 'find their flow' through adventure, rest and connection. I spent a couple of hours on one of the brand's 19-foot keel boats during a Social Sail — a thrice-weekly offering that enables sailors of all experience levels (including a beginner like me) to hit the water and learn the basics. And all for $100. I left feeling proud of my newly acquired sailing skills and happy to have met friendly locals. Will, our instructor, was knowledgeable and forgiving — an important trait when dealing with someone brand new to the sport. The company's floating sauna (launching this summer), nestled in a secluded cove in the Howe Sound, is the talk of the town, and I can't wait to try it. Another new kid on the block, Dine Wilder is an immersive dinner series for women that pops up in the most unique and satisfying locations. An intimate dinner in a local bookstore? Sign me up. A four-course meal cooked by a Michelin-trained chef, served under canoes in an adventure sports store? Yes, please. Community, connection and conversation guide this series, which features speakers from across the career spectrum — from brand experts to healers to professional rock climbers. Leave the evening feeling energized and connected to the women in the room, plus photo mementos from local talent Gabriela Le . A vibrant flower farm located down the winding, scenic Squamish Valley Road. Stop by the farm stand for freshly cut, organically grown stems, or pick your own flowers and create the bouquet of your dreams (vase not included, but lots of great options here ). I made it for the last day of Spring Tulip U-Pick and left feeling connected to nature, with an arm full of beautifully vibrant tulips to brighten my space. Stay tuned for Summer U-Pick, a sensory experience amongst the dahlias and daffodils, open in July. The drive is a whimsical romp through lush forests and past farmers' fields — a perfect opportunity to experience the power and performance of the Range Rover Sport. If 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds is your thing, the RRS is for you. I practiced accelerating, braking and cornering on the almost empty road to the farm and was giddy but not surprised by its responsiveness. It certainly lived up to my high expectations of the Range Rover brand. A weekly ritual and one of the front runners in my coffee shop rotation. Think high-end grocery store with a mix of local and international artisanal delights, plus an elevated lunch counter menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. I've been a supporter since its 2022 opening, and have loved watching the menu evolve and shift with the seasons. The rotating pasta night menu on Thursday evenings is deliciously decadent. Driving up the Mamquam Forest Service Road was an ideal opportunity to push the RRS. The vehicle's terrain response automatically adjusted my driving settings based on the topography — ideal for the pavement to pebble journey up to the canyon, which opens summer 2025. I got a sneak peek of the experience, which takes visitors through the UNESCO-designated Howe Sound Biosphere, along freshly cut white cedar boardwalks that wind around natural rock formations and take visitors directly over a waterfall. Everything has been built thoughtfully, with the landscape and ecosystem in mind. The grounds of the experience were saved from deforestation and will be preserved for generations to enjoy. I'm excited for the Forest Lounge at the end of the boardwalk, a fully licensed patio nestled amongst the trees with nature-inspired food and a large play area for kiddos. Known for its world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, Whistler is an all-season playground for all ages and interests and offers year-round thrills. My family and I often drive up to Whistler for the food and entertainment — the village is packed with high-quality dining options and always seems to have something going on. Returning is the Summer Concert Series at Olympic Park; Canadian musician Bahamas will be kicking off the free series this Canada Day. The stretch of highway between Squamish and Whistler is your classic mountain road, with varying conditions, unpredictable weather and views that will take your breath away. The RRS made it a smooth ride — complete with ambient lighting, massage seating and an elite sound system. First stop in Whistler was spring skiing up the mountain. I took the opportunity to test the self-parking feature in the RRS — the car backed up into a tight space at the touch of a button while I watched the 3D surround camera. Probably not great for my less-than-confident parking abilities long term, but amazing all the same. I managed to enjoy one of the last days before both mountains officially closed for the ski season on May 19. Not to fear — Whistler Blackcomb has some incredible programming planned for the summer season, with the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola reopened for weekends until June 13, and daily after that. Check out the Summer Alpine Experience , which includes alpine hiking and running trails, bike park, endless wildflowers, epic snow walls and the Mountain Top Feast with live music, great eats and panoramic views. This hotel has my heart. After working here as a teenager (I may have cleaned your room) and falling in love with the company culture, I find myself returning at least once or twice a year for a staycation. The Chateau lives up to its reputation, offering a warm atmosphere, inclusive of families and locals and even offers a discount for Sea-to-Sky residents in the off season. The food, pools and rooms never disappoint, and we're always greeted by staff as if we're family. Fairmont Fridays are back from 5-7 p.m. all summer long, with live music and deals on summer-inspired cocktails and tapas. Plus, back for its second year at the end of June is Radiante — an elevated tacos and tequila pop-up nestled in Fairmont's hidden garden patio. If it's anything like last year, you can expect thoughtfully executed small plates with bold Latin flavours and a lively, approachable atmosphere. Featuring a permanent collection of over 200 pieces by renowned B.C. artists and rotating exhibition rooms, the museum itself, designed by Patkau Architects, is a work of art. This time, I toured the Curve! Exhibition, featuring woman carvers of the Northwest Coast and their contributions to the tradition of Indigenous carving. The latest addition to Whistler's impressive dining scene offers a French brasserie-inspired menu and atmosphere, with a Coast Mountain backdrop. Order classic French dishes like steak au poivre and duck confit, or try the beef tartare enhanced by rich, flavourful bone marrow. We were sadly too early to enjoy this wellness series, featuring 60+ unique events over five weekends of June. I've already planned my next trip up the highway to enjoy mountain-top yoga, guided forest walks and sound baths. The speaker series features mental health advocates, wellness coaches and naturopaths, and the event culminates with the Art of Wellness Market and long table dinner on June 20. Our final leg of the trip took us to the lovely, low-key mountain town of Pemberton, only a 30-minute drive from Whistler, but a place that feels like a remote escape. I took the RRS off-road, looking for mud, snow, or ice, and lucked out down an unmarked forest service road. I tried the Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control feature, which sensed the terrain, automatically controlling the vehicle's speed and helping maintain optimum control — it made off-roading easy, a job I normally reserve for my partner. We were on our final day, so we made our way into the town centre and hit our two favourite spots. My three-year-old's most treasured stop along the Sea-to-Sky, this family-friendly farm offers pick-your-own strawberries and blueberries, followed by pumpkins in the fall. Pick up root vegetables and eggs, and other local seasonal produce in the farm shop, and gaze at the resident sheep, pigs and chickens. A fourth-generation organic family farm serving delicious craft beers made from barley, malt and hops produced onsite. The tasting room is open daily, and the large outdoor seating area provides ample space for pets and kids to play while soaking in jaw-dropping views of Mount Currie. Don't leave without trying the poutine from Miller's Fries food truck, made with gluten-free, veggie gravy and Canadian cheese curds. Shopping Essentials , a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on Canoe . Explore in-depth product reviews, expert recommendations and exciting collaborations — plus get behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and trending products — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter . ltaveroff@
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Chef's air fryer hack for making eggs gives perfect runny yolk every time
If you're a fan of eggs, then you'll be pleased to know that a Michelin-trained chef has shared the 'perfect' way to cook them - and you can use an air fryer for a fail-safe method Eggs are a tasty and adaptable staple, but getting them just right can be a bit of a challenge. They're the ideal speedy breakfast, a delightful salad topper, or even a dinner accompaniment - but for some, mastering the art of egg cooking remains elusive. Air fryers have become a game changer when it comes to cooking. Not only do they facilitate the cooking experience by simply throwing a couple of ingredients and pressing a button, but it's also leaves you with less things to clean. It also gives you some extra time to focus your mind on other things, such as preparing some side dishes - or even sitting on the sofa and watch some television. Cooking isn't everyone's forte, but fear not, Michelin-trained chef Poppy O'Toole has got your back with her foolproof egg-cooking techniques, whether you're a traditional poaching purist or an air fryer aficionado who loves to chuck in an egg and leave it to do its thing. For those who favour the convenience of an air fryer, Poppy's got a cracking method that requires zero effort yet yields a gorgeously gooey yolk. It's so simple to make and so delicious that it will leave you wondering why you haven't made it before, and it goes well with a variety of dishes. To achieve a 'boiled' egg in the air fryer, Poppy advises using a room temperature egg and setting the air fryer "for 15 minutes at 130 degrees". If you're after a lusciously runny yolk, simply reduce the time to 10 minutes for a softer result. Poppy herself is partial to a poached egg, but acknowledges that poaching can be a tricky business, with eggs quickly turning into a scrambled mess if not removed at the precise moment. "For poached eggs, add a splash of white wine vinegar to the water and use a really fresh, fridge-cold egg", Poppy recommends. Why exactly does vinegar come to the rescue when poaching eggs? Inquiring minds on Reddit's 'Ask Culinary' thread have the answer: "The acid helps the whites set faster so they don't spread into the water". The best thing about cooking is that like everything else, it's a learning experience that one learns to master. By following this simple step, you will be making the best eggs with the perfect and delicious runny yolk that will elevate any breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal.
Axios
19-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
May's hottest D.C. bar and restaurant openings
We're excited about all the new restaurants that debuted — and are opening soon — in May. Here's what's on the top of our must-try list. Mélange Foods, Inc. | Shaw Michelin-trained chef Elias Taddesse won fans with his fanciful Mélange burgers, and Doro Soul Food 's Ethiopian-spiced fried chicken. Now he's brought the two comforting concepts under one 60-seat roof – formerly Roy Boys — where diners can sip a berbere margarita or cool off with homemade ice creams. Up next: Moya, an Ethio-Mexican concept debuting in the same space later this spring. Suzie Q's | Navy Yard Cheap drinks (many below $12) and a Hill Country alum's barbecue sandwiches are on tap at this waterfront newcomer by Nats Park. Late hours, beer-and-shot combos and fun snacks like pierogies may make Suzie a neighborhood regular. Henceforth, | H Street Corridor Long-gone H Street Country Club is now a welcoming neighborhood brewery, wine bar, and restaurant helmed by a team of vets — military and hospitality. Guests can settle into one of three bars for a fresh-brewed Irish Red or Virginia-made orange wine, plus wallet-friendly tavern fare (brunch, lunch and dinner). Next up: A roof deck for warm-weather imbibing. Lobby Bar | Eastern Market You may order " clothesline bacon" or caviar-topped chicken nuggets for the 'gram, but "dinner and a show has to taste good, too," owner Adam Shulman tells Axios (show comes naturally for the former MGM Resorts nightlife director). Cocktail maven Tory Pratt is behind the martini-heavy menu — fit for the throwback, former Boxcar Tavern space — with fun riffs like a caper brine or oyster martini "that drinks like a very cold ocean." Opens: May 16 Cafe Fiorello | Downtown NYC's Upper West Side institution expands for the first time in over 50 years with its signature antipasto bar, thin-crust pizzas, heaping pastas and veal chops — "A playground of Italian American classics," Fireman Hospitality head Ben Grossman tells Axios. New for us: A wood-burning oven and negroni bar. As for the look, "We're not trendy," he says. "Timeless and welcoming is our aesthetic." Think cozy booths where super-regulars may get their name on a plaque. Opens: May 21 Birdsong Thai * | Chevy Chase, D.C. Chef Kitima Boonmala, who ran popular Thai pop-ups around D.C. for years, finds a permanent home for her spicy boat noodle soup, fried chicken khao soi, and other vibrant dishes — many inspired by her family's noodle shop in central Thailand. Pastry chef Naomi Gallego, behind the pies at sister restaurant Little Beast, prepares sweets like Thai donuts and coconut rice pudding heaped with jellies, fruit and shaved ice. Opens: May 21 Sushi Gaku | Georgetown Hokkaido-born chef Yoshi Ota, a leading alum of Kushi Izakaya and Sushi Ko, returns to his roots with traditional Edo-style sushi — a minimalist style with seasonal fish and vinegar-seasoned rice — plus side dishes and an omakase option. Fun fact: Ota is one of the few local chefs to hold a fugu (pufferfish) license — required to safely prepare the poisonous fish — so look for the delicacy in season. Opens: May 21 Casamara + Reynold's Bar | Dupont Circle Dupont's long-awaited Sixty boutique hotel (LA, NYC) amps up the luxe vibes with coastal Mediterranean restaurant Casamara — we're eyeing the harissa-roast chicken and toro with melon — and chic Reynold's Bar, where you can snack on mini-lobster rolls or foie gras poutine with an icy martini. Opens: late May Up next: An expansive rooftop opens in June with bites, drinks and DJs.
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Amanda Holden attends star studded Chocolate Digestive party
Amanda Holden and Roman Kemp were among a host of celebrities who attended a star-studded 'blue carpet' event at Piccadilly Circus to celebrate 100 years of the humble McVitie's Chocolate Digestives. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... They were joined by Jess Wright, Tasha Ghouri, Dani Dyer, Sir Trevor McDonald and Scarlett Moffatt at the launch of an immersive pop-up store designed to be a biscuit-lover's paradise. Amanda Holden sparkled as she opened the celebrations with a reading of an 'Ode to McVitie's Chocolate Digestives'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She said: 'As a lifelong fan of eating and dunking Chocolate Digestives, it's an honour to celebrate the 100th birthday at this pop-up experience – it's a must-visit for all my fellow choccy digestive fans! 'It's amazing how such a humble biscuit has brought joy to so many over the years. 'I remember when I first introduced them to my children as a little treat. 'Whether they were wrapped in foil for days out – they had to be rationed – or being dipped into a hot chocolate, they are still enjoyed by me and my girls. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "And here's a delightful surprise – I just found out I've been eating my biscuit upside down all this time! "Turns out, it's meant to be enjoyed choc side down - who knew?' Amanda wears chocolate-coloured dress for the occassion | Will Ireland/PinPep Amanda has been 'lifelong fan' of eating Chocolate Digestives At the heart of the experience is the Biscuit Bar, where visitors can sample never-before-seen creations made from a range of Digestives including White, Gold, Milk and Dark Chocolate. Curated by Robert Craggs, the Michelin-trained head development chef for the biscuit maker, the menu showcases bold and unexpected flavour combinations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This ranged from the 'Hot Pink', a fusion of White Chocolate Digestives, wasabi, raspberry and white chocolate, to the 'Loaded Gold' featuring hazelnut praline and salted caramel. The bar also features a personalisation station where fans can build their own dream Chocolate Digestives with a range of toppings. Benazir Barlet-Bartada from McVitie's said: 'This 100th anniversary is not just about a biscuit. 'It's a national celebration of every biscuit break, every conversation, and every cherished moment we've all shared with Chocolate Digestives over the last century.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Katya Jones, Carlos Gu and Ammee Fuller were at the event | Will Ireland/PinPep It was a star-studded event for the 100-year celebration To commemorate the momentous centenary milestone of the beloved biccie, limited-edition Chocolate Digestives merch, from t-shirts to socks and hats, will also be available to win. Visitors will have the chance to 'spin to win' to get their hands on a prize, ranging from a piece of must-have merch, through to packets of biscuits. There is also a collection of art pieces inspired by – and even made from – the tea-break staple. Highlights include biscuit portraits of British icons, David Bowie, Sir Trevor McDonald and Dame Judi Dench, created by mosaic artist Ed Chapman and crafted from hundreds of mosaic fragments of the biscuit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There's a unique work showing 25 of the greatest moments from the last 100 years, each depicted on individual Chocolate Digestives, brought to life on a biscuit using a delicate airbrushing technique. Benazir Barlet-Bartada added: 'We're thrilled to offer our loyal fans this incredible experience as a way to say thank you for the unwavering support over the last century - here's to the next 100.' The McVitie's Chocolate Digestives Experience is free to attend and open to the public from Friday 2nd May – Monday 5th May from 11AM – 7PM, at 44-48 Regent Street, Picadilly, W1, London.
