"cooking should be a fun, social experience...."
It's always been my dream to be a chef; to inspire others in the kitchen and to spread my love for cooking as far and wide as I can.
My journey began at Stratford-Upon Avon College where I studied for an advanced culinary diploma. The course educated me in the whole operation of running a restaurant; from kitchen to front-of-house skills, and silver service, bar management and everything else in between. Whilst training, I would also be working full time in various local hotels and restaurants. The average week would consist of full days spent in College before driving straight to work where I'd stay until late into the evenings. Quite a schedule but the experience I gained was, and still is, incredibly valuable.
I left college, qualification achieved, bursting with ideas and itching for an opportunity to show people what I could do. I needed somewhere to showcase my passion and enthusiasm and naturally, headed for the bright lights of the big city: London, where my skills was good enough for me to be employed by the prestigious Claridges Hotel in Mayfair. It was here for two years, in such high-class surroundings, that I learned to strive for absolute excellence in everything I did and aspire to achieve standards that always exceeded the norm.
Before long, Summer Wine country, the place I grew up, was calling me home and it's right here in Holmfirth that the idea for Ashlee's Chef Secrets was born.
It was a dinner party with a twist: cooking for some of my Mum's friends in their own home. For the guests, it was an interesting surprise. I involved them in the process of making each dish, sharing little elements and secrets here and there. The night was an overwhelming success and a fun, original experience.
I realised I wanted to bring this service to a wider audience. I don't just want to cook great food for my guests; I want to involve and interact with them throughout the process. Cooking should be a fun, social experience. I love the idea of getting others passionate about cooking great food and this is ultimately my goal - to deliver great food and inspire others to do the same.
My journey began at Stratford-Upon Avon College where I studied for an advanced culinary diploma. The course educated me in the whole operation of running a restaurant; from kitchen to front-of-house skills, and silver service, bar management and everything else in between. Whilst training, I would also be working full time in various local hotels and restaurants. The average week would consist of full days spent in College before driving straight to work where I'd stay until late into the evenings. Quite a schedule but the experience I gained was, and still is, incredibly valuable.
I left college, qualification achieved, bursting with ideas and itching for an opportunity to show people what I could do. I needed somewhere to showcase my passion and enthusiasm and naturally, headed for the bright lights of the big city: London, where my skills was good enough for me to be employed by the prestigious Claridges Hotel in Mayfair. It was here for two years, in such high-class surroundings, that I learned to strive for absolute excellence in everything I did and aspire to achieve standards that always exceeded the norm.
Before long, Summer Wine country, the place I grew up, was calling me home and it's right here in Holmfirth that the idea for Ashlee's Chef Secrets was born.
It was a dinner party with a twist: cooking for some of my Mum's friends in their own home. For the guests, it was an interesting surprise. I involved them in the process of making each dish, sharing little elements and secrets here and there. The night was an overwhelming success and a fun, original experience.
I realised I wanted to bring this service to a wider audience. I don't just want to cook great food for my guests; I want to involve and interact with them throughout the process. Cooking should be a fun, social experience. I love the idea of getting others passionate about cooking great food and this is ultimately my goal - to deliver great food and inspire others to do the same.