THE CHATEAU Impney has ended its nationwide search by crowning the UK’s first ever hotel taster in residence.
Government officer Lisa Gallacher, who lives in Bromsgrove, defeated seven other finalists to claim the honourable role which will allow her to work with the hotel’s executive chef Stephen Unwin testing and providing feedback on the dishes constantly being developed for the venue’s various menus.
Lisa, who has travelled the world tasting dishes in the Far East, Australasia, America, Thailand and Malaysia, will now be working with Stephen and his team on a monthly basis for the next six months.
During the competition, the 37-year-old took part in a series of head-to-head taste battles at the hotel analysing specially prepared dishes then correctly identify as many ingredients as possible.
Lisa said she was a little nervous at the beginning of the taste battles.
“When the first dish was brought in, my mind went blank, but as I relaxed and concentrated on the flavours and the aromas, it all came together.
“It was a tough competition, but the dishes really played to my strengths, so I was able to identify a lot of the ingredients in the short time provided.
“Being the UK’s first Taster in Residence is a fantastic opportunity, and I hope to embrace it as much as possible.”
She added she was thoroughly looking forward to her first taste feedback session and was excited to be working with Stephen and his team.
Ben Elder, the Chateau’s general manager, said: “Although every finalist had a wealth of experience and an astounding amount of food knowledge, Lisa demonstrated a keen passion for good food and great flavours that stood head and shoulders above the rest.
“It’s fantastic to be able to appoint Lisa as not only our first taster in residence, but the nation’s as well.”
Visit chateau-impney.com for more.
