Daniel Russell-Poole used to work for The Ritz in London.
After a stint in the city and at other restaurants in the UK, he retrained as a lecturer. The covid pandemic lock-downs in the UK made him want to change career so he could pass on his knowledge on to younger generations.
Since making the move from industry to education, the 36 year old now works for Suffolk New College and he is one of three people who have been shortlisted in the chef of the year category relating to the 2024 Suffolk Food and Drink Awards.
This competition is run by the East Anglian Daily Times and Daniel submitted an entry as he wanted to push himself and compare what he could do to the standard of industry.
After making the cut, he will now go head to head against two other chefs in the final that will take place on 29 April 2024 at an event that will take place at Snape Maltings. Dan said; “It’s nice to get to this stage and being shortlisted has shown that I stand up well to my peers.”
Daniel submitted a three course menu and recently cooked one of the dishes – a piece of beef sirloin and cheek, with a bit of wild garlic that was foraged from Suffolk Rural, with salt baked celeriac, Pommes Anna and a black truffle – for judges.
Daniel continued: “I chose this dish as I wanted to keep it local, sustainable and it was about seasonality and seeing what is on your doorstep so that you can use the best ingredients that are about, to help reduce food miles. Sustainable cooking is a big thing that we are trying to champion at the college
“I’ve enjoyed the process so far. If I were to win I would be happy and proud – some of the chefs that have won this are big names.
“I moved here six or seven years ago and was keen to make this my home and champion everything that is great about Suffolk. We have some of the best producers in the world right here on our doorstep and it’s a great place to live and work.
“I also believe that some of our learners are some of the best in the country so I hope to inspire them as much as they inspire me by being involved in this competition.”