WALSALL'S Village Hotel cooked up a treat for 80 VIP guests as they hosted a charity launch night for their new restaurant, Verve Grill, in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Street magician Russ Stokes conjured up some fun as he astounded with his up-close and personal tricks at the tables, and a barman from the hotel’s Victory Pub, Adam Smith, serenaded with classical tunes on the piano.
A charity auction raised £630 for Acorns Children’s Hospice, with prizes including a full spring-clean of someone’s house by the hotel housekeeping team, Verve Grill’s head chef cooking a three-course a-la-carte dinner for six at the winner’s home and a signed West Bromwich Albion shirt.
The launch introduced a new name and new menu at the restaurant, formerly Salinger’s, and has brought with it a fresh approach to food preparation at the venue.
Focusing on fresh ingredients, with everything cooked from scratch in the kitchens, the change brings Verve Grill in line with the top restaurants of the area.
To showcase the staff’s culinary skills, chefs Trevor Greenaway and Adam Chapman competed in a Ready, Steady, Cook type challenge, whipping up two dishes from the new menu with guest volunteers Mick Reardon and Rachel Naylor.
The town’s Mayor, Melvyn Pitt, took on the difficult role of chief taster and judge.
Hotel manager Mark Williams said: “Councillor Pitt and our Ready, Steady, Cook volunteers were great sports, entering into the spirit of the night, and I think our chefs enjoyed the opportunity to play Ainsley and show off their culinary flair.
“Our restaurant has always enjoyed an excellent reputation but we want to make sure we’re using the skills of our kitchen team to their best.
“This new approach at Verve Grill will give them the opportunity they have been waiting for, preparing everything, even sauces, from the raw ingredients, which is where their expertise lies.
“The launch night’s been a huge success and feedback on the new menu has been fantastic.
“Our restaurant has always been popular with people from across the region and I’m certain they will be pleased with the changes.”
Ann Smallman, head nurse at Acorns Children’s Hospice, Walsall, said: “We really appreciate the support we receive from the Village Hotel and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
“Not only have they raised a wonderful amount for Acorns, helping us maintain our services to children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the region, they support us in raising awareness of the work we do.
“I’m taking away two potential volunteers from tonight, as well as the money, and both are extremely valuable in ensuring the continuance of the hospice.”
Comments