Sands Ibiza launched an innovative new programme this summer, ‘Chefs On Tour’, where it has invited soe of the finest Chefs in the UK to spend a few days in its kitchen overlooking Playa d’en Bossa beach and cook an exclusive meal for its patrons. First up on the Sands season of ‘Chefs On Tour’ is Tim Payne, head chef at London’s Paradise Pub and former executive chef on ITV’s Hells Kitchen. Tim has worked extensively with Marco Pierre White and is renowned for his innovative and exuberant style.
Essentialibiza has been invited to join Tim as he prepares a special meal in Sands and knowing us as you do, you know we didn’t hesitate to accept. This is an amazing concept, and proves once again that food is fast becoming a driving force on the island. Bringing in super star chefs mirrors the clubs and the world’s biggest DJs and we can’t wait to find out what Tim has prepared. Sands looks resplendent, with a major make over during the winter replacing the floor and ceiling and new windows being fitted around the bar/ restaurant it looks almost brand new and tonight, with the tables dressed properly, we feel a little under dressed!
The menu is revealed and, although not knowing exactly what some of it is, it’s enough to get the juices in our mouth flowing.
Chilled tomato consummé, served in a shot glass, Escabeche of Red Mullet with Saffron and Tapenade, Roast Duck Breast with Duck Samosa, Buttered Spinach, Apple Puree and a Port and Vanilla Sauce then finishing off with Strawberries and cream.
The chilled Tomato Consommé was amazing, shame it was in a shot glass as this guest could have quite easily drunk the bowl! The Duck was like no Duck I’ve eaten before, tender and juicy and complimented perfectly by the apple puree and the interesting little Duck Samosa, which had all four of us guessing what this tasty delight was in this strange package. Tim came to talk to us before desert and explained that he is here for the week and loves Ibiza, he talked to us about sourcing the wonderful ingredients for tonight’s fare and how he put everything together for tonight’s dinner. And then the desert… WOW! Something so simple, tasty and delightful and reminded me of home. I was straight on the phone to my dad to say I had strawberries and cream how he use to like them once upon a time, it was at that moment I felt a twinge homesick, kicked myself and then remembered where I was!
Tim mentioned that we should head back down to Sands on Sunday as he would be cooking a traditional Sunday roast. Hmmm, lets see, okay then! Sunday roast is that quintessential English meal that everyone must have, no matter where they are in the world. We have enjoyed some amazing Sunday roasts on the island already, JD’s in Playa d’en Bossa and Pikes spring immediately to mind. After the meal that we enjoyed earlier in the week there is no doubt that Tim Payne will deliver something a bit special and he does!
With a slight twist on the original recipe Tim puts his innovative stamp on a British classic and there is no doubt that everyone in Sands got a new appreciation of a meal they have eaten every Sunday of their life. There are great chefs on the island just as there are great DJs but then there are Masters At Work and whether they be the duo for NYC or the man in the kitchen today, they bring something that little bit extra special to the table!
