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Tuesday 30th January 2024

Tuesday 30th January 2024

Day 12 of 17

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Aktar Islam

Opheem

Birmingham

2 Michelin Stars

View Bio

Aktar Islam

There are few chefs in the UK who have done more for the reputation of Indian fine dining in the UK than Aktar Islam. Priding himself both on celebrating British produce and using ingredients in the most innovative ways possible, Islam's forward-thinking style has won him not just a whole host of awards, but a huge amount of respect from his contemporaries.

Birmingham born and bred, Aktar Islam is a multiple award-winning English Michelin starred chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur. His credentials include winning Gordon Ramsay’s F Word, BBC2’s Great British Menu and is the only Michelin starred Indian restaurant outside of London. Aktar’s latest venture is Aktar at Home, a critically acclaimed nationwide food delivery business offering traditional Indian home cooking.

His Birmingham restaurant Opheem opened in 2018 to much acclaim and was awarded a coveted Michelin star just a year after opening. Aktar Islam continues to push the boundaries when it comes to Indian cookery, but with cooking techniques from all over the world, some traditional, some modern. In his own words “The food at Opheem is a celebration of British ingredients. It’s a celebration of our seasons and the culinary heritage of the Indian subcontinent. It’s not about deconstructing a curry, it’s about working with the ingredients and then combining influences from various parts of India, and various time periods, to ultimately show the ingredients in its best light”.

Aktar Islam's Obsession Menu

OPHEEM SNACKS
Mango Tuille, Burnt Lettuce, Fermented Chilli
Spiced Beef Tartare, Apple Macaron, Date Chutney, Duck Liver
Curried Crumpet, Dressed Crab, Burnt Lemon
Louis Roederer Brut, Collection 244, Reims, France, NV

GAJAR
Sand Carrot, Lentil Pakora, Mint and Coriander
Viognier, Yves Cuilleron, Northern Rhône, France, 2022

ALOO TUK
Aachari Pink Fir, Espuma, Tamarind
Art Series Riesling Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, Australia, 2021

TISRIA
Roasted Scallop, “Indian XO”, Almonds Korma
Solara, Natural Orange Wine Viile Timusuili, Romania NV

MAPPAS
Tandoori Monkfish, String Bean & Freshwater King Prawn Compote, Mappas Sauce
Pinot Gris Reserve, Lawson’s Dry Hills, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2021

JUNGLEE MAAS
Mangalica Loin, Stuffed Roscoff, Turnip, Fermented Hispi, Pureed Tempered Greens, Pickled Belly Pilau
Cartuxa Colheita Tinto, DOC Alentejo, Fundacao Eugenio De Almeida, Evora, Portugal 2019

AAM
Curried Mango Ice Cream, Mango Salsa, Parfait, Meringue
Jurançon, Domaine Languilhon, Southwest France, 2017

Obsession Food Festival

Obsession first took place in 2001 and was created as a celebration of great food, wine and a meeting of friends, old and new.

From that first event, its size has grown but the ethos is still very much the same; a completely memorable culinary experience with some of the world’s most innovative chefs creating unique Obsession menus for guests to enjoy at Northcote.

VIEW FULL OBSESSION 24 LINE UP

Snapshots from Aktar's O24 evening

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Headline Sponsor

Deepbridge

www.deepbridgecapital.com

Company Profile

Deepbridge

Award-winning Deepbridge Capital provides investors with access to portfolios of actively-managed, growth-focused technology and life sciences companies, taking advantage of the potential tax benefits available under the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.

Contact Details

www.deepbridgecapital.com

The Cook School Sponsor

Gaggenau

gaggenau.com/gb
0344 892 8988

Company Profile

Gaggenau

Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany.” The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 24 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.

Contact Details

gaggenau.com/gb
0344 892 8988

Film Sponsor

Wellocks

wellocks.co.uk

Company Profile

Wellocks

Wellocks have become the special ingredient of the UK’s finest restaurants and have been working closely with Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Craig Bancroft at Northcote for many years, sourcing the most exceptional produce and speciality ingredients.

Contact Details

wellocks.co.uk

Kitchen Sponsor

Electrolux Professional

www.electroluxprofessional.com/gb/
03444 631 260

Company Profile

Electrolux Professional

Electrolux Professional provides globally renowned kitchen solutions and innovative products to meet the needs of chefs at Northcote; the home of Obsession 24.

Contact Details

www.electroluxprofessional.com/gb/
03444 631 260

Digital Sponsor

Lafont

www.a-lafont.com/en/

Company Profile

Lafont

Lafont is a renowned brand with a rich history in manufacturing exceptional chef's jackets. As the global partner of Michelin, Lafont sets the standard for unrivalled quality in culinary uniform. With a 180-year-old legacy for being an esteemed professional clothing manufacturer, we’re a leading global brand for hospitality uniform.

Contact Details

www.a-lafont.com/en/

Restaurant Sponsor

S.Pellegrino

www.sanpellegrino.com/uk

Company Profile

S.Pellegrino

S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are Natural Mineral Waters from Italy, acknowledged as leaders in the premium water category. With 125 years of heritage, S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are destined for the best tables in over 150 countries around the world. Both waters bring the best to the table thanks to their distinctive Italian tastes and unique sparkle, which are known to accompany fine dining experiences worldwide.

Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino S.p.A. is the leading beverage company in Italy with its range of mineral waters and soft drinks. Sanpellegrino has always been committed to enhancing good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that its natural resources have a secure future to continue bringing the best Italian beverages to its customers.

Contact Details

www.sanpellegrino.com/uk

Chef's Table Sponsor

Macallan

www.themacallan.com/en

Company Profile

Macallan

Located in the Speyside region of Scotland, The Macallan was founded in 1824 on a plateau above the iconic River Spey. With an uncompromising dedication to its craft, the distillery has built a global reputation for creating astonishing single malts.

Contact Details

www.themacallan.com/en

Programme Sponsor

Sarah Layton

sarahlayton.co.uk

Company Profile

Sarah Layton

Contact Details

sarahlayton.co.uk

Luxury Car Sponsor

Aston Martin

www.stratstone.com/dealers/aston-martin-manchester/

Company Profile

Aston Martin

Aston Martin Manchester is an official Aston Martin Retailer and is set in the heart of Cheshire, in a picturesque location in Wilmslow. The area lies between affluent Alderley Edge and Handforth.

We provide new and pre-owned Aston Martin models. We pride ourselves on an unparalleled level of customer care, and a personal, bespoke service.

Contact the team on 01625 548802 or info@astonmartinmanchester.co.uk

Contact Details

www.stratstone.com/dealers/aston-martin-manchester/

Luxury Car Sponsor

Stratstone

www.stratstone.com

Company Profile

Stratstone

Founded in 1921, Stratstone is one of the UK's largest premium automotive retailers. With national coverage across a number of locations around the UK, we represent some of the world's most prestigious automotive manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI and smart. Stratstone's extensive range of new and used premium vehicles, along with an unrivalled and highly personalised service during purchase and aftercare, ensures each customer has an experience of unparalleled quality.

Contact Details

www.stratstone.com

Luxury Car Sponsor

Porsche

www.stratstone.com/dealers/?brand=porsche

Company Profile

Porsche

We are proud to present six state-of-the-art official Porsche Centres throughout the UK, in the North West we have Bolton, Stockport and Wilmslow. All of our Porsche Centres provide new car configuration to order placement, the best selection of Approved Pre-owned vehicles, and a hugely experienced technical team carrying out servicing, parts and Porsche lifestyle items.

Contact Details

www.stratstone.com/dealers/?brand=porsche

Obsession Partners

Classic Fine Foods

Contact Details

www.classicfinefoods.co.uk

Sturia Caviar

Sturia is the flagship brand of France's leading caviar producer, Sturgeon. A pioneer in sturgeon breeding in France, the company, created 20 years ago near Bordeaux, produces about 12 tonnes of caviar each year and sells it worldwide. In this way, Sturgeon contributes to the international influence of French gastronomy.

Contact Details

www.sturia.com/gb/

Valrhona

Contact Details

Louis Roederer Champagne

Founded in 1776 in Reims, Louis Roederer is an independent family-run champagne house producing Louis Roederer and Cristal champagnes. Pioneers in sustainable farming, Louis Roederer works hand in hand with nature to produce extraordinary wines that reflect the terroir of the champagne soils and the passion of the Rouzaud family.

Contact Details

louis-roederer.com/en

The Wright Wine Company

Yorkshire Wine & Spirits Merchant

Specialist supplier of wine and spirits, ranging from the everyday to the premium, for both retail and the trade. We are proud to be chosen by several leading restaurants and michelin-starred hoteliers to help create award-winning wine lists and drinks menus, and enjoy a close working relationship, both personal and professional, with owners, sommeliers and managers alike.

Contact Details

wineandwhisky.co.uk

Riedel

Riedel is known for the creation and development of grape varietal-specific stemware. Riedel Crystal was the first in history to recognize that the taste and aroma of a beverage is affected by the shape of the vessel from which it is consumed, and has been recognized for its revolutionary designs complementing alcoholic beverages and other drinks.

Founded in 1756 and pioneering grape varietal-specific stemware since 1958, Riedel has become the brand of choice for wine connoisseurs and drink specialists, hospitality professionals and consumers globally.

Contact Details

riedel.com/en-gb

Double Dutch

Crafted by trailblazing female entrepreneurs, Double Dutch is more than a mixer, it's a bold flavour statement with every pour. Available at some of the world’s most respected restaurants, including Zuma, Roka and Dishoom, Double Dutch’s award-winning range injects much needed personality and award-winning flavour to the world of mixers. We believe every drink should be celebrated, and the party is where you make it, so join us as we double your expectations - one glass at a time!

Contact Details

doubledutchdrinks.com

Hexclad

Contact Details

hexclad.co.uk

Penhaligon’s

Established in 1870, Penhaligon’s is one of the oldest brands in international perfumery, boasting a fantastic fragrance heritage viscerally linked to the British history and culture. Penhaligon’s story started with our founder, William Penhaligon, a humble Cornish barber who rose to the Royal Court and trimmed the Shah of Persia’s beard.