Back to the Bella…..
3 years is a short time in the grand scale of things, but 3 years can also seem like a lifetime when looked back, New York, London and the Cotswolds. Okay I may have started at the end lets back track a little…….
Hi I’m Gary the new and very proud head chef of the Bella Luce, three years ago I was leaving the beautiful island of Guernsey of for a new adventure, at that time I had no idea that I would return full circle and be back at the Bella Luce taking my first heads chef position. The three years have been a very exciting and hugely influential time on both my life and career, per se and Daniels in new York, Gordon Ramsays at Claridges in London and the outstanding lower slaughter manor in the Cotswolds, all these places taught me to refine my cooking but also to respect food be it a simple cherry tomato or a fresh from the sea lobster as it takes all off the ingredients to make a true experience.
Its these things I’m looking forward to bringing to the Bella, and pushing it through all the aspects of our residents and locals experience here at the Bella, be it a burger in the bar, tasting of Guernsey lobster in the restaurant or a breakfast in the morning, going back to basics is the only way to start this so we make everything from the tomato ketchup for the burger or the brioche but for the salmon scrambled eggs to ensure everything is fresh and at its best, we are really looking to put a family emphasise back into the hotel, no request is too much.
I truly believe there are exciting times ahead at the Bella with myself, Luke and Michael all striving to make the Bella a level above the rest making every visit be it a short stay or relaxing drink in the garden an experience that no one will forget.
Each month I’ll be keeping everyone up to date with the goings on in the Bella kitchen and even giving a few recipes and tip along the way.
Looking forward to welcoming you to the Bella
Gary Pickles
Head chef Bella Luce
Sheila Duckett
October 3, 2012 at 10:10 pmlGary
Just wanted to thank you for looking after the three of us on Tuesday lunchtime at the beautiful Bella Luce. If it hadn’t been for The Rhinos we would probably have not even spoken to you at all! We all agreed we couldn’t fault the lunch at all and all really enjoyed the fantastic food. We will watch your career with interest. You are definitely destined for a fantastic career!!
All the very best Gary and C’mon Leeds for the coming weekend. It’s a pity you can’ t make it….
Sheila Duckett
Ronnie Duckett
Gloria Downey
Ian & Shirley Ward
December 30, 2012 at 12:59 pmGary
We have just returned from a wonderful couple of days at the Bella Luce with our two teenage daughters who are both vegetarian as you will recall.
I eat in London many times a month with business and I have to say without fear of contradiction that the quality of your food surpasses just about all I have experienced on the mainland. The sacllops are of particular note. Superb.
and to go the extra mile to accomodate my two daughters on Friday (following our converstaion on the No 6 bus!) was outstanding service. They both agreed that what you can do with a humble root vegetable is nothing short of marvellous ! Good luck in your future career – a star in the making.