As our week of Foodie celebrations comes to a close, our girl Jenna reflects on our first #CocoKitchen event that marked the launch of Volume 13. From a specially curated menu by Masterchef The Professionals finalist Matt Healy, to a bespoke flower wall and plenty of Champagne, it was one hell of a celebration…

“Our Food Issue is definitely one of my favourites yet. As a self professed Food enthusiast I really do believe that culinary creations are good for the soul. From the magical moment when you bite into something new, to the social aspect of dining – it’s my favourite pastime with so many benefits! With three #CocoKitchen events planned throughout Yorkshire, we kicked off in Leeds, the birthplace of House of Coco. Each restauraunt was specially selected, with Matt Healy x The Foundry being the perfect venue to collaborate with. We were also lucky enough to gain sponsorship from one of the region’s leading Motor Groups Ringways who attended our event with a specially designed #CocoKitchen car and were given the best seat in the house!

The Guestlist

From luxury lifestyle bloggers, beauty brands and the usual Leeds socialites – our editor Laura also made sure she could harness this event to thank some of House of Coco’s biggest supporters. This year, House of Coco turned four and this event was a fantastic opportunity to show gratitude to friends and family who had been there from the beginning.

The Food

As this was a celebration of all things culinary, Matt Healy put together a bespoke three course menu which encapsulated his style of cooking with some Leeds influence for good measure! To start was a choice of Beef & Oyster (Beef Tartare with a Lindesfarm Oyster emulsion) or a Vegetarian creation of roasted Heritage Carrot, Carrot puree & Carrot top salad. The Beef & Oyster starter was rich, inventive and completely delectable!

To follow was Black Leg Chicken, Hen of the Woods & Burnt Shallot. Hen of the Woods is a rare and unique Mushroom which gave some depth to the dish. The Chicken was incredibly moist and juicy – how this was possible at such a large event is beyond me! Absolutely insane. Usually at foodie led events, Vegetarians are almost an after thought. However, after recently opening Grön, a Vegan friendly cafe in Oakwood, Matt got all hands on deck for a creative main. Grilled Squash was topped with Burnt Shallot, whipped Goats Curd, Harrissa and Coriander. Word around the table was that it was unreal….

To round off the three courses, Matt & his team treated us to a classic with a super inventive twist. Lemon Meringue, but not as you know it. With a soft fluffy meringue shell, enclosed was a zesty Lemon Sherbet surrounded by a creamy Lemon Posset. Gorgeous.

Entertainment

Now, would it really be a celebration without some speeches and some Funky House? Legendary Leeds DJ Sara Garvey was on hand to keep the vibe going and our Editor Laura Bartlett was accompanied by Matt Healy for some very entertaining speeches. With a hint towards a potential House of Coco: Leeds and a big thank you to Matt for opening the restaurant exclusively to us, it was positive vibes all round!

Goodie Bags

With support from Harvey Nichols, we built 40 bespoke Goodie Bags for each of our guests. From artisan Coffee and high-end Noodles to Neom Organics and Squirrel Sister energy bars – the bags were almost as big as the tables! We also provided each guest with their very own copy of The Adventure Issue (vol 12) and exclusive access to The Food Issue (vol 13) before it hit the shelves.

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for when the official #CocoKitchen video is released and grab your exclusive ticket to our Harrogate edition with Hotel Du Vin here! Huge thank you to all of our sponsors, including headline sponsor Ringways and venue host Matt Healy x The Foundry.

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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