WIRRAL CHEFS SHINE 2008: Colin’s aiming for second win!

Apr 30 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

COLIN Parry tasted sweet success in Wirral Chefs Shine last year – and he’s hungry for more!

The 33-year-old, our first finalist in the competition this year, is bidding to become the first chef to win two years in a row.

It’s a family affair for Colin, who runs La Paz in Banks Road, West Kirby, with his brothers Kevin and Phil, parents Julie and Michael, and wife Amy.

He said: “Although we won I didn’t think we were good enough last time and this year we’re definitely better.

“We put our heart and soul into making the damson and apple pie dessert in 2007. We got a lot of good feedback for that dish and I want that for all three dishes this year.

“Winning the competition got us noticed and it really gave us a platform and pushed us forward.”

The head chef, a former pupil at Bebington High School, started his career straight from school, with an apprenticeship and training at Carlett Park and the Dresden Hotel in Bromborough.

In 1994, aged 19, he headed to London for three years to gain more experience.

Colin said: “When I came back I ended up pushing for a few head chef positions and worked at Ego in Liverpool for five or six years.

“From there I came here. I always knew I wanted to have my own restaurant and I wanted to take my experience and have a go for myself.

La Paz has been open for 18 months and Colin remains passionate about the restaurant.

He said: “Everything that comes with this job is a challenge and you’re learning new things every day.

“It’s good to see what’s out there and how the industry is moving. It’s my job to keep on top of those trends and see what our local suppliers are doing.

“People who come to La Paz for Wirral Chefs Shine can expect good, fresh local produce with some new, challenging foods and the best ingredients.

“I’m quite a competitive person and it would be good to win a second time!”

Wirral Chefs Shine takes place at La Paz from 6pm on Tuesday, May 13. The cost of the meal is £14. To book call the restaurant on 625 7200.

WIRRAL Chefs Shine 2008 is once again focusing on “home grown” and all our chefs have been asked to use seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

Our first finalist, is Colin Parry. He said: “We like to source our food locally and part of the job is working with the suppliers to see what they’re doing, depending on things such as weather conditions in the previous season.

“We’re using Claremont asparagus and the rest will all be local. We’re using Bramley apple, rhubarb and elderflower in a twist on baked Alaska, giving it a new, exciting taste.”

Wirral Chefs Shine 2008 is supported by Wirral Council, organisers of the Wirral Tourism Awards for Excellence, The Mersey Partnership, Liverpool Community College and Wirral Met College.