Gangsters and Molls Party
Pull your guns out for the best party in town!
Fred & Simon’s Hadrian’s Wall Race – A Coast to Coast Run
Support Fred’s & Simon’s Hadrian’s Wall Race
Fred Siriex turns 40 and has yet another crazy idea for charity…
Read his personal note below.
We all want to do something amazing and unforgettable on our 40th birthday….. So I’ve come up with brilliant and very crazy idea! Luckily I’ve managed (again) to convince Simon Vincent to participate but I’m not really sure he knows what he’s said yes to!!!
Hadrian’s Wall is 84 miles long and was the most heavily fortified border in the Roman Empire. It runs from the North Sea to the Irish Sea and we will be running it for charity.
The plan is for me to start at the North Sea end of Hadrian’s Wall and Simon will start on the Irish Sea end of Hadrian’s Wall. We will then each race the 42 miles to the middle point of the wall. The last man there has to buy the first round of drinks (and an oxygen tank!).
If anyone feels like helping us out, running all or part of the way or just motivating us with your good wishes and money please leave your comments below.
Naturally we will be putting our aging bodies on the line for Galvin’s Chance – the Foundation’s into-work initiative that we have been championing for the last few years. With these tough economic times and a record number of young people unemployed its imperative that as employers we give everyone the tools and best chance possible to have a career. Galvin’s Chance has gone from strength to strength and I’m constantly inspired by the young people who undertake the programme. Their potential is incredible if only we give them the help and support. However we need to raise more to enable another cohort of students to have this chance.
The date of the run is to be confirmed but it will probably be around late June/early July when the sun will no doubt be shining on our crazy adventure!
If you want to race too and be part of either Simon’s team or mine just email me on fred.sirieix@hilton.com
Thanks for your support.
Fred & Simon
_____
To find out more about Galvin’s Chance charity, visit www.galvinschance.co.uk
To support this race, donate now http://www.justgiving.com/Hadrians-Run
‘Shakespeare in the Sky’
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Galvin at Windows
join together for ‘Shakespeare in the Sky’
LONDON and STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, UK, – 6th February 2012
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the independent charity that promotes Shakespeare’s legacy across the world and the Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows restaurant on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, are cooking up Tudor feasts this spring / summer with a dramatic twist – to celebrate the 2012 World Shakespeare Festival.
In celebration of this landmark event, Galvin at Windows will hold four special Shakespeare in the Sky evenings combining sumptuous Shakespearean menus with live performances where guests will be seated amongst the dramatic action of some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.
Fred Sirieix, general manager, Galvin at Windows, said, “The team at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is helping us with the inspiration for these exciting productions, which will provide diners with a unique take on the Galvin at Window’s culinary experience. This is one of the most ambitious projects we have planned and we are delighted to have the help of the charity which is dedicated to Shakespeare’s legacy.”
The first Shakespeare in the Sky will be a Romeo and Juliet dinner on 25 April 2012, commencing with the masked Venetian ball scene. The romantic tragedy will be played out between courses by actors from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s Shakespeare Aloud! troupe, who perform daily at the Birthplace of the world’s most famous playwright in Stratford-upon–Avon.
There will be two smaller Shakespeare in the Sky dinners hosted by the world’s foremost experts on Shakespeare’s works, life and times on 21 May and 21 June. These will also feature readings by actors and Shakespearean festivities. Another Shakespeare feast and play “Twelfth Night” is planned for 26 September.
In preparation for the special live performances, the Galvin at Windows team, led by Chris Galvin, owner/chef patron of Galvin Restaurants; Andre Garrett, head chef; and Fred Sirieix, general manager, will be heading to Stratford-upon-Avon on 6 February to research and plan the Shakespearean menus and entertainment. They will visit Mary Arden’s Farm for an authentic taste of how the Shakespeare family would dine, when William was a young man visiting his grandparent’s home. The farm is a real working Tudor farmstead where costumed staff and volunteers live, work and eat as in Tudor times.
Diana Owen, Director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said, “Galvin at Windows is making our wish come true by creating a special menu in the week of Shakespeare’s Birthday and the launch of the World Shakespeare Festival on 23 April. What better way to celebrate the dizzying rise of Stratford’s local son to international icon than with a Shakespearean feast in the restaurant with the most commanding views of London during the height of the cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Festival.”
With a glamorous interior evoking the golden age of the 1930’s, Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows restaurant and bar has become one of the most talked about destinations since opening in May 2006. Situated on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane in trendy Mayfair, it has become renowned for its peerless views over the capital, including iconic sites such as The City, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.
-###-
Notes to editors:
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is the world’s leading charity in promoting the works, life and times of William Shakespeare. It offers a unique Shakespeare centred experience with outstanding archive and library collections, inspiring educational and literary event programmes and five wonderful houses all directly relating to Shakespeare.
As an independent charity we receive no public subsidy or direct government funding. We depend entirely on income generated through our supporters: our visitors, volunteers, donors and Friends.
The World Shakespeare Festival (WSF) is a celebration of Shakespeare as the world’s playwright, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, in an unprecedented collaboration with leading UK and international arts organisations, and with Globe to Globe, a major international programme produced by Shakespeare’s Globe.
Thousands of artists from around the world will take part in almost 70 productions, plus supporting events and exhibitions, right across the UK, including London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Newcastle/Gateshead, Birmingham, Wales and Scotland and online.
It runs from 23 April to November 2012 and forms part of London 2012 Festival, which is the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad, bringing leading artists from all over the world together in a UK-wide festival in the summer of 2012.
The World Shakespeare Festival is supported by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor, by Arts Council England and by BP, as Founding Presenting Partner.
Putting their gloves on for charity…
A message from Fred Sirieix…
Dear All,
Simon Vincent, Hilton Worldwide President for Europe and I will step in the ring on the 13th December and take on the former (undefeated) British and European welterweight boxing champion Clinton Mckenzie to fight for Galvin’s Chance, service and front of house.
We are both training hard in preparation for the big fight and are hugely grateful for your support. The fight will consist of ten rounds with the two of us alternating in and out of the ring in a tag team approach. The winner will be decided either by points scored or a knockout. We will need all of your good wishes as we will be going into battle with a fearsome foe at his own gym in south-east London (www.clintonmckenzie.com) – Clinton Mckenzie certainly knows his way around a ring as a former British and European welterweight champion and GB boxing Olympian!
Clinton McKenzie & Fred Sirieix in fight for charity
We are putting our bodies on the line though in aid of a very good cause. Galvin’s Chance is an into work apprenticeship scheme for disadvantaged young people which we have both supported since it started three years ago. Every penny raised from the event will be channelled by Hilton in the Community Foundation to Galvin’s Chance to give these vulnerable young Londoners a second chance in life.
To find out more about the charity please visit: www.galvinschance.co.uk
Clinton Mckenzie has been a key supporter of Galvin’s Chance and together we hope to raise some much needed funds towards the 2012 initiative. On the 13th however there can only be one winner and it will be team Sugar Fred (the Stinger) and Simon the Marvellous!
Thank you so much for your generous support this Christmas. It is greatly appreciated and really will make a huge difference to these young people in need of our help. Please find the link http://www.justgiving.com/fred-simon-boxing-challenge
Let’s Rumble!
Simon, Clinton and Fred
Hilton Worldwide Crowns Competition Winners
BERLIN, Germany & MCLEAN, VA – (22 November 2011) –
Hilton Worldwide has today announced the winners of its Europe Food & Beverage (F&B) Masters 2011. Following two days of intense judging in Berlin, the competition came to an exciting climax in each of the four disciplines: the Culinary Cup, Pastry Cup, Bar Cup and Service Cup. Friendly rivalry prevailed during the competition as the 50 finalists, shortlisted from over 200 entries from across Hilton Worldwide’s European portfolio of hotels, prepared and presented to prove they are the best in the region.
Videos and photos of the event will be made available at www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide.
“We are delighted to announce the winners of the Europe F&B Masters 2011 – congratulations to all of the teams shortlisted and to everyone involved,” said James Glover, vice president of food and beverage in Europe for Hilton Worldwide. “The quality of the competition was extremely high and all of the finalists should be proud of their achievements. The F&B Masters further enhances our objective of creating an exciting and rewarding food and beverage culture within Hilton Worldwide in Europe and is a wonderful showcase of the talent and creativity on offer at our hotels.”
The Culinary Cup
Finalists prepared a starter dish of sea scallops and Chanterelle mushrooms, as well as a main course of beef fillet, Savoy cabbage and celeriac. Judges assessed the finalists on criteria of professional preparation, presentation, innovation and taste.
Gold: Hilton Malta, Daniel Debattista & Ralph Vassallo
Silver: Hilton Prague, Emanuele Mugnaini & Michal Ludek
Bronze: The London Hilton on Park Lane, Murat Oguz & Laurie Thomas
Judges particularly noted Debattista and Vassallo’s creativity, team work and presentation, which embodied the values of Hilton Worldwide’s food and beverage approach. The gold prize is a five day trip to Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, to gain experience and train in Heinz Beck’s three Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola.
The Bar Cup
Finalists were judged on their creation of a Classic Negroni as well as a cocktail from their local area. Judges scrutinised on criteria of balance, technique, measurement, communication style and drink presentation.
Gold: The London Hilton on Park Lane, Rui Serra
Silver: Hilton Prague, Roman Uhlir
Bronze: Hilton London Tower Bridge, Simona Gullo
Our own Rui Serra
Judges particularly noted the elegance, balance and style of the cocktails Serra created, as well as his passion and creative flair during the presentation. The gold prize is an all expenses paid trip to the internationally renowned ‘Worldclass 2012’ bar tender competition taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Pastry Cup
Finalists prepared an individually plated dessert featuring chocolate, almonds and figs as well as a cake. Judges based their decision on criteria of creativity, flavour, artistic technique, originality and presentation.
Gold: Hilton Prague, Youri Baltaliyski
Silver: Hilton Strasbourg, Jean Stouvenel
Bronze: Hilton Vienna, Karina Rizaj
Awards & Recognition
What an amazing year this has been so far for our Galvin at Windows team, having their efforts recognised with many awards and achievements!
Fred Sirieix, the General Manager won a ‘Personality of the Year’ Award at the National Restaurant Awards, following by sommelier Ashraf Saleh who was given ‘The Worshipful Company of Innholders and Maison Louis Jadot Sommelier Award’ by the Academy of Food and Wine Service.
In June – the team won the ‘Award of Excellence’ from the Wine Spectator for an outstanding wine list and most recently, the wine list made it to the final round of the AA Notable Wine List Award chosen from over 1000 selected wine lists based on overall quality and presentation.
Well done everyone!!
Celebrate the Proms Season with us this Summer
A Performance To Remember – Galvin At Windows Celebrates The Proms Season This Summer
As we move into mid-summer, The Proms season begins – a spectacular annual event presenting world class talent.
With this year’s distinctive French theme of concerts taking place at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, just a stone’s throw away, Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows will celebrate The Proms with a ‘performance’ of top-class French cuisine, accompanied by a glass of Champagne. A pre dinner cocktail – “The Perfect Prom” – is also designed exclusively for the occasion, lending itself to a French theme. Promming has never been so delicious.
The restaurant’s highly-acclaimed Head Chef André Garrett, is set to amaze both the serious gourmand and the inquisitive palate with an exquisitely designed set lunch and dinner Proms menu featuring Seared foie gras, spiced duck pastilla, confit lemon & date consommé; Braised turbot, cucumber, oyster, linguini, wasabi & oyster velouté; and Hot soufflé of banana, chocolate & caramelised peanut .
This memorable fusion of dishes is designed to pair perfectly with a musical evening of Fauré, Debussy, French Baroque or Jazz Francais.
Galvin at Windows talented Bar Manager, Marco Ercolano, has orchestrated a special Proms themed cocktail with a French twist. The Perfect Prom is a delicious fusion of French ingredients, including Dubonnet, Mandarin Napoleon, Vodka, orange,and lemon zest with thyme, shaken and topped up with Pommery Champagne, then served in a coupette and garnished with fresh raspberries- quite a performance in itself.
Just a short walk or taxi ride away from the Royal Albert Hall, Galvin at Windows is located on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Offering panoramic views and sitting on the cusp of Hyde Park, Galvin at Windows presents the perfect dining experience with its performance of French culinary talent for pre or post Proms concert goers, or even during Last Night of the Proms in the Park on 10th September.
The set lunch and dinner Proms menu is available from 15 July – 10 Sept and starts at £29 per person to £65 per person (lunch and dinner) and includes half a bottle of House Champagne for two people.
The offer applies to parties of up to six people and is available from Monday to Friday in select sittings (12-12:30pm, 2:00-2:30pm, 6:00-6:30pm and from 10:00pm until 9 September 2011 subject to availability).
The Perfect Prom cocktail is available at Galvin at Windows bar from 6:00pm and is priced at £15.25.
To make a reservation, please contact us on 020 7208 4021 or email reservations@galvinatwindows.com .
Enjoy!
Mayfair Park and Tower Race Achievement
Galvin At Windows Charity Run to help young Londoners
Guests heading to breakfast at the iconic London Hilton on Park Lane hotel witnessed the unusual sight of 100 runners from the worlds of hospitality, sport and business joining forces with the general public to race through the hotel lobby and up the 56 flights of stairs of the 101 metre tall hotel. The race, starting at 8 a.m. on 8th July was a fundraiser co-ordinated by Hilton in the Community Foundation to support at risk young Londoners through the Galvin’s Chance apprenticeship programme .
Amongst the runners were Galvin’s Chance founders Chris Galvin, Chef de Patron at Galvin at Windows, and Galvin at Windows general manager, Fred Sirieix. They were joined by Simon Vincent, Hilton Worldwide President Europe and former British boxing welterweight champion Clinton Mckenzie. This year’s winner was Galvin at Windows Employee Emmeric Hurault, finishing in an electric 18 minutes and 58 seconds.
Early indications are that more than £20,000 has been raised from the event in sponsorship for Galvin’s Chance. The initiative offers at risk young Londoners, including ex-offenders training, mentoring and a series of apprenticeships in some of London’s finest hotels and restaurants as part of a course to equip and support them into full time employment. The project has been initiated by Chris Galvin and the Galvin at Windows restaurant, the finish point for the race, and is co-ordinated by Hilton in the Community Foundation, Hilton’s charitable arm which has a focus on helping disadvantaged young people.
Speaking at this morning’s event, Chris Galvin said: “Working in restaurants, as I have now done for 33 years, has made me realise just what an inspirational sector this is and what a great opportunity we have to make a difference to young people’s lives. The race follows on from that by helping people to help themselves, to learn and to be inspired. Every step taken on today’s course is a step closer to helping someone who needs that second chance in life.”
Galvin’s Chance, now in its third year, provides an opportunity to young people in London between the ages of 18-24 to turn their lives around. The programme, which has already supported several young Londoners from difficult backgrounds into full time work, is delivered in partnership with The Springboard Charity, which specialises in helping young unemployed and disadvantaged people into work in the hospitality sector.
Chris Grayling MP, Minister for Employment, sent a message of support for the event and the programme. He said: “Apprenticeships are an essential part of tackling youth unemployment, particularly for those from the most challenging backgrounds. I wish Galvin’s Chance every success with its valuable work”.
One of last year’s apprentices, Liam Frederick Waterman, aged 22 years old, spoke at the post run reception in Galvin at Windows. He said: “Prior to Galvin’s Chance I was on probation and doing community service. Galvin’s Chance helped me by giving me a chance to find the confidence to help myself. I am currently studying an NVQ level 2 and working full time as a Commis waiter. I would definitely recommend the programme as it has given me a first class opportunity. Thanks to everyone who ran and fundraised to support this year’s apprentices.”
All participants will also have the opportunity to engage in training at Westminster Kingsway College as part of the programme. The Apprenticeship will take up to 12 months to complete and the college courses should lead to an NVQ Level 2.
More information about the race and the charity can be found at www.mayfairparkandtowerrace.com and www.galvinschance.co.uk/.
About Hilton in the Community Foundation
Hilton in the Community Foundation was founded in 2000 as Hilton Worldwide’s charity vehicle in Europe dedicated to supporting young people in need by combating exclusion and providing skills, aspirations and opportunities. Focussed on improving access to, and the quality of, education and healthcare, the Foundation mobilises local giving and targets four key areas: disabled children, children in hospitals, children’s hospices and homelessness. Grants help vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in Europe, while in the event of international disaster grants are made to relief organisations addressing young people’s needs.
The Foundation’s core costs are funded by Hilton Worldwide, so every net pound/euro raised goes directly to good causes. Donations are funded almost entirely through the generous efforts and contributions of team members, family and friends and with the support of guests and company suppliers. Since its establishment in November 2000 the Foundation has raised over £9 million for charity.
To find out more please visit our website: www.hilton-foundation.org.uk.
For images from the day please visit our Facebook page – Galvin at Windows – http://www.facebook.com/pages/London-United-Kingdom/Galvin-at-Windows/147927068566657
Mayfair Park & Tower Race 2011!
A Towering Challenge to Help Young Londoners Reach Their Potential
Places Are Still Available for the Mayfair Park and Tower Race, an Opportunity for the Hospitality Industry to Support ‘At Risk’ Young People in the Capital.
While bookings can be hard to come by at Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, one group will be going further than most to gain entry to the restaurant.
On 8th July 2011, guests at the iconic hotel will witness the unusual sight of more than 100 runners from the worlds of hospitality, business and athletics joining forces with the general public as they race across Hyde Parkand up 56 flights of stairs of the 101 metre tall hotel. Limited places are still left for the unique breakfast charity challenge, which starts at 8am on Friday 8 July. More information and the registration process can be found at http://mayfairparkandtowerrace.com
Chefs Chris Galvin, Andre Garrett and Michel Roux Junior, along with general manager of Galvin at Windows, Fred Sirieix, fellow star of the TV series ‘Michel Roux’s Service’, will be amongst the runners taking part. The Mayfair Park and Tower Race is a 4 km sprint around theSerpentine Lake in Hyde Park followed by a gruelling tower run up the 475 stairs of London Hilton onPark Lane to Galvin at Windows. The runners will then have the chance to recover and re-hydrate with a champagne breakfast in the restaurant.
All fun and sweat aside, the event has a serious ambition as the runners will be fundraising for Galvin’s Chance, an into-work apprenticeship programme. The initiative offers ‘at risk’ young Londoners between the ages of 18 and 24, including ex-offenders, a series of apprenticeships in some of London’s finest hotels and restaurants as part of a course to train and support them into full time employment. The project is the brainchild of Fred Sirieix and Chris Galvin and is co-ordinated by Hilton in the Community Foundation, Hilton Worldwide’s official charity in Europe, which has a focus on supporting disadvantaged young people. www.galvinschance.co.uk
Chris Galvin said:
“Working in restaurants, as I have now done for 38 years, has made me realise just what an inspirational sector this is and what a great opportunity we have to make a difference to young people’s lives. Galvin’s Chance follows on from that by helping people to help themselves, to learn and to be inspired. Every step taken by our runners on the course is a step closer to helping someone who needs that second chance in life.”
Fred Sirieix said:
“Seeing some of the young people on the Galvin’s Chance programme to seize the opportunity to turn their lives around has been truly inspirational, and I want to offer this chance to many more. Galvin’s Chance has been a big part of my life over the last three years and I’m desperate for it to continue to succeed. Together we really can help young Londoners to help themselves and to become role models for their communities.”
Galvin’s Chance, now in its third year, is delivered in partnership with The Springboard Charity, which specialises in helping young unemployed and disadvantaged people improve their prospects through developing skills and finding sustainable jobs in the hospitality, leisure travel and tourism industries. The initiative includes industry leading training towards a front of house hotel or restaurant career, inspiring dedication, ambition and enthusiasm.
Kamal Manhas, aged 24, who was one of the first apprentices on the programme, has since worked at Galvin at Windows and is currently working as a commis chef at anotherLondonhotel onLeicester Square. She said, “I was 21 years old and had just been released from prison. I had sent out thousands of CVs but no one was prepared to give me a chance. As soon as I heard about Galvin’s Chance I knew I had to grab the opportunity. My life has completely changed since Galvin’s Chance. I always used to think about the past and present, but now I have reasons to be excited about my future.”
All participants also have the opportunity to engage in training at Westminster Kingsway College as part of the programme. The Apprenticeship will take up to 12 months to complete and the college courses should lead to an NVQ Level 2.
Michel Roux Junior said:
“Galvin’s Chance is an inspirational programme that exists to help real people who might have not had every opportunity to change their lives for the better. With so many challenges facing many young people at the moment, Galvin’s Chance is a pro-active initiative that really makes a difference.”
Sign up now to make a difference http://mayfairparkandtowerrace.com
For additional information on the Community Work of Galvin at Windows restaurant, visit http://galvinatwindows.com/experience-community.php
Celebrate our 5th birthday with us!
Proud to be amongst the best destination restaurants in London, Galvin at Windows is celebrating its 5th birthday, having opened in May 2006. With our breathtaking views from the 28th floor, exceptional service and outstanding Michelin-starred cuisine– we invite you to join us during the month of May for our limited edition 5 course Birthday menu, especially designed by Head Chef André Garrett at £55 per person*.
Plus, enjoy a unique cocktail – Fred’s dream – inspired by Fred Siriex’s imagination and brought to life by Bar Manager Marco Ercolano in honour of the great occasion.
For your chance to win this special Birthday Menu for two**, share your best memory of Galvin at Windows - Enter now with a comment below (max. 200 words) !
Competition closes on Thursday 19th May.
For more information or to view the menu, please visit www.galvinatwindows.com
To make a reservation at the bar or restaurant, please call 020 7208 4021 or email reservations@galvinatwindows.com
* The Birthday Menu is available for lunch from 12pm to 2.30pm Monday to Friday only. Available for dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm Monday to Wednesday and Thursday & Friday from 6pm to 7pm and 9pm to 11pm.
** The prize is the 5 course Birthday Menu for 2 people. Prize to be redeemed from May 23rd to May 27th and must be booked in advance. Prize subject to availability. Non refundable, non transferrable. You need to submit your entry as a comment in our blog, max. 200 words by Thursday 19th May.
