NEVER underestimate the pressure put on a chef who must stand in front of strangers while they taste his freshly-prepared food.
It can be daunting not only for the chef but for the organisers, who may well have taken the decision to select a new caterer rather than stick with the regular supplier.
Thankfully, Des Wallington of DDW Catering Ltd has nerves of steel to match his asbestos-fingers and knows even the toughest crowd will appreciate good-tasting food.
The company’s Occupation Road kitchens are where the work begins to create anything from a finger buffet delivered to one of their growing list of business clients or canapes followed by a three-course meal at a glamorous black-tie event.
“Everyone can be an expert when it comes to cooking but often one of the biggest challenges is to bring it altogether at the right time,” said Des, who set up the business after serving 22 years in the Royal Navy.
His wife, Ann, who grew up in the Corby area works closely with Des to ensure each client gets the food they want on time and on budget.
“We realised a long time ago that it was no good telling people in Corby what they should be eating,” said Des. “We have examples of our menus, but each client can then pick and choose what they would like to eat – it can be a challenge, but then life would be boring if all we did was bake sausage rolls and make piles and piles of sandwiches.
“It can be interesting just what request might be coming our way and when we can we try to meet their ideas.”
Latest challenges have been anything from a Burns Night complete with traditional haggis, a three-course black tie dinner at a venue lacking kitchen facilities and a German-themed buffet with the clients impressed that in a few days the team had sourced ‘proper’ Pretzels and curry ketchup.
Des said: “It would be easier to say no but we love playing our part in the life of Corby and feel privileged to be at their high days and low days.”
To find out more call DDW Catering Ltd on 07872 642310, see the website at www.ddwcateringltd.co.uk or email