Celebrity chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc has announced a brand new TV cookery show set to air at the end of January, to accompany his upcoming cookbook.
Simply Raymond Blanc has been filmed at Blanc's two Michelin-starred Oxfordshire restaurant Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons - the UK's only country house hotel and restaurant to have held two Michelin stars for over 30 years. Airing on ITV, the series will show Blanc using the restaurant's extensive garden and orchards, as well as some behind-the-scenes shots of the famous kitchen.
The recipes demonstrated on the show will all be from Blanc's new cookbook Simply Raymond: Recipes from Home, which is set to be released in late April. The recipe book was inspired by both his mother's cooking, and the time spent away from the professional kitchen during the various lockdowns of the past year. Sadly, Blanc's mother, known as Maman Blanc, died during 2020 before the book was able to be published.
Speaking about the TV series, Blanc said: "It is a pleasure to share this new collection of recipes, and my passion for the very best produce, with ITV viewers"
"These are dishes that bring the best out of their ingredients, simple cooking that everyone will want to try…and I hope they will! ”
Meanwhile ITV's Head of Entertainment Katie Rawliffe added: "It’s a privilege to be making this new series with Raymond Blanc OBE. His enthusiasm and creativity will inspire viewers with these stunning, yet achievable, dishes. And what a rare treat to see behind the scenes at his restaurant.”
The first episode of Simply Raymond Blanc is set to air at 11:40am on Saturday 30 January on ITV1. There will be 10 episodes in the series, all of which will air on Saturday mornings during the coming months.
Feeling inspired to get in the kitchen? Check out our selection of easy-to-follow recipes