Last month we introduced the Karma Supper Club concept to Karma Community readers – an ongoing series of exclusive fine dining experiences at Karma venues around the world, curated by our award-winning chefs and inspired by standout cookbooks – each unique, each world class. 1st edition is coming up at the end of this month, in the heart of the English Countryside as Karma Salford Hall’s Chef James Woodhams hosts our debut supper. We took a moment to sit down with James to get an insight into the upcoming supper session.
JAMES WOODHAMS PRESENS: WHITE HEAT, BY MARCO PIERRE WHITE
How long have you been with Karma Group?
I’ve worked for Karma Group in total for about three years.
What excites you most about cooking?
The culture surrounding it. As someone who loves to cook and eat, I have always been fascinated by the cultural significance of food. Eating is not just about satisfying hunger; it is a social activity that brings people together and builds relationships. Food can evoke memories, create shared experiences, and reinforce cultural traditions. There are a lot of jobs in life, but I wonder how many give you the chance to express yourself like I can here?… My kitchen is freedom.
Why did you choose this cookbook?
I chose White Heat by Marco Pierre White because when I was 12 years old I was given a copy of Marco’s autobiography ‘White Slave’ by my father, a hotelier and self taught chef. It ignited my passion for hospitality and pursuing a career in the kitchen.
So Marco’s first cookbook from Harvey’s is an incredible snapshot of the original rockstar chef, and what the mentality of cooking at a high level is like. It inspired me a great deal.
Without giving away too much, what kind of experience should our Members look forward to at your White Heat Supper?
Expect classic dishes from White Heat across four courses that will showcase some of my favourite dishes from the book. Perhaps that’s why I work with food, with growing things. I can’t make a carrot, and nor can you. It’s natural. Without food there’s no life. My respect and admiration for life has come from food, through food. a visit?
