My name is Derryck. I came up with the idea for Round The World Cooking with my kids, Louie (12) and Darcy (10) and my wife Sarah.
We sat down one evening and though it would be fun to try new dishes from all around the world so we drew loads of country flags, stuck them in a bowl and chose one at random.
Our adventure started in January 2013 with Portugal and we’re doing one a week now until we run out of ideas. With so many countries to choose from I think we’ve got plenty of dishes to get through!
With kids at school, work and adult life getting in the way, we can’t travel as widely as we’d like so this is a great way to experience something new and my mission is to make it as fun as possible. I’m going to track down weird authentic ingredients and unusual dishes, try new cooking techniques and enjoy the music and culture of so many wonderful places around the world. I also want to drag as many passionate, crazy, talented people from each country as I can to help me in my endeavour.
I’m something of a foodie. In the past I’ve worked with Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, helped set up the Ashburton Cookery School, offered consultancy to Mosimann’s and River Cottage and written for Time Out. Live Bookings and AA Restaurant Guides. Living now in Devon it’s not always possible to get the authentic ingredients that are on offer in London or to go to amazing ethnic restaurants like Bar Shu, Ceviche or The Gay Hussar so making international dishes at home is a great way to experience the flavours.
My main area of expertise is in Thai food. I took a professional chef training course in Koh Samui and courses with David Thompson (and did a stage at Nham in London) and used to teach Thai cookery at the Ashburton Cookery School, as well as running the occasional Thai night here in Totnes.
Hope you enjoy my culinary travels – if you want to get involved with suggestions, offers to cook or supply weird and wonderful ingredients (booze particularly), or advice on customs, techniques, sayings, music or anything else then drop me a line.
Cheers! Derryck
