A LYMM chef has launched his first cookbook in a bid to spread his passion for good produce.

Olivier Troalen runs the La Boheme restaurant on Mill Lane.

The Frenchman has just released his book, named after his restaurant, that explores introducing French cooking to Cheshire for the last 12 years.

Olivier said: “The book is all about showing what people can do.

“I want the book to be part of the kitchen like a bible.

“It's a pretty book but I don't want it to be left on the coffee table, I want people to use it.

“The bottom line is the produce has to be good. That doesn't mean it has to be expensive, because it doesn't matter what cut it is.

“Something like a pork shoulder is not expensive to buy, but using a cut like that doesn't mean it's bad produce.

“There is no point in me creating dishes where people can't buy the produce.

“I always try to do a dish that people can afford.”

Olivier did not plan on being a chef.

Always passionate about food and cooking, a job as a waiter lead to him training at a catering school in Paris.

He then worked at the French Embassy in London during the 1990s, serving the Queen and Princess Diana.

When his head chef left his restaurant in Chester, Olivier took over the reigns, cooking for customers for the first time.

Then in 2001 he and wife Adele bought La Boheme, and it is the recipes cooked there that feature in the book.

During a demonstration at the restaurant on Monday, Olivier produced a three course meal including King scallops with sweet potato puree and wild mushrooms, fillet of beef with blue cheese and bread and butter pudding.

He is hoping his love for such food, French food modified for English customers, will prove a success.

“It's nice to have a book that comes from a kitchen,” said Olivier.

“People that come here have the possibility to recreate the dish at home."

 

We have two copies of the new book on offer in a competition.
Just tell us: Which road in Lymm is La Boheme is on?
Entries can be sent via email to newsdesk@guardiangrp.co.uk or write to La Boheme competition, Warrington Guardian, 138, Bridge Street, Warrington, WA1 2RU.
Deadline is December 7. Usual Newsquest rules apply.