Daily Post

Food &Drink: Burning Ambition ; University Education in Wrexham Newi Ian Parri Meets a Chef Out to Put His Hotel Top of the Culinary League

HILE some kitchens have a bit of a reputation for heavy-handed treatment meted out to the staff, head chef Jimmy Williams believes in using a softer touch to entice the best out of his team. And it certainly seems to be paying dividends, with a raft of culinary awards having winged their way towards the kitchen at North Wales' only five star hotel, one of only two in Wales.

Dubai Dream ; Newi in Association with Newi University Education in Wrexham

Jewel of the Emirates PAMPER PRIZE

Food & Drink: Potato Gnocchi with Pesto and Summer Vegetables(Serves 8 As a Starter, 4 As a Main) ; University Education in Wrexham Newi

potato gnocchi ingredients

Food & Drink: Broad Way ; University Education in Wrexham Newi

WITH midsummer's day upon us within days, all the summer vegetables are now at their best. In previous weeks I have written about the merits of the pea and asparagus. Now it's time for the king of summer vegetables, at least as far as chefs are concerned: the broad bean. I love them simply boiled and tossed in butter with crispy bacon. Another favourite is the Italian dish vignole, where peas are braised in water with spring onions, cured ham and mint, then freshly boiled broad beans are adde...

Food & Drink: Indian Country ; Newi University Education in Wrexham Fusion Offers Authentic Indian Food in a Very Welsh Country Setting Taste Test Caron Wyn Edwards at Fusion Restaurant Bar, Glynllifon Country House

GLYNLLIFON describes itself on on its website as probably the only genuine Indian country house restaurant in the UK, before going on to name-drop a few celebs who've dined there over the years. It may be a rather strange way to promote yourself, but if it was good enough for Anthony Hopkins - who apparently dropped in while filming the Chekov tale, August, back in the 90s - then it was good enough for me and a couple of friends.

Food &Drink: Wine Notes ; University Education in Wrexham Newi

CHEF Bryan Webb's food column (see page 2) should make people salivate for delicious spring vegetables. I immediately think of a vegetable flavoured wine to match such things as asparagus, artichokes, spring greens and fennel. I'm a fan of pinot noir and there is a remarkable amount of decent stuff coming from the new world at everyday prices. The basic bourgogne pinot noirs can be very good value, and on special occasions I like to splash out on a top burgundy.

Role Play ; Family They Are the Type of 'Stars' Modern Kids Look Up To. But Are These 'It Girls' Sending Out the Wrong Message?

ROLE models are an important part of growing up. But sadly, mum and dad don't have a say in who their children choose to emulate, and all too often they are inappropriate idols to say the least. That's especially the case in today's celebrity-obsessed society, when youngsters aspire to be like the most glamorous, trendy or famous person, irrespective of what they've achieved or their behaviour.

Daft Ideas Room ; Family

I'Ve come to the conclusion there is a room called the Daft Ideas Room where ministers come together to think up endless idiotic rules, regulations and guidelines. I think they meet once a week to swap ideas and the one with the daftest gets a prize.

Night of Art ; Antiques

ARTIST David Grosvenor will give an illustrated talk on his work at the Royal Cambrian Gallery, Crown Lane, Conwy on Friday evening (June 15) at 7.30pm. The event has been organised by the Friends of the RCA and admission is pounds 3 for members, pounds 5 for guests - with a glass of wine included.

Pin Wonder ; Christopher Proudlove On the Silver Pincushions Which Are Sure to Put a Hole in Even the Biggest of Budgets Antiques

HAD a run out to Anglesey last weekend and spent a happy few hours browsing around the antiques fair at the showground there. Spent far too much money but then the Business Manager (Mrs P) collects porcelain pincushion dolls, or half dolls as they are often termed, so I was able to treat her. Fortunately, she has never graduated to the silver versions like the ones pictured here, or I really would be bankrupted.

Lord It Up ; in Association with Fish4 Geraldine Dutton Uncovers a Stunning Converted Barn

HANDS up anyone who wouldn't simply love to have their own indoor heated swimming pool. One with a bar, kitchen and changing rooms - and French doors overlooking the gardens and countryside. And what gardens! With grounds of roughly six acres, the garden is beautifully laid out with trees, flowers and herbacious borders around the lawns. The property boasts a water feature with a fountain and decking in an enclosed courtyard, and the grounds extend to include paddocks.

Bleak Future for Our Kids ; in Association with Fish4

THE future for our children in not looking rosy. The next generation of home buyers could face average house prices 10 times their salaries unless the number of homes being built increases. National Housing and Planning Advice Unit researchers found more than a third of non home owners think they will never be able to buy.

It's Time to Get Hip ; in Association with Fish4

THEY may be dithering over the date but the basics remain the same. The Home Improvement Pack (HIP)... love it or hate it, make sure you understand it. Selling a house but stopped in your stride by the new HIP legislation? A new guide to understanding it all will get you moving smoothly again.

Don't Lose the Plot ; in Association with Fish4

WANT to know who owns that plot of land you'd love to buy? Or do you fancy doing your house sale online? The Land Registry holds a massive amount of knowledge on 20 million properties, and at this week's BBC Good Homes Show at Birmingham NEC (June 13-17) the public body will be demonstrating its online site.

The Show That Made Me a Star ; Bryn Terfel Reveals How Cardiff Singer of the World Put Him On the Road to Fame

FROM his very first stage appearance Bryn Terfel was hailed as one of opera's most accomplished stars. Yet he admits despite his years of eisteddfod experience and awards he lacked confidence as a young performer.

Wales' Singing Hope 2007

FROM tonight 25 hopefuls take to the stage in a bid to win this year's BBC Cardiff Singer of the World contest. They were selected from more than 1,000 hopefuls and a record 677 singers from 64 counties took part in auditions held in 44 locations.

What to Watch

Doctor Who (BBC1, 7.10pm) The Doctor attempts to help a young woman thwart the plans of the Weeping Angels, a group of mysterious creatures hidden away in an abandoned haunted property. Suitably, given the dark nature of this story, Bleak House and Pride and Prejudice star Carey Mulligan guest stars. And it really is a scary ghost story, Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies has even admitted that it scared him.

What to Watch

Supernanny US (C4, 5.40pm) A new American version of Jo Frost's baby-sitting reality show.

What to Watch

Springwatch (BBC2, 8pm) Why watch Big Brother when you can see sex, violence and even cannibalism on this show?

Tuesday: What to Watch

How To Look Good Naked (C4, 8pm) Stylist Gok Wan offers advice to a struggling 25-year-old actress who wants to feel girlier and shed her drag queen image.