Known as one of the most prestigious and internationally recognised gourmet festivals in Europe, Obsession returned this year to Northcote with new energy, new chef faces and new fantastic gastronomic creations.
From 20th January to 5th February 2023, the luxury Lancashire Hotel and Michelin Star restaurant Northcote, headed by Executive Chef Lisa Allen, hosted this magnificent event and we were proud sponsors this year with our long-term partners Sturia Caviar and Valrhona.
Established in 2001, Obsession celebrates its 23rd anniversary this year as a hugely successful gastronomic event with 17 nights in which 23 Master Chefs with 15 Michelin Stars between them, will perform their craft and create masterpieces to delight their guests.
Obsession23 gathers a rich network of professional culinary chefs; industry professionals and high net-worth food and travel lovers. It is the most anticipated food event in the UK and the only one of its stature.
This year, Obsession23 welcomed nearly 2,000 guests to celebrate world-class hospitality and gastronomic excellence.
The Chefs:
Nial Keating – Lunar, Stoke-on-Trent
Ricardo Costa – The Yeatman, Porto
Alex Dilling – Hotel Café Royal, London
Nathan Davies – SY23, Aberystwyth
Chet Sharma – Bibi, London
Brad Carter – Carter’s of Moseley, Birmingham
Tommy Banks – Black Swan, Oldstead
Salle Abé – The Pem, London
Anna Haugh – Myrtle, London
Tom Sellers & Tom Phillips – Restaurant Story, London
Valentine Warner and Neil Borthwick – The French House
Rafael Cagali – Da Terra, London
Luke French – JÖRO, Sheffield
Hrishikesh Desai
John Williams MBE and Spencer Metzger – The Ritz, London
Alex Nietosvuori – Njem
Marc Donald – The Genturret Lalique, Scotland
Monica Galetti – Mere, London
Nieves Barragan – Sabor, London
Lisa Goodwin-Allen - Northcote
Our Sponsors:
Sturia is a pioneer in French caviar production, developing its fish farms in Aquitaine, southwest France, they ensure the highest levels of quality in the production controlling the full cycle from breeding to maturation.
All their processes are designed not only to ensure the very highest standards of quality for the caviar itself but also to care for the ecological balance of the natural environment.
Sturia breeds both Oscietra and Baerii species of sturgeon and cultivates caviar without the use of Antibiotics, growth hormones or GMOs. Meticulous selection takes place at every step of the production and maturation of the caviar, and it is a slow process- it takes 8 years for a female to reach maturity.
Once the roes are selected, traditional methods are used to prepare the caviar. Careful hand sorting, and regular tasting, of the eggs, are key before the maturation process can begin.
The eggs are slightly salted using the Malossol method, which brings out their unrivalled flavour and length on the palate. This traditional expertise releases all the caviar's balanced, hazelnut flavours.
Sturia caviar is very much loved by top chefs all around the world who use it in their culinary creations to add a touch of delightful refinement.
We were very impressed by the dishes created with Sturia caviar this year at Obsessioin23!
For nearly 100 years, Valrhona has created some of the finest chocolates in the world leading the market in innovation and quality.
The company has a sourcing strategy based on long-term partnerships with cocoa farmers all over the world mastering every step in the production process that starts with a strict selection of the finest cocoa to ensure a consistent and exceptional taste.
The company is an industry innovator leading the way in research and new product development. It is accredited with the creation of the first 70% dark chocolate, Guanaja 70% as well as the first fruit and nut, Inspiration couvertures.
The brand holds the great ambition to develop and add value to a sustainable cocoa sector in today's world, respecting ethics and the environment. The company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Live Long program unites all efforts in answering the ecological and social challenges that arise responsibly and compassionately.
Valrhona is a favourite chocolate ingredient for the best pastry chefs around the world and, at Obsession23, we have been delighted with a fantastic assortment of desserts made with a variety of chocolate couvertures from Valrhona.
