Thames Valley University's lecture theatre/demonstration kitchen was packed to capacity (and more) for television chef Gary Rhodes' visit on Tuesday February 14. The chef, restaurateur, celebrity and author was there to give a cooking demonstration to aspiring chefs.

Gary has strong ties with the University and is a patron of the School of Tourism and Hospitality and Leisure (THL). He is well known as an ambassador of British Foods and prepare a selection of dishes utilising the best of local produce. His choice for a special Valentine's Day meal was roast duck with crispy duck hash, local beer gravy, spring greens and glazed carrots. His demonstration was an opportunity for students to see how a top class meal is prepared from start to finish by one of Britain's most popular chefs.

Elaine O'Sullivan, Operations Manager for TVU's School of THL , said:

�We are very grateful to Gary for fitting this demonstration into his busy schedule. He is a fantastic chef with a genuine passion for cooking delicious, simple food, and we hope that he can pass on some of this passion to our students.�