Feuillette with mission fig jam and balsamic fluid gel

Chef Barry's Balsamic Fluid Gel

This hydrocolloid has the correct viscosity when it forms a teardrop shape that’s bulbous at the bottom. Pipe the fluid gel atop a rich puff pastry for more of an impact than the typical drizzle of

Fermented Mushroom and toasted barley broth, coal-grilled king oyster mushroom, salsify and tarragon emulsion

Finding Umami with a Fermented Mushroom Dish

The word umami describes one of the five main tastes, alongside bitter, sweet, salty and sour. Over 100 years ago, Dr. Ikeda in Japan discovered Umami as an addition to the already documented four

Hay Smoked Ratte Potatoes with Crème Fraiche and Chives

Two Ways to Take Mashed Potatoes to the Next Level

"Contrary to popular belief, you never want to boil a potato," Chef Barry says. "Simmer[ing] allows them to cook through very evenly." He sources French ratte potatoes, which are rich, decadent and

Goat Cheese Mousse, Pickled Beets, Beet Gel, Puffed Amaranth, Celery and Beet Coral

Testing Texture with Goat Cheese and Beets

Sat Bains from Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham, eloquently says his job is to "f--- you up with flavor”. As chefs, when we combine elements for flavor, we have the opportunity to refine each

koji

Experimenting with Koji in the Culinary Technology Lab

From vinegars and black garlic to krauts, natto, koji and fermented juices, I am learning so much about the value of time and temperature and the life that these elements bring. Fermentation is a

Barry Tonkinson is the director of culinary research and development at ICE.

Chef Barry on Finding Your Culinary Voice

Food unites us all – its vast reach can mean so many things to so many people. It can signify life, nourishment, health, taste, aroma, art, travel. A meal can be a warm embrace to welcome an

Chef Charcutier Arthur Dehaine

Chef Charcutier Arthur Dehaine Reimagines Tradition

I am here to spend the day working with one such master of trade, Arthur Dehaine, the chef charcutier for the restaurant group. Chef Arthur oversees the entire charcuterie department, from design to

A water bath with a Polyscience Immersion Circulator

How to Prepare Sous Vide Lamb this Spring

It is also the start of lambing season. Often confused with when lamb is in abundance, “spring lamb” refers to the breeding cycle. Lambs are born early in the year and are in peak supply in summer and

Scallop Crudo, Grape, Nasturtium Oil and “Caviar” of Aceto Balsamico di Modena PGI

Chef Barry's Scallop Crudo and Balsamic "Caviar"

This dish uses simple and fresh ingredients and showcases them at their best. I used fresh scallops, very finely sliced; a peppery nasturtium oil made with nasturtium leaves; red grapes for sweetness

Salt-Baked Celery Root, Balsamic-Poached Figs, Marinated Goat Cheese and Balsamic “Meringue”

Chef Barry's Salt-Baked Celery Root Recipe

This dish comprises several layers of flavor. The celery root, baked in a fennel-crusted salt dough, is the earthy base. Creamy, marinated goat cheese adds richness; the balsamic-marinated figs add

AeroFarms' aeroponic farm grows plants with LED lights.

Chef Barry Visits AeroFarms' Aeroponic Farm

AeroFarms’ patented, sustainable growing system is designed for fully controlled growing environments adapted to each product. This optimized growth allows for a speedy harvest cycle, a fully

Chef Barry demonstrates pro plating with holiday food.

Pro Plating Tips for Holiday Hosting

Choosing your plate: This step is quite often overlooked. Choosing a perfect canvas will allow you to create contrasting colors and shapes and enable you to provide maximum exposure for your food

Subscribe to Barry Tonkinson — VP of Culinary Operations