Chef Kevin Ashton - The International Chef and Blogger
For almost half a century, Chef Kevin Ashton has traveled the world to cook, do cooking demonstrations, be a chef consultant, and write food blogs and product reviews.
He has worked on prestigious hotels worldwide, such as The Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky - a 5-star hotel in Amsterdam. Aside from that, at The Armoury in Hamilton, Bermuda, he functioned as the head chef. But he didn't stop there. He also worked on The Jefferson and The Hay Adams hotels - the celebrities' favorite places in Washington, D.C.
The Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
The Jefferson Hotel
To share his fondness for food, he had cooking demonstrations on both sides of the Atlantic. These demonstrations include Washington, DC International Food & Wine Festival, BBC Good Food Show, N.E.C. the Home & Garden Show, the Royal Show, World Heritage Day in Blaenavon, and the Total Sandwich Show at Olympia London.
Chef Kevin's writing career began when he authored a weekly recipe column in Birmingham Sunday Mercury. Due to his brilliance in penning food articles, his recipes have also appeared in UK and US newspapers and magazines.
Birmingham Sunday Mercury
His exceptional talent and popularity made it possible for him to cook for VIPs, including:
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
President Bush (senior)
President Reagan
President Nixon
Vice-President Mondale
Senator Edward Kennedy
Ethel Kennedy
Alexander Haig
Admiral Crowe
Michelle Pfeiffer
Paul Newman
Linda Carter
Omar Sheriff
Larry King
Just to name a few.
Now, he has is own blog site - Chef Kevin Ashton, where he posts his recipes, advice, reviews, travelogues & news.
Chef Kevin's passion for cooking also makes him do product reviews on his essential "tools" as an international chef. One of these "tools" is his Santoku Knife from Syosaku-Japan.
"I am very impressed with how this Syosaku Santoku knife performed, its balance and how comfortable it felt in my hand."
SLICING
"The Santoku made easy work of thinly slicing white cabbage for my spring rolls, the knife seemed comfortable in my hand and I felt completely in control, which is important when wishing to slice something this thinly."
"I then used the Syosaku knife to slice a large tomato, which again is good indication of its out of the box sharpness."
DICING
"Dicing root vegetables like carrots or swedes (rutabaga) is another good exercise to show the user the balance and comfort of the knife."
CHOPPING
"Whether you are chopping herbs or shrimp, you don’t need the weight of a big knife if your knife is sharp!"
FINAL VERDICT
"I am very impressed with how this Syosaku Santoku knife performed, its balance and how comfortable it felt in my hand."Chef Kevin Ashton
He also got his Syosaku knife with his name "KEVIN ASHTON" engraved on the blade. He's definitely loving that personal touch.
Another Syosaku product that Chef Kevin enjoys is the Urushi glass plate. This is the Urushi Glass Flat Dinner Plate in Gradation Blue color. Look at this flavorful dish made by him!
"As you turn or move the plate the colour of the plate seems to change. When I look for plates and bowls to serve my food on, I search for striking pieces that enhance the presentation, so if you are serious about finding a top quality plate to present your food on then I would recommend you go take a look for yourself."Chef Kevin Ashton
Trout Teriaki with Konjac Noodles by Chef Kevin Ashton
"If you're a chef, cook or just passionate about owning great knives then you owe to yourself to take a look at Syosaku-Japan web site. Read the technical specs and check out what professionals around the world say about these handcrafted knives."Chef Kevin Ashton
"If you are serious about cooking get serious about your knives and buy a Syosaku knife, they are the best knives I own. They stay sharp to give you great result."Chef Kevin Ashton
CHEF KEVIN'S FAVORITES:
Syosaku Japanese Best Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Premium Molybdenum Stainless Steel, Gyuto 9.5-inch (240mm)
"If you are serious about your food then get serious about the knives you use!
Today I was preparing a fresh whole salmon for tomorrow so I used my Syosaku 240mm Gyuto knife for the job. It's made from Premium Molybdenum Stainless Steel and its razor sharp! It's well balanced and very comfortable to hold even if its a long day. I recommend them!"
Chef Kevin Ashton
Syosaku Japanese Best Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Molybdenum Vanadium Clad Stainless Steel with Bolster, Gyuto 7-inch (180mm) Dishwasher Safe
"If you are serious about cooking get serious about your knives and buy a Syosaku knife, they are the best knives I own. They stay sharp to give you great results."Chef Kevin Ashton