As world leaders pay public tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who has passed away at Balmoral at the age of 96, chefs have sent messages of condolence for the loss of the UK's longest reigning monarch.
From the Queen's former personal chef sharing his personal anecdotes on CNN, to British chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Angela Hartnett,who were personally awarded OBEs by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, there has been an outpouring of tributes to the Queen from some of the country's best and most well-known chefs.
Here, Darren McGrady, the Queen's former personal chef of 15 years, shared fond memories about her modest and humble tastes. She enjoyed simple grilled fish or chicken outside of state banquets, and she was never happier than when she was eating freshly picked vegetables from her own garden.
During the Queen's 70-year reign, from 1952 to 2022, she awarded the OBE - Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire - to a number of chefs, including the late Michel Rouxand Albert Roux.
Here are some of the tributes paid to The Queen across social media:
Angela Hartnett (OBE) - Murano, London
Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Angela Hartnettwas recently awarded an OBE, for her services to the hospitality industry and to the NHS throughout the pandemic. She wrote: "Queen Elizabeth RIP. Inspirational."
Gordon Ramsay (OBE) - Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London
Fellow OBE and British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay posted: "You will be so missed, a truly remarkable woman who gave so much to us all in Great Britain and worldwide. So humble, selfless and giving. Someone who made such an impact on us all over her decades of service. Rest in perfect peace your Majesty. Gordon ❤️"
Ken Hom (OBE) - TV chef and author
Ken Hom was awarded with an honorary OBE for his achievements and the impact he made on Britain's ‘adoption’ of Chinese cuisine, which has now become one of the nation’s favourite cuisines.
Raymond Blanc - Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons - Oxfordshire
The French chef was awarded an honorary OBE for his services to the British food industry in 2008.
Rick Stein - The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow
Jamie Oliver- British TV chef and author
"We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our much loved Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty really was everything we could have wished for in a Queen and more, ma’am it’s been an absolute honour to be under your Reign. May you rest in peace. With Love, Gratitude and sincere condolences to all of the Royal family. love the Oliver’s xxxx🇬🇧"
Clare Smyth - Core, London
"It is with great sadness that we learn of the loss of Her Majesty The Queen. Thank you for all of your incredible years of service and inspirational leadership. Rest in Peace HRH Elizabeth II 1926-2022."
World renowned chef Alain Ducasse looks back on half a century of apprenticeship and a life dedicated to cooking in his latest book, Good Taste: A Life of Food and Passion.
British chef Merlin Labron-Johnson will move his Osip restaurant concept to a new location and has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help with the move.
The annual Kita festival, Malaysia’s food and gastronomy symposium and series of events returns to Kuching, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in September and October.
Find recipes for classic Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy or brown gravy, Salisbury steak meatballs, slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes. Dinner is on!
You too can prepare a little cucumber sandwich to nibble on as you watch the Royal Wedding this Saturday, May 19th. You'll love this simple yet tasty recipe.
Will farmers survive? Will Stilton cheese still be protected and will the price of food actually go up? Just some of the questions being asked post–Brexit.
He consecrated the cucumber sandwich as the symbol of the British upper class, and wrote some unforgettable (food) quotes: take your seat with Oscar Wilde.