Novelli to cook up his riches at The Rag

Multi Michelin-starred masterchef Jean-Christophe Novelli will be cooking in Cannock after a restaurant won a national competition to work with him.

Owner and head chef Mike Benniston and chef Phillip Whittle of The Rag Restaurant in Ironstone Road beat the four other finalists in a special cook-off at Mr Novelli's academy in Hertfordshire. The celebrity chef had worked with the competitors to design menus and also to create a signature dish for each of them.

He took each of the participants through their paces, as they learnt how to prepare innovative dishes.

At stake was the personal appearance at the winning establishment and it was the pair from the Rag that most impressed him.

Mr Novelli will now cook a special lunch there next Wednesday.

Mr Benniston, aged 50, of Burntwood, said: "He will providing a demonstration and cooking in the restaurant and we will be selling tables for the event.

"We have worked on some new dishes which he has developed for us and they will be going on our menu with his name.

"They include mint and pea soup, stuffed baby squid and a signature sea bass dish."

Mr Benniston said the cook-off final of the Carlsberg competition was a fantastic experience.

He said: "We picked up some great tips and ideas and hopefully it will help to take the business forward.

"We've worked really hard over the last five years to place the Rag on the map. We're really pleased to have won this competition and look forward to welcoming Jean-Christophe.

"We use as much fresh local produce as possible and that is something we are keen to promote."

Mr Novelli said he was very impressed with Mr Benniston's ability. He said: "Mike is the full package, he presented his food well."

The demonstration at the restaurant will be screened on the BBC's Money Programme in November.