FEAST FOR THE EYES AND THE PALATE
Artistic and culinary collaboration celebrates restaurant milestone
Lisburn artist Jonathan Aiken has unveiled a new installation at Wine & Brine in Moira in homage to its chef Chris McGowan who he says creates “art on a plate”.
The piece, featuring the trademark brining jars of Wine & Brine on a vast plate is a visual treat and a fitting entrée to the culinary excellence served up by the Michelin Bib Gourmand chef McGowan, a three time Great British Menu (GBM) contender and one time Northern Ireland regional finalist.
The restaurant, owned by Chris with his business partner wife Davina, is also the 2107 Best Local Restaurant in the UK, as voted by the Waitrose Good Food Guide.
Jonathan is a huge admirer of Chris after seeing his artistry, innovative vision and flair on the GBM and regards chefs of his stature as the new rock stars.
He was contacted by Chris and Davina to commission the piece to celebrate the couple’s first year anniversary in business.
Jonathan wanted to incorporate Chris into a piece with subtlety, to reflect the intellect of Chris’ mind – his creativity with food and wine – which brings such intense pleasure to the table.
The resulting interpretation of Chris’ image is reminiscent of the shape of Northern Ireland, whose local producers are a key focus for the chef.
With the background appearing as on a plate bearing the words ‘flavour’ and ‘fresh’ the floor to ceiling piece is also stocked with the brining jars which embody the age-old cooking methods translated into cutting-edge yet simple dishes on the menu.
Jonathan comments: “I’m no good in the kitchen but I’m glued to these cooking shows and I’ve so much admiration for what chefs do using so many dimensions.
“What Chris makes is art on a plate. All the techniques, skill and produce that Chris puts on a plate, using simplicity and ingenuity helps him breathe life into his food.”
Chris and Davina are delighted with the latest addition to the restaurant.
“The piece makes such an impact when diners walk in through the door and it’s the first thing they really see,” says Davina.
“It’s an amazing piece by an incredible artist who shares Chris’ vision to take inspiration from the local environment, using what nature provides.”
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