Terry Laybourne's quest for perfection (December 2004)

Probably the best-known advocate of good quality focal food in the North East is top chef Terry Layboume. For years he has used the best of regions) food in his award-winning restaurants and is a shining example of a busy man who somehow finds the time to encourage young chefs and support good causes.

His latest contribution to the region's growing appetite for local food and drink is a new book which will make a delightful Christmas present. QUEST FOR TASTE explores Terry's passion for finding superb quality, local ingredients. With stunning colour photography by Duncan Davis, the book takes the reader on a journey around Northumbria to meet the suppliers whose
produce Terry uses as the foundation for his cooking. Available at all good booksellers, Quest for Taste runs to 232 pages, 195 colour photographs and 80 recipes (RRP £25).

Northumbria Larder plays its part in promoting regional food and drink, and also the emergence of some talented locai chefs. Terry Layboume, far from resenting the newcomers, goes out of his way to suppport their efforts. His tireless work both in and out of the kitchen has not gone unrecognised by those who know him well.

He learned his craft at some of the finest hotals in Continental Europe. He opened his first restaurant, 21 Queen Street, Newcastle, 15 years ago. It was refurbished in 2001 and is now named Cafe 21. He received the North East's onty ever Michelin Star. The success of his first venture fed to the opening of three further establishments: Cafe 21 in Ponteland, Bistro 21 in Durham, and Sunderiand's Brasserie 21. He was awarded an MBEin 199B and voted
Independent Restaurateur of the Year the same year. Terry's latest venture has been" Live", a Cafe bar/Bistro on Newcastle's Quayside, which opened in October 2002.