21 December 2009, 18:23 PM
  • Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli attracted 50 locals to Halsey's Delicatessen, Hitchin for a book signing last Monday evening (14th December)

The TV personality wrote the foreword to Offley School’s Utterly Amazing Recipes.

“Having the signing at the shop was a great way of appealing to new customers and getting us some much needed media attention,” said Damian Caldwell, co-owner.

“We also opened up for late night shopping, which proved very popular with last minute Christmas shoppers,” he said.

All proceeds of the book will go to Offley Endowed Primary School.

“The school is just a few minutes away from my home, and the Novelli Academy cookery school, so I’m pleased to support the book,” said Jean-Christophe Novelli.

The chef is said to be impressed by the deli’s dedication to selling quality local produce and is keen to work with the shop in the future.

“Being linked to such a famous face can only do good things for business. We’re due to discuss another collaboration in January,” said Mr Caldwell.

“We’ll probably start by doing a few speciality food talks at the academy and see where things develop from there,” he added.