Chapters Hotel and Restaurant, during September this year, has seen the return of one of their most popular couples. Victor and Victoria Vassallo originally worked at Chapters from March 2005 for four and -a-half years, before deciding to have a change and move to Harrogate.

The couple were originally persuaded to move from Malta by Steven Bell,the current owner of Chapters. After sampling the food and ambience of Victor’s Malta establishment, which had been voted one of the best restaurants in Malta by British Airways Flight magazine, Steven realised this Maltese restaurateur and his talented wife (who trained in Malta under two Michelin-star chefs) were the ideal team to revitalise Chapters.

It turned out to be an inspired choice because during the transformation Victor’s expertise and influence shone through. Why return? “We feel that Stokesley is our home, we have always liked the place since we first arrived,” said Victor. “We kept in touch with Chapters and Steven Bell and whenever we visited Stokesley we were constantly given a warm welcome by the people we knew, many asking us to return. Well, we have now.”

After dining in Harrogate, Steven met the couple and they all decided they would like to work together again. Said Steven: “We are really excited at the return of Victor and Victoria, as are our clients, who the couple always had a good affinity with.”

Victor, aged 50, becomes General Manager and Victoria, 46, Head Chef. They have been married for over 26 years and will be joining their daughter, Catya, who has worked at Chapters for over five years as the chef de partie along with her sous chef fiance, Ian – a real family affair.

“We are enjoying meeting many of our original clients, says Victoria, “but we also look forward to meeting and befriending many more new ones and introducing new and exciting menus.”

The final word goes to Victor: “We want the word out that they we are back – and with our return, returns the passion.”

Singer, songwriter Alistair Griffin will be performing a unique blend of acoustic songs this Saturday 5th February at Chapters Hotel & Restaurant. Alastair has recently began his new album campaign after the BBC featured his latest track “Just Drive” at the end of their coverage of the F1 Abu Dhabi  Grand Prix.

The track got national radio play when Chris Evans, a self-confessed F1 nut, played it on his breakfast show the following morning. It also impressed TV presenter Philip Schofield who,  learnt whose tune it was through Twitter.

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2010/11/16/alistair-griffin-s-new-song-motors-up-the-charts-84229-27664426/#ixzz1CvhWd5nT

Alistair who appeared on BBC’s Fame Academy has also performed a duet with one of the Bee Gees and has already released a successful hit album. This will be Alistair’s 4th sell out appearance at The Hotel where he will play a mixture of his new material, some old classics and maybe a request or two from the audience.

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The night began with the sounds of the bag pipes played by local piper Tony Nolan.

The evening was based around Robert Burns and his fondness for a glass (or two) of wine and also Whisky.
Although we will never know which he preferred, Karen Hardwick (Director of The Wine Academy®) was on hand to support Wine, whilst good friend and Whisky connoisseur Gary Riley represented Whisky.

Diners began their evening with a glass or prosecco in the bar whilst the bag pipes played on Stokesley High Street.
The three course dinner that followed had been cleverly created by Head Chef Sean Wilkinson to compliment Whisky and Wine.

Guests tasted; NV Prosecco, 2009 Rioja Crianza, 2005 Amalaya Malbec blend from Argentina, Skillogalee Liqueur Muscat NV, 10 year Macallan Fine Oak, 12 year old Bruichladdich Islay Malt, 12 year old Auchentoshan from the Lowlands & to finish Glayva.

For more images from the evening visit us on facebook www.facebook.com/ChaptersHotel