
1st December 2008
TOP CHEF SELLS HIMSELF ON eBay
One of London's top chefs has put himself up for auction on eBay for Christmas.
David Duverger, head chef of Chelsea restaurant Papillon, is offering to prepare Christmas Day lunch at the home of the highest bidder for charity. He will travel anywhere in the UK to prepare a traditional French Christmas lunch for 1pm for the highest bidder and up to seven guests. David previously worked at two Michelin-starred restaurants, Pyramide de Fernand Point and Le Clos de la Voilette, in his native France. He came up with the idea to raise money for his chosen charity, Children with Leukaemia (http://www.leukaemia.org) when he realised his work commitments over Christmas meant he had to stay in London and not return home to his family in France. David Duverger said: "It's the best way I could think of to use the talents I have for a charity that's very important to me. Seven years ago I lost my three year old nephew to cancer. I hope to raise a lot of money." David will prepare a meal based around the host's requirements, but his recommended menu comprises: Champagne and Canapes Foie Grad Terrine and Mulled Pear Chutney Braised turbot with champagne sauce Truffle-stuffed Bresse chicken with winter vegetables Buche de Noel David will arrive at the highest bidder's home on Christmas Day morning and prepare lunch for a maximum of eight people to serve at 1pm. If the householder lives more than 100 miles from central London, David is asking that a hotel room is provided for the night before. The minimum bid on eBay for David to cook Christmas lunch will be £800. The auction is now live on eBay and will run until Wednesday 10 December – you can find it on eBay by searching for 'chef Christmas lunch'.