Right now, a British expedition is setting out to climb Mount Everest by the North Ridge. En-route to the top, they will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the highest formal black tie dinner party at 7,100 metres above sea level.
The menu has been devised by Sat Bains, the Nottingham-based two-michelin-starred chef, who will accompany the team and cook the record breaking meal high on the mountain. Miso soup using melted glacial snow, seaweed, mushrooms, beef bourguignon and caramel-popping candy are among the items likely to be on the menu.
"Climbers' food is notoriously flavourless stodge, as appetite and flavour are greatly affected by altitude and eating can be more of a chore than a pleasure. However, it is a time when the human body needs refuelling more than ever, and my challenge is to create a meal that hits all the nutritional elements, as well as encouraging team members to actually eat," said Sat.
As well as the research and development of the high-altitude menu, it will be a tough physical challenge for a 'climb virgin' who can expect to face altitude sickness and severe cold. But it's the menu challenge that is on his mind.
"Food tastes different at altitude, so you need to increase the seasoning and have mouth-filling flavours; and water boils at a lower temperature so you have to bear that in mind. Umami is important and food has to be very nutritious because the Everest challenge is physically demanding," said Sat.
The expedition team is raising awareness and funds for Community Action Nepal (CAN), the charity founded by Doug Scott CBE, the first British climber of Mount Everest. The team is being led by ex Royal Marine and Everest mountaineer Neil Laugthon, who like Doug Scott has climbed the highest peaks on each continent – the ‘Seven Summits’.
They're trying to raise £100,000, so in support of the expedition and Community Action Nepal we're going to donate £10 from the proceeds of each of Sat's books bought using the code 'Everest Dinner Party'. We've also reduced the price of the book by £10 to thank you for your support*.
To buy a signed copy of Too Many Chiefs Only One Indian by Sat Bains, and support the expedition, simply enter the code 'Everest Dinner Party' when you checkout using the link below.
“What a great thing to enable others to climb to the highest place in the world. Thank you for supporting CAN and the poor rural communities of Nepal whilst preparing to achieve your goal”
The team hopes to raise £100,000 for charity. If you're interested in donating directly please go to www.justgiving.com/everestdinner
*This offer is open until June 1st 2015.