From glorious king crabs, and self-foraged seaweed, to traditionally-caught Fal oysters, there’s no doubt that the unique, local ingredients will mean you will enjoy rustling up new dishes and eating differently, during wonderfully drawn-out evenings in your Cornish cottage.
When the day’s adventures call for a laid back evening with minimal movement and indulgence, hiring a Cornish private chef to complement your getaway with outstanding dishes could be a perfect solution.
Sweeping you away in a flurry of flavour and seasonality, Cornwall’s newest private Chef, Oli Justice, provides standout dishes and distinctive dining experiences.
Ex food journalist, West Country chef and culinary food business owner Oli is becoming a new favourite with local foodies. Bringing together a love for simple, conscious and delicious fare and a passion for sustainability and provenance, his seasonal dishes are deep in flavour and served with warmth.
Oli’s style combines wood-smoked recipes and feast suppers where shareable plates are placed centre-table for diners to tuck in together, with plenty to go around.
In March, he generously invited us along to The Cornish Place in Gwennap to sample a three-course lunch. After arriving in the warm sunshine to a mocktail of cloudy apple juice, elderflower, soda, cucumber, and mint and a chat around the fire pit, we were treated to a relaxed and rustic lunch that we are still dreaming about.
The starter of Cornish scallops or portobello mushroom kievs with salsa di noci, roasted walnuts, vine tomatoes and pecorino was delicate and morish. Served up in sharing platters, the generous and flavour-packed main of scorched chicory or Cornish spring lamb was elevated with wild garlic and mint pesto, delicious rosemary baby potatoes and charred veggies. And the outstanding desert of raspberry, white chocolate and pistachio tiramisu or vegan lemon blackberry cheesecake was a sweet success.
Oli’s bold and creative food was a delight to eat. Creating bespoke menus for all occasions, we are quick to recommend his private dining service to guests of Cornish Holiday Cottages.
Explore his sample menus and be sure to book ahead online through his website or contact him on 07484 331924. All photos for this blog were provided by Frankie Thomas.
