"Once more this happy band of sportsmen made their way to the Dell Estate for their annual hunting, fishing and shooting trip. But this year it was different there was an addition to the expectations. What would James and Vicky put on the table? After last year's excellence the question was could they do it again? They certainly did and the challenge was taken. We gave James the raw material still intact with fur, feather and fin and he delivered some of the best game cooking we have ever had. Vicky, full of brightness and enthusiasm, welcomed us back from the hill or loch with culinary temptations each day. Happy days and as Burns said " a' their weel -swall'd kytes belyve, are bent lyke drums". Much appreciated - very much enjoyed - thank you again."
- Ian Thompson (Oct 2011)
EK, bespoke hospitality, at Dell Estate near Loch Ness
"Vicky & James, I cant tell you how happy we were with ALL the service you provided. The food was just amazing. Comments about the food from guests was that 'it was the best wedding food we ever tasted', 'variety and standard were exceptional', 'the puddings were to die for, those meringues - wow - vanilla pods in them?'. Just beautiful. Thanks so much also for organising the pies and cheese for us - in the end it would have been so hard to do it ourselves. Vicky you were a fantastic front of house - everything I thought ran so smoothly and the best thing for me was I totally trusted you had it under control and it was one thing I just wasn't even thinking about, I was so unconcerned. Your team were great - hard working, friendly and nice to have around. We are just so happy that you were able to provide us with such a great service all round and that everyone enjoyed the food - there was not one single thing that I wasn't happy with. We love your ethos with food it just fitted so well with ours. I know doing big events isn't your normal line of business but I can't even express how wonderful the whole operation was! Such a massive thanks!"
- Heather & Richard (Sept 2011)
EK, bespoke hospitality and event planning for a down-to-earth, eco-friendly, vintage village hall wedding at Strathkinness, near St Andrews. For full details go to 'Vows & Vintage' at our blog, The Secret Ingredient.
EK, bespoke hospitality, at our client's villa in Corsica
"James and Vicky made a special family holiday on The Isle of Mull extra special. James' food was absolutely excellent and we were cosseted constantly by Vicky. Their patience in dealing with ten adults and ten children under their feet in the kitchen at busy times was way beyond the normal call of duty. We will have a golden wedding to celebrate in five years, please hang in there and be available."
- The Platt Family ( July 2011)
EK, bespoke hospitality for a group of 20 at Knock House on the Isle of Mull. For dinners, we showcased Scottish produce - locally and ethically sourced shellfish, wild highland venison, hot smoked salmon, a selection of Scottish cheeses. We also created our own twist on Scottish classics - like cullen skink, skirlie potatoes and crannachan.
EK, bespoke hospitality, at Dell Estate near Loch Ness
"Vicky & James, I cant tell you how happy we were with ALL the service you provided. The food was just amazing. Comments about the food from guests was that 'it was the best wedding food we ever tasted', 'variety and standard were exceptional', 'the puddings were to die for, those meringues - wow - vanilla pods in them?'. Just beautiful. Thanks so much also for organising the pies and cheese for us - in the end it would have been so hard to do it ourselves. Vicky you were a fantastic front of house - everything I thought ran so smoothly and the best thing for me was I totally trusted you had it under control and it was one thing I just wasn't even thinking about, I was so unconcerned. Your team were great - hard working, friendly and nice to have around. We are just so happy that you were able to provide us with such a great service all round and that everyone enjoyed the food - there was not one single thing that I wasn't happy with. We love your ethos with food it just fitted so well with ours. I know doing big events isn't your normal line of business but I can't even express how wonderful the whole operation was! Such a massive thanks!"
- Heather & Richard (Sept 2011)
EK, bespoke hospitality and event planning for a down-to-earth, eco-friendly, vintage village hall wedding at Strathkinness, near St Andrews. For full details go to 'Vows & Vintage' at our blog, The Secret Ingredient.
"Thank you a lot for spoiling us so much...it's always a pleasure when you're with us...and I don't speak only about the incredible food, the beautiful decorated tables and the great service!!!!"
- International Client (July 2011)EK, bespoke hospitality, at our client's villa in Corsica
"James and Vicky made a special family holiday on The Isle of Mull extra special. James' food was absolutely excellent and we were cosseted constantly by Vicky. Their patience in dealing with ten adults and ten children under their feet in the kitchen at busy times was way beyond the normal call of duty. We will have a golden wedding to celebrate in five years, please hang in there and be available."
- The Platt Family ( July 2011)
EK, bespoke hospitality for a group of 20 at Knock House on the Isle of Mull. For dinners, we showcased Scottish produce - locally and ethically sourced shellfish, wild highland venison, hot smoked salmon, a selection of Scottish cheeses. We also created our own twist on Scottish classics - like cullen skink, skirlie potatoes and crannachan.
"Thank you for making the evening such a success - it was a great experience working with you".
- Sophie @ The Cocoa Tree, Pittenweem (February 2011)
EK, bespoke hospitality at The Cocoa Tree Cafe in Pittenweem. The Elemental Kitchen created a chocolate-inspired Valentines Dinner for 16 guests at The Cocoa Tree Cafe, which was transformed into a romantic, candle-lit evening venue for the occasion.
"Occasionally it all comes together as it did for us at Dell last week. After a little email tennis it was clear that James and Vicky were absolutely on our wave length regarding our needs for our stay in Scotland. After a day on the hill or loch it was great to be looked after so magnificently by James's fantastic expertise in the kitchen and Vicky beautifully managed the front of house with great attention to detail. James's skills in preparing and presenting game was much appreciated by our army of sportsmen who marched very well indeed on their expanding stomachs! Thank you."
- Ian Thompson (Oct 2010)
EK, bespoke hospitality, at Dell Estate near Loch Ness
EK, bespoke hospitality, at Dell Estate near Loch Ness
"Thank you again for your hard work and kindness and for making Jimmy's birthday celebration such a success! I hope our paths cross again someday!"
- Susan Nasim, South Carolina (July 2010)
EK, bespoke hospitality at Glenmuick Lodge, Royal Deeside - the
week included a gourmet picnic, medieval banquet and traditional Scottish piper, to celebrate the host's birthday. The final night featured an exclusive acoustic performance from our in-house singer-songwriter, James Lowe, following requests from this music-loving party of 24.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening on Friday night. The food was absolutely delicious and we all had a lovely, lovely time. Thank you so much for all the hard work. We will continue to recommend you to all guests at The Rocks."
-Kirsty McTaggart, Singapore (June 2010)
EK, bespoke hospitality at client's holiday home, The Rocks, Elie, East Neuk - a family birthday celebration
We wanted to say how wonderful the food was and how fantastic you and Vicky are. Everyone raved about the delicious food and there is no doubt that the success of the party was due in no small measure to your hard work. It was all presented beautifully and apparently effortlessly with Vicky moving, as one guest observed, like a ballet dancer. Wonderful."
- Eileen & Ronnie Finlayson (June '10)
EK, bespoke hospitality at Torosay Castle, Isle of Mull - a spectacular birthday celebration included a relaxed lunch for 70 guest, followed by an elaborate evening banquet celebrating the birthday boy's love of Scottish seafood, locally sourced meats and sweet treats!
"I can't tell you how grateful we are to you both for making the weekend a rollicking success - the food went above all possible expectations, and contributed enormously to the atmosphere and enjoyment. Lots of people have asked for your details, which I will pass on."
- Sarah James, Torosay Castle, Isle of Mull (June '10)
EK, bespoke hospitality at Torosay Castle, Isle of Mull
Vicky and James thank you so much for making my partner's 40th Birthday so fantastic. The drive (due to ash cloud flight cancellations) was so worth it for the beautiful scenery and lovely people, and not least for the fantastic food you made for us. Our friends who came with us are still raving about it. James is a fantastic chef and all the suggestions he made for the menu were amazing. Thank you so much again - I can’t recommend The Elemental Kitchen enough. We hope to eat your food again soon."
EK, bespoke hospitality at Muckrach Castle, Strathspey - a group of friends visited the highlands for a unique birthday celebration in an ancient Scottish castle
"Vicky & James, Once again, thank you for your kind attention during our stay. We appreciated a lot the very good cooking. Congratulations"
International Client, Paris (Oct 09 & Dec 09/10)
EK, bespoke hospitality at a private Strathspey estate - the party enjoyed ingredients sourced from their own hunting trips, combined with traditional French flavours, during their visits to this highland estate in the foothills of Cairngorms
"James & Vicky, thank you SO much for feeding us, fattening us and filling us with joy!"
Jane & Tommaso, Florence (Sept 09)
EK, bespoke hospitality at Glen Muick, Royal Deeside
"James and Vicky make a fabulous team. They are both passionate about food and the attention to detail is second to none. James's food is absolutely delicious and exactly what we had asked for - savoury or sweet, it was all scrumptious! Vicky is very attentive and could not do enough for us. They both did everything with a smile too which meant they were lovely to have around. Thank you! Thank you!"
Maher party, England (Sept 09)
EK, bespoke hospitality at Glen Muick, Royal Deeside - traditional cuisine was given a lighter, contemporary twist for this hunting party
"Vicky & James, we were so happy to have you both taking care of us. The culinary art was very, very good"
Baroness Janssen, Brussels (Aug 09)
EK, bespoke hospitality at Glenmuick, Royal Deeside - a family holiday group of 23, visiting from Belgium were treated to a celebration of ingredients sourced from the beautiful Scottish elements. We also helped to create a holiday itinerary of beach picnics, cycling trips and mountain walks, before ending with a live acoustic performance from our own professional musician James Lowe, a special request from this talented, musical family.
Vicky & James, from all our heart, thank you for your kindness and for the delicious food and beautiful table. It was so good to end with music {reference to chef James, who is also a singer-songwriter}. If you come to Belgium, you are always welcome. It was such a wonderful week and we can dream about it during the whole year."
Florence & Pablo Janssen, Belgium (Aug 09)EK bespoke hospitality, Glen Muick, Royal Deeside
Vicky & James, you made our holiday absolutely perfect. We could never have hoped for such a relaxing, jovial time with our friends… The combination of service, smiles and gourmet food will keep you in greater and greater demand. We wish you every good wish and our heartfelt thanks.”
Katie and Jonathan Simon, New York (Dec 08/Jan 09)
EK bespoke hospitality at Kinveachy Lodge, Strathspey - an eclectic menu was created for this adventurous party of 25 who enjoyed a fusion of Scottish classics and world cuisine
“I spoke with my parents at the weekend and they asked me to pass on their many thanks...everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly and they couldn’t fault you in any way, they sung your praises! Thank you for making their week so special.”
Lesley Dodds, Coastal Life Properties, Edinburgh (Jan 09)
EK bespoke hospitality in St Monans, East Neuk
“James and Vicky were both very professional, demonstrating great capability and innovation. It was really such a culinary experience to have them in Corsica and I look forward to having them at my house again."
- French-International Client
EK bespoke hospitality at a highland Scottish estate using estate game & local produce. We have also worked with our client at a villa in Corscia sourcing ingredients from incredible local markets to create truly fresh, light, exciting Mediterranean cuisine
Katie and Jonathan Simon, New York (Dec 08/Jan 09)
EK bespoke hospitality at Kinveachy Lodge, Strathspey - an eclectic menu was created for this adventurous party of 25 who enjoyed a fusion of Scottish classics and world cuisine
“I spoke with my parents at the weekend and they asked me to pass on their many thanks...everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly and they couldn’t fault you in any way, they sung your praises! Thank you for making their week so special.”
Lesley Dodds, Coastal Life Properties, Edinburgh (Jan 09)
EK bespoke hospitality in St Monans, East Neuk
“James and Vicky were both very professional, demonstrating great capability and innovation. It was really such a culinary experience to have them in Corsica and I look forward to having them at my house again."
- French-International Client
EK bespoke hospitality at a highland Scottish estate using estate game & local produce. We have also worked with our client at a villa in Corscia sourcing ingredients from incredible local markets to create truly fresh, light, exciting Mediterranean cuisine
"Congratulations for a very fine cuisine which comes with a very friendly, efficient service. We enjoyed both very much."
Philippe et Anne Louis-Dreyfus, Paris
EK bespoke hospitality at Glencalvie Lodge, Sutherland
Philippe et Anne Louis-Dreyfus, Paris
EK bespoke hospitality at Glencalvie Lodge, Sutherland
September 08
“James and Vicky cooked for and looked after between 18 and 22 of us of varying ages and tastes for a week in a lodge in Scotland. Not only was the food delicious but they coped with great good humour with constant changes of plans, numbers and menus".
Mr & Mrs Dennis, Lincolnshire
EK bespoke hospitality at Glen Muick lodge, Royal Deeside
“James and Vicky cooked for and looked after between 18 and 22 of us of varying ages and tastes for a week in a lodge in Scotland. Not only was the food delicious but they coped with great good humour with constant changes of plans, numbers and menus".
Mr & Mrs Dennis, Lincolnshire
EK bespoke hospitality at Glen Muick lodge, Royal Deeside
August & Sept O8
“We are delighted that James is to return with his partner Vicky to cook at a very prestigious event, launching a new whisky for a national firm of distillers. James menu played a significant part in the decision to bring the event to Torosay."
Sarah James, Proprietor, Torosay Castle, Isle of Mull
EK bespoke hospitality & special project at Torosay Castle - creating tea room menus and a home made frozen food range.
“We are delighted that James is to return with his partner Vicky to cook at a very prestigious event, launching a new whisky for a national firm of distillers. James menu played a significant part in the decision to bring the event to Torosay."
Sarah James, Proprietor, Torosay Castle, Isle of Mull
EK bespoke hospitality & special project at Torosay Castle - creating tea room menus and a home made frozen food range.
(March - June 08 / Sept 08)
“For catered read cosseted. We are cared for by our host and chef, Vicky and James, who turn out a gourmet four-course meal every night...... these bright people are more than able to deliver excellent service without the atmosphere becoming servile.”
Kate Simon, London, Travel Editor, Independent on Sunday(article published Sunday 13th January 2008)
EK catered for journalist at luxury ski lodge, Meribel
