Bespoke Private Dining Experiences by MasterChef 2016 finalist ‘The Culinary Chemist’

Special event coming up and want to do something different? How about a private dining experience cooked by a MasterChef finalist in the comfort of your own home.  
Stuart Archer also known as The Culinary Chemist and for his appearance in MasterChef 2016 offers a bespoke private dining experience.
We first experienced Stuart’s food as he teamed up with Inox Dine Sheffield to deliver an incredible five course MasterChef inspired evening. The contrast of tastes and textures of each dish worked perfectly together to showcase the seasonal and local ingredients on offer.

Growing up in the South East of England, Stuart’s passion for food came from his parents, both being great cooks who taught him their skills. His move to Sheffield University started his experimentation phase with cooking, some dishes of which he says were unsuccessful, but through trial and error got him to where he is now.
Stuart said “I’m at my happiest when I’m cooking, I can relax and unwind. I love the food culture in Sheffield there are a lot of independent places using locally sourced ingredients to produce good food and it inspired me to try harder with the dishes I was creating. I had always watched MasterChef as an armchair critic. My friends and family enjoyed my food and it made me wonder whether my ideas were any good or if I was just another person shouting at the TV. I saw it as a challenge to push me out of my comfort zone and to see if anything that I produced was any good. I was shocked when I got onto the programme and even more shocked when I kept getting through each round. I am much more confident in my cooking since being on the program I feel like I have improved further. I now have the time to relax into my own style of cooking, think about my dishes, practice and reflect on any improvements needed”.

In his day job as a DNA Researcher (hence ‘The Culinary Chemist title) food for Stuart is all about experimentation, creating new recipes or working with a new ingredient. His style of cooking focuses on seasonal British flavours, locally sourced as much as possible with a modern twist. From ‘Ox Cheek’: braised Yorkshire Dales beef, morels, jersey royals, spring greens and Henderson’s relish, to Stuart’s take on ‘Gin & Tonic’, Sheffield Gin, tonic sorbet, citrus, mint and meringue.
   
Upon choosing a Private Dining experience Stuart will work with you to create your tailor made menu, specifically for your event. The menu can be based on any theme you wish or a particular ingredient. Stuart shared with us his recent ‘beer themed evening’ where the diners wanted beer as an ingredient in the food and also paired to the dishes served. Stuart works with a number of Sheffield craft beer suppliers to choose quality, locally produced beers from independent breweries to compliment your meal. Wine pairing is also an option. Stuart’s presence at your evening is also up to you, he is more than happy to present and explain each dish to your guests and answer any questions about his MasterChef experience, or can remain invisible behind the scenes. Stuart and his team take care of all the cooking, cleaning and washing up, leaving your kitchen as if they were never there! As a host the restaurant comes to you, so you can really relax, enjoy your evening and the experience.  View sample private dining menu here.

Based in Sheffield Stuart offers his private dining experience across Yorkshire and the Midlands, with locations further afield negotiable on request. Get in touch at stuart@theculinarychemist.com to arrange your unforgettable evening.
Stuart has shared with us his delicious Autumn Recipe of Spiced Poached Pear & White Chocolate get it here.
Want a signed copy of the new Sheffield Cookbook: Second Helpings? Available to pre-order now via Stuart’s website, featuring his ‘Sheffield Fishcake’ and ‘Henderson’s relish and chocolate ice cream’ recipes.