Chef Elaine El-Essawy

Chef At Home In Luton

I have been a chef for more than 15 years. I opened my first restaurant in 2004, and served delicious home cooking style meals made from fresh ingredients in my Indoor Playcentre.

I have had Streetfood stalls,, served fresh food at festivals and farmers’ markets as Tastes of the Nile, got a 5* rating on TripAdvisor for the food from my eatery of the same name. I have worked as a chef at some of London’s most iconic venues. I have also cooked for many private clients in London, and overseas, providing catering for parties, canapé receptions, wakes and picnics. I have a particular interest in cooking delicious, balanced meals for people on restricted diets due to allergies and intolerances.

I am now living in beautiful Bedfordshire, and am eager to share my love of good food and my wealth of culinary experience with people in this area.

For me, cooking is...

An opportunity to give pleasure.

I learned to cook at...

I first learned to cook when I was living in Italy

A cooking secret...

Removing the core from the garlic to prevent the lingering garlic odour on the breath after eating the meal.

My menus

Taco Fun

STARTER

All inclusive

3 Cheese Cornetto with a Gazpacho Shot

Ceviche

Tortilla Chips and Dips

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Tacos, Pulled Lamb, Beef Chilli con Carne, Bean Chilli, Red Cabbage and Lime Slaw, Tomato Relish, Green Leaves, Guacamole, Grated Cheese, Soured Cream, Spicy Salsa

Tacos, Fish Goujons, Bean Chilli, Red Cabbage and Lime Slaw, Onion Relish, Green Leaves, Guacamole, Grated Cheese, Soured Cream

DESSERT

All inclusive

Mexican Baked Custard Flan and Caramelized Pineapple

Chocolate Pot

Classic French Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Gougeres

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Salmon and Rocket Tarte served with Leeks in Vinagrette

Ratatouille and Goat's Cheese

French Onion Soup

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Boeuf Bourguignon, Polenta

Chicken Fricasse, Dauphinoise, Spinach

Confit Duck - Spicy, Pickled Rasins, Dauphinoise, Green Beans and Almonds

DESSERT

All inclusive

Apple and Pear Tarte Tatin

Chocolate Pot

Taste of Italy

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Antipasto Misto - Prosciutto Crudo, Salami, Olives, Artichoke, Grissini, Griddled Veg

Penne Arrabiatta

Vegetable Lasagna

Meat Lasagna - Beef

Linguine with Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Parmigana di Melanzane

Parmigana di Melanzane - Vegan

Chicken Parmigana

Chicken Cacciatore

Scaloppine al limone, Roast Baby Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu

Panna Cotta, Berries, Coulis

Vegan Meal

STARTER

All inclusive

Roast Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Jeweled Cauliflower Cous Cous, Roast Cauliflower, Cashew Cream

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Satay Aubergine, Pickled Vegetable Noodles

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate Mousse, Raspberries and Raspberry Coulis

Raw Chocolates

Mezze Feast

STARTER

All inclusive

Hummous, Baba Ganough, Tahini, Olives, Pita Bread

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Falafel, Tabboule, Grilled Halloumi, Aubergine Salad, Carrot Salad, Lentils

Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Chicken Shawarma, Onion and Sumac Salad

Seasoned, Cubed Lamb

DESSERT

All inclusive

Baklawa

Dates

Flavours of the Mediterranean

STARTER

All inclusive

Bruschetta with Creamed Mushrooms, Gazpacho Shot, Tomato Tarte Tatin

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Roast Tomato and Red Pepper Soup, Pesto Ciabatta

Antipasto Misto - Griddled Vegetables, Halloumi, Chorizo, Bruschetta, Prosciutto Crudo, Bresaola, Mozzarella, Rocket and Parmesan, Olives, Artichoke Hearts, Hummous, Fresh Flat Bread

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Roast Turmeric Cauliflower Steak with Cashew Cream or Breast of Chicken with a Cream and Mushroom Sauce, Roast Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary, Roast Vine Tomatoes, Wilted Spinach

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Roast Rhubarb, Crumble, Custard

Chocolate Fondant, Raspberry Coulis, Vanilla Ice Cream