EatAbout: an inspired Seafood Feast with founders

I first heard of EatAbout from my friend Alexandra when she wrote about how the company started and how she, inspired by two men who went on to follow their passions, followed her heart and joined them too.

Founders Philip’s and Felix’s story ain’t particularly a new tale in this new age where corporates have given up money-making day jobs in pursuit of happiness and passions. But what makes EatAbout refreshing is the hunger (no pun intended) for sharing incredible experiences fuelled by a dedication to the love of food. So when I got invited to meet the founders in action together with fellow blogging foodies, I was intrigued to know more.

What’s it about, this EatAbout?

Long story short, it’s an alternative to private dining. You and your guests eat in a chef’s home where the setting is more intimate and more personal than a serviced restaurant as they can customise the experience for you. Romantic dinner for two? Sure. Catch up lunch with six of your girl friends? Not a problem. Working brunch with ten colleagues? Easy peasy.

It’s such a special experience because unlike the usual supper clubs and pop-ups, you get to dine with people you know and you don’t have to worry about small talk. It’s definitely your party and you can cry if you want to.

There are currently 30 EatAbout chefs all over London (with respectable CVs boasting stints in Michelin-starred restaurants, world class hotels and even Masterchef) all driven by the love of cooking. Philip and Felix themselves are EatAbout chefs. Pricing points vary depending on the number of people and the calibre of chef you choose.

I walked into a lovely Swedish-themed set up with personalised touches which just made my heart melt: handpicked flowers, a super cool placecard, er, rock, and my very own dedicated poem.

Felix’s menu was a seafood feast featuring dishes I would’ve gone for in a normal restaurant. I already knew he was up at 4.30am earlier in the day to get the freshest produce from Billingsgate Market for this dinner and I was salivating the whole day.

First off was a Peruvian ceviche. Served family style, it was a pretty light and refreshing start. The haddock was meaty and delicious, marinated in a zingy concoction of tomatoes, coriander and red onion (sans the afterbreath!) I had to stop myself from eating so much to make room for the next dishes.

Because after that, we got crabby.

One look at this bad boy and I knew love can be so shellfish.

Darling, I’ve been waiting for you all day.

To think this was just a starter, it was very generous. The fresh crab meat itself was bountiful and I was absolutely pleased to mop the brown meat off the shell. This reminded me so much of aligue, a delicacy in Philippines made of crab fat and all other good things inside the shellfish.

For mains, we had a creamy fish soup with a hint of saffron which made me think of summers by the coast. Despite it being a warm soup, it’s a nice dish to have during this season, when the sun is about to make merriments all around. Again, another generous serving of seafood which I enjoyed.

Dessert was another universe altogether. Felix’s recipe came from his grandma’s attic so you know it was gonna be special. I’ve always been skeptic of savoury herbs in my desserts but once I had a spoonful of those caramelised apples I knew I was going to have seconds (I did). It’s such a simple thing but what a revelation. Definitely a fab end to the meal.

We stayed longer after dinner, drinking champagne and laughing the night away. I came to the party with 3 hours of sleep in 48 hours and a very tired mind. I left with a full stomach, possibly a bit of ab workout from laughing so much, and the happiest inspired feeling I’ve had in weeks.

(I would’ve gone with that gorgeous blue water jug too, but thievery is something I wouldn’t want in my records.)

Philip and Felix were very good hosts and after talking to them, I was very, very, very much inspired. With Alexandra at the helm of community engagement, I can’t wait to see EatAbout revolutionise the London private dining scene, something I would love to see happen, too! I genuinely can’t wait to book my next meal and I can’t wait to try their other chefs as well.

Voucher alert!

If you’re planning to have brunch/dindin with your fambam, buddies or work friends, why not have your own customised private party at an EatAbout chef’s home instead of paying extra in a restaurant? You can find a list of EatAbout chefs at www.eatabout.co.

Aaaaaand because the team is very kind, we’re giving away £10 off any booking!
Just use GOEATABOUT when you book your meal.

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Honey de Gracia