My wife and I were due to celebrate our Ruby Wedding Anniversary in Italy, but due to Covid that had to be cancelled. We obviously still wanted to celebrate in a special way, although it was going to have to be at home. I’d followed Steven on social media since his Masterchef: The Professionals stint and knew the calibre of food he was capable of. I’d seen posts of his and Emma’s venture, Primavera Private Dining, so went with a hunch and sought out a booking for our anniversary. We’d never done anything like this before and above all, it was curiosity on how the evening would go. To be honest, the trip to Italy was forgotten as soon as Steven and Emma arrived at our home. From the off it was like seeing old friends. Steven was pointed to the kitchen and he entered his own world. Don’t think it was in isolation from you … he was quite happy to chat and show the prep he’d done beforehand. And when you see the prep you realise you’re going to get something special. Emma took over as hostess and it was just the most free flowing time of chat and fun.
The evening had been planned for 10 of us, but the “rule of 6” changed that so our son and daughter in law were the only ones to join us. At the time of booking the only stipulation to the menu construction, and we’d chosen the 5 course taster, was that it should be a taste of Italy, for obvious reasons. Steven’s menu fitted the bill exactly! It was the most incredibly light, deep tasting, well balanced food we’d ever had. When you read what each course was it can only ever be a brief insight into it … Steven came to the table and explained the construction of the course and what each component was going to be when you ate it. And each component did taste simply outstanding.
It was strange being waited on in your own home and giving it over to them, but Emma put you totally at ease and we cannot thank her enough for putting the experience together for us. If you only ever think about doing this once, do it! Embrace the whole experience and it will be one you’ll remember forever. We certainly will. Steven’s food topped any Michelin food we’d eaten to date and I would have no hesitation in repeating the evening.
Our heartfelt thanks to Steven and Emma for helping us make our wedding anniversary so special!
Martyn & Berni