Tea break: Amanda Anderson, Hebridean Chef

In our fortnightly feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time - and their time off. This week, we welcome Amanda Anderson, who has a new catering business in south Harris

Please introduce yourself…

I moved from Edinburgh to Harris 3 years ago. I am a classically trained ‘french’ chef and have worked as a chef for the last 15 years. I have worked in several res-taurants on island. I also had a stall as a street food vendor at Hebcelt which was an amazing experience I would like to do more of in the future! I now work from April to October as the chef at the Isle of Harris Brewery in Leverburgh, where I live.

Tell us about your new venture as the ‘Hebridean Chef’

I wanted a way to use my skills to become more inte-grated in the community. The Hebridean Chef is an ‘accessible’ private chef service. I offer a wide range of services from private dining for small dinner parties, group lunches, special occasions and community events, to simple afternoon teas and even everyday meal prep for people with special dietary requirements and the elderly. I offer free local delivery across Harris and Lewis.

When catering for small and large events I aim to give a restaurant quality experience to people in their own home, or at a community venue. Everyday meals can be delivered to people’s homes in freezable containers. The great thing about the Hebridean Chef service is the flexibility.

Every dish I create is crafted with fresh seasonal ingredients, sourced locally from trusted farmers, fishermen and producers across Scotland. Wherever possible I am looking to celebrate the incredible ingredients grown, caught and crafted right here in our islands. I love to collaborate with local businesses and showcase their produce alongside my food.

Where can readers get a taste of the Hebridean Chef?

On January 31st at 6pm we are celebrating Burns Night with a proper Scottish supper at the Leverhulme Com-munity Hub, complete with piper to serve the Haggis. The café complete with chandeliers and open fireplace is a lovely venue.

The 3 course meal consists of a selection of traditional Scottish favourites and is £37 per person. We are also doing Burns Night Takeaways, available for collection from 4pm-6pm. The takeaway menu has main courses starting at £12.50 and desserts at £6.50.

Both the sit in meal and the takeaway menu are available for pre order only.

However, please get in touch if there is any event you would like help with. Particularly in January when some of the larger venues are closed. And my meal delivery service is always available.

What are you favourite places on Harris?

You will always find me on one of our beaches with my black labrador, Loki

It’s tea break time. What are you having?

A wee cuppa tea and scone with butter and jam…made by the Hebridean Chef!

-Find the Hebridean Chef on Facebook and Instagram.

-Contact Amanda directly to book for Burns Night.