The annual gift season is almost upon us, and we have put together a hot list from our clients that the Lotus team would love to receive. We hope it gives you some inspiration, personally or professionally.
Before we get to that, though, we want to say a very warm welcome to Koan in Copenhagen and Bros in Lecce, the latest restaurants to join the Lotus family.
The brainchild of chef Kristian Baumann, Koan offers a cuisine as original as it is technically accomplished. Kristian draws on his South Korean heritage to create his stunning tasting menu, all while utilising Danish ingredients and techniques. After just two months from opening in 2023, Koan was immediately awarded two Michelin stars.
Founded in 2016 by Floriano Pellegrino and his partner Isabella Potì, Bros was created with a vision for a restaurant that blends forward-thinking cuisine with a deep connection to its local roots. The restaurant offers tasting menus of between 20 and 25 courses, presented theatrically and imaginatively. In 2018, Bros was awarded its first Michelin star.
Ikoyi: A Journey through Bold Heat with Recipes'
“A perfect gift for anyone fascinated by the culinary mastermind of Chef Jeremy Chan and his journey with Ikoyi,” says Account Director Sophie Macdonald. Jeremy wrote the book during lockdown, and yes, it has precise recipes (82) with clear and concise instructions for each, as you would expect. But it's the narrative - the personal essays on family and culture, the journey with his childhood friend and business partner Iré and the philosophy behind each of the dishes that we love about this book. It strips ingredients of their cultural context and traditions and would sit perfectly on the coffee table of any follower of gastronomy. It’s a book that’s as much at home in the living room as in the kitchen.
A favourite of Company Director Ivan Crispo for flavour, texture and the size and quality of the berries, Caspian Monarque is one of the very few producers from the southern Caspian Sea and creates truly amazing caviars with options of Beluga and the rare Almas, too. This super luxurious caviar is the ultimate gift for a special event. Few products come close. The company also contributes to transparency, highlighting the importance of regulation in the global caviar landscape. It is available online in the UK and EU.
The Glenturret Lalique Whiskey
Founder Monica Brown has been buying a ‘special’ whisky for a lifetime every Christmas for her father. And while there are many whiskies to choose from at the Glenturret distillery, the 12-year-old is her latest obsession. This liquid captures all the magic, wizardry and talent of whisky-making legend Bob Dalgarno, with the dried fruit and spices you expect from European Oak barreled whisky balanced with an added smidge of salted caramel notes from American oak. A fantastic whisky. It is not the most expensive or the oldest in the range, but it's Monica’s whisky of choice, and you will not be disappointed. Glenturret 12-year-old for flavour, robed in a gorgeous art deco style Lalique bottle.
Ciccio’s panettones are hugely anticipated by the entire team at Lotus, but especially with Account Director Cristiana Ferrauti. She makes sure there is at least one waiting when she returns to Rome for Christmas. They come in three 1 kg variations, including the Re Moro limited edition in a special lithographed, green, high-quality, reusable and recyclable tin box. Prepared with a sourdough starter and left to rest for seventy-two hours, each panettone is preservative-free and has a shelf life of 35 days from the production date. Available to be shipped throughout Europe - sadly no longer here in Britain - they are the perfect finale for a family celebration or personal gift. Available to order from the end of November.
Josh Niland's latest book, FISH BUTCHERY, is the perfect holiday gift for the home chef. With full transparency, Josh presents his fish butchery skills, expert techniques, and groundbreaking recipes for every home cook concerned with culinary sustainability. Hot off the press, all of Josh’s fish weights and t-shirts are now shipping worldwide, with his fish weights now in silver/gold/black and rainbow colours. Loved by all at Lotus, especially multi-talented Argy Aleiferis, Lotus consultant, sommelier and chef, his top tip - the fish weight is essential for pan-cooking fish as well as the perfect cheese toastie.
Restaurant Gift Cards
For the discerning friend or gift-givers who want a share in the fun, gift cards are a fantastic option for special occasions. Luckily for us, many of our favourite restaurants offer just that. We've got you covered from Scotland through London to Italy and Sydney.
The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant
La Loggia di Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence
Belvedere at Hotel Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast
Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire