Eleven98 Herbs and Oils - The taste of luxury dining at home

London

Eleven98

Eleven98 is an innovation of Aidan Brooks, a chef whose career I have followed around London. From his days at Viajante to managing his own kitchen at the renowned Vanilla Black. His respect and care for food and the love and pride he has for his hometown is something I have always admired. Having grown up in London I can admit that there is definitely something that unites native Londoners, something you can feel in the air. There is a softness that may not be obvious to others. An appreciation for the little things that make living here so special.

Brooks manages to harness this sentiment within the unique flavours he injects into his food. Eleven98 is a self funded project that hosts supper clubs and pop ups. One that supports local initiatives by sourcing produce locally. Buying fruit and veg from community gardens and urban farms ensures that produce is seasonal and that the carbon foot print is kept to a minimum. It also enables social enterprise projects and local businesses to continue to both have a presence and give back to the community. Whilst the pandemic has closed so many doors for the hospitality industry, it has also created new opportunities. As consumers, we find ourselves in a unique position whereby we now have access to glorious chef creations that can be enjoyed in our living room. Eleven98 is no different, what a glorious offering it is. I received a little box with a hand written label. There were three bottles of infused oils, these included fennel, sorrel and celery leaf. There were small little pots of infused salts: basil, sage and chive. They offered bursts of flavour that elevated the simplest of meals. We loved drizzling the sorrel oil and sage salt over a bowl of buttery pasta and dusting with parmesan. A perfect mid week supper. I was also lucky enough to receive 9 "truffled truffles." These were completely divine. Imagine a bitter cocoa outer layer with a white chocolate and porcini ganache centre that has been infused with premium white truffle oil. I have never tasted anything so unique, it was beyond special and a perfect festive holiday treat. This holiday season consider supporting the hospitality industry by gifting artisanal handmade products from your favourite chefs and local restaurants. Eleven98 is a fabulous place to start!

More Info: Eleven98 Website