The British Virgin Islands is home to Richard Branson’s exclusive Necker Island, where Steve spent 3 years as resident Head Chef, preparing exquisite food in paradise.
Steve's signature Tuna Tataki with Orange Mojo served on Necker Island.
“Guests could request anything they wished to eat and they did.”
Nothing but the best for an impressive guest list including David Copperfield, Danny de Vito, Lucy Liu, Mariah Carey, Bob Geldof, Elizabeth Hurley, Edward Norton, Ice-T, Robert De Niro and of course, Sir Richard himself.
No pressure hey Steve!
“The kitchen was the engine room of the Island.” But it seems working life on the island was cruisy in many ways. “Each day local staff would arrive by boat in the morning to work on the Island of which Steve had 3 helping out in the kitchen along with 2 other International Chefs.”
Not to mention the weekly Sushi lunch, when Chefs would plunge into the pool to roll Duck Pancakes served out of a lusciously decorated kayak (aka floating boat platter, decorated with palm leaves and sumptuous tropical fruit!). Occasionally the staff and guests would take a speed boat to a deserted island and set up a picnic lunch on the beach under the palm trees.
(Don’t mind if we do!)
Come dinner time, Steve had requests to replicate menus, such as one from the famous French Laundry Restaurant in the Napa Valley, California and the impressively innovative Nobu restaurant, for the producer of Friends 50th birthday party!
The Necker Island Bali Houses.
Steve with Sam Branson (Richard Branson's son) on Necker Island.
The weekly Sushi lunch in the pool on Necker Island.
Steve with Chef Luke Mangan.
The kitchen was a rather social hub
“Everyone seemed to pop their head in to say hi.” A testament to Steve’s cooking, it seems people couldn’t resist following their noses, and of course they must have known they’d receive a warm welcome. Steve could also be found sitting by the coals of the bonfire, watching the sun go down with a cocktail in hand.
“Beach style BBQ Dinners were set up once a week by the water’s edge and the guests would indulge in freshly caught Anegada Lobster, Pork Ribs with Caribbean BBQ Sauce, locally caught Mahi Mahi and Tuna Fillets, Steaks and Jerk Chicken.” Fresh fish and local produce, much like the food you’ll find on a Samphire Catering menu. Looking to relax and indulge in a little luxury of your own? Why not try a Samphire style summer BBQ?
“Guests on Necker Island were also treated to theme dinners like an 18 course Greek Mezze extravaganza or a 12 course Chinese Banquet in the main house.” Elegant degustation dinners starting with Beluga Caviar, followed with a further 6 courses featuring the best of local Caribbean produce, paired with high end Californian and French wines were a highlight.
Hungry for more?
Whether it’s an intimate dinner party for 10 guests or a cocktail party for more than 1000 clients, our boutique catering service will happily work with you to design your ideal menu. We cater to your guests’ dietary requirements using only the finest quality, and freshest ingredients from trusted local suppliers. Choose from our range of contemporary menus or let us design a menu to suit your occasion. We look forward to adding a glamorous touch to your next special event.