A private chef is now offering deliveries of fine Italian food to Edinburgh residents

Sabrina Damiani is a private chef and caterer, who would normally be found cooking for the Italian consulate, but now she's offering Edinburgh residents deliveries of her fine dining dishes.

Sabrina, who is from Palermo in Sicily, started Damiani Fine Dining - a small boutique catering business in Edinburgh - last year, and has gone on to cook for private events and clients, including the Italian consulate.

But since the current lockdown restrictions have led to the cancellation of events and large gatherings, like many others Sabrina has had to change her business model.

Sabrina now plans to bring her fine dining into the homes of Edinburgh residents with a weekly delivery service.

Commenting on her decision to change to a delivery service at this time, Sabrina said: " I believe that sharing food, especially in this special moment, should always be seen as a gesture of love and care.

"This is the reason I’m offering collection service which wasn’t available before."

Speaking of her route into cooking, Sabrina says: "I learned how to cook from my truly inspirational grandmother. The first memory I have about food was observing her and my mother cooking very early on Sunday mornings."

After moving to Spain then finally to the UK, Sabrina still had a passion for cooking.

"Throughout my career in Academia, teaching Italian Literature at Oxford, food and cookery remained a key part of my life. I was inspired by some of the most famous Italian book such as “The Leopard”, written by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.

"The magnificent description of macaroni pies perfectly portrayed the opulence and beauty of Sicilian dishes. After moving to Edinburgh with my family, I finally decided to share my passion and set up a catering service alongside teaching cookery classes.

"ln everything I create, I strive to find the beauty and taste of happiness and cheer from my childhood."

What's on the menu?

Sabrina is offering a range of dishes to bring a little bit of Italy into homes - including fresh pesto, cannolis, a Sicilian main course and dessert such as a tiramisu.

The menu changes every week, and diners must order by Wednesday for the fresh Italian deliveries on Friday.

This week the menu includes two Sicilian main courses (which can be made vegetarian) and orders need to be places by Wednesday 13 May for delivery or collection by Friday 15 May.

For more information on Damiani Fine Dining please visit Sabrina's website.