Flavour Profile Q&A: Thomas Chisholm, owner and creative director of Buck & Birch

He reveals his favourite Scottish restaurant and his guilty pleasures

Tom Chisholm

What’s your favourite ingredient?

I am biased, but right now I can honestly say elderberry. My whole family are taking our Wild Elderberry Elixir supplement at the moment, for the health benefits, but it tastes delicious - rich, sweet and comforting during the cold weather.

Do you have a guilty food pleasure

A good brownie (or three).

Tell us about your first food memory?

Growing up in Norway, my first real food memory is of eating freshly baked waffles with homemade strawberry jam while out skiing. We would dig a little seat in the snow, unpack the waffles and enjoy them with a cup of hot blackcurrant juice cooled with fresh snow.

What’s your favourite Scottish restaurant, deli or cafe?

Edinburgh’s Fhior restaurant and Ostara cafe. Not only are they committed to using and showcasing the very best seasonal, Scottish produce, their ability to continue to provide for their customers during the pandemic has been fantastic.

What would be your last supper?

Spring rolls and fermented Thai sausage made by my business partner's wife, Laila. Spicy, sour and aromatic - just incredible.

Starter or pudding?

Starter.

Do you have any food hates?

Food that preaches to you. 0 per cent fat, 0 per cent sugar, 0 per cent salt, 0 per cent carbs, 0 per cent joy. I'm all for eating healthily but everything in moderation.

What starters, main and dessert would be served at your dream dinner party and who would you invite?

Given the current situation a dinner party with anyone would be a privilege right now. The good company of old friends and a bag of chips would be just perfect.

What's your favourite geographical foodie destination?

Right here in Scotland. We have world renowned sea food, game, dairy and veg at our fingertips (which is lucky as we're not allowed to travel anywhere just now!)

Buck & Birch, the Scottish wild drink innovators, promise to donate a bottle of their Wild Elderberry Elixir, designed to naturally boost immunity, to those most at-risk including NHS workers and care staff, for every bottle purchased, £11.99, www.aelderelixir.com