House of an Art Lover to mark anniversary with Restaurant Andrew Fairlie dinner
House for an Art Lover will celebrate its 30th anniversary year with a landmark dinner from the team at the two Michelin starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.
Glasgow’s House for an Art Lover will mark the start of its 30th anniversary year with a one-night-only dinner on April 21, led by Restaurant Andrew Fairlie’s head chef, Stevie McLaughlin.
This one-night-only event brings a significant moment in Scotland’s culinary history back to the Mackintosh-designed venue as the dinner revisits an evening held in 2006, when Stevie and the late Andrew Fairlie cooked together at the House shortly after securing their second Michelin star.
“My memories of that evening are very much of being in the back and cooking the food,” recalled Mr McLaughlin. “The standout for me, was that everybody absolutely loved getting a little piece of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie out of the Gleneagles Hotel. It was one of the first times we’d ever done anything out of the hotel, and it felt really special.”
Mr McLaughlin and his team will be cooking some of the original dishes from that night as well as some on offer at the current Restaurant Andrew Fairlie menu. “We’re also bringing back an actual course that we cooked on that night 20 years ago: Pineapple Carpaccio. We’ve evolved it slightly, but the essence of the dish is exactly the same,” said Mr McLaughlin.
“Funnily enough, this dish created a challenge at the original event, because we had freezer problems on the day. With this in mind, the only change we’ve made is that we’ve removed the frozen element of it! So, a fun nod back to that original meal.”
As well as the pineapple carpaccio, the Restaurant Andrew Fairlie team will be cooking the home-smoked lobster. Mr McLaughlin said: “Any Restaurant Andrew Fairlie collaboration or experience wouldn’t feel the same without the home-smoked lobster. So, as well as the pineapple carpaccio reflecting back to the original event, we’ll be cooking our Restaurant Andrew Fairlie signature dish.”
Mr McLaughlin added: “A lot of the guests will be old friends, so it will be a real celebration of gastronomy and friendship. And the longevity of friendship between Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and House of an Art Lover.”
Garry Sanderson, director of House for an Art Lover said: “It is just over seven years since Andrew sadly passed, and he is sorely missed, not only as a brilliant chef, but as a man of humility, calm confidence, and a true ambassador for the industry – something that Stevie has carried on.
“This occasion offers a chance to reflect on that evening of April 19 2006, when Andrew and Stevie joined us in the kitchen and worked alongside the team. It remains a special memory for all involved, and one that left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of being there.”
Mr Sanderson has a long-established connection with Stevie and the late Andrew Fairlie, which led to the original dinner in 2006 and now this 30th anniversary celebration. He explained: “I became involved with The House for an Art Lover after leaving One Devonshire Gardens in 1996 where I headed up Food and Beverage and managed the restaurant when Andrew and the team won their first star, that’s my connection with Andrew and Stevie.
“We’ve always hosted events to support our charitable purpose, including weddings, private, corporate functions, as well as the Art Lovers Café, which provides a more informal offer for visitors. Our food offering is strong, though not aiming for Michelin-star level.”
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie has held Two Michelin Stars for 20 years now, with the confirmation that they’d retained these Stars at the February ceremony in Dublin. Of this incredible achievement Mr McLaughlin said: “It shows a genuine consistent business from start to finish. Everything we do is based on great quality, followed by superb consistency. I’m certainly never going to say it’s easy, but if a business is consistent, you can let it evolve naturally. “
As for his hopes for the next 30 years, Mr McLaughlin said: “I very much hope to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie along with the 60th of House of an Art Lover. It may not be me in the kitchen and Garry front of house, but we’ll be there dining at that celebration!”
Mr Sanderson said: “That’s a tough question. For me, it’s about the House continuing to go from strength to strength, becoming more prominent in the public’s mind and recognised for what it is: a significant cultural asset for the city, particularly at a time when access to Mackintosh buildings has become limited. Also to build our profile as an arts charity with a clear purpose to stimulate public interest in art, architecture, and design.
“And perhaps, by 2056, Stevie’s successor will be in place, allowing him to enjoy a well-earned retirement while still returning to host a dinner and continue the special relationship we’ve built - not just over the past twenty years, but since 1993 and our time together at One Devonshire Gardens. Special times with a brilliant team.”
Tickets are priced at £150 and are available via the House for an Art Lover website.
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