About Krystal: the Creative Mind behind Table

I’m Krystal, the Creative Mind behind Table.

My journey to launching Table on the August 2018, and going full-time in 2019, has been nothing short of an adventure – a story worthy of its own book, as friends often say. Starting a business just before the whirlwind of the pandemic certainly taught me the art of ‘business agility’ in ways I never expected. The idea of delivering Afternoon Tea during the pandemic was unplanned, but it became a heartwarming part of the journey. 

My connection with food has always been about more than sustenance. Even during my time in the charity sector, I found that cooking and baking were wonderful ways to connect with young people and colleagues alike.

My passion lies in creating food that is wholesome, generous, vibrant, nourishing and inclusive. Whether it’s a grand wedding or an intimate birthday celebration, catering for 50 or 100, my commitment to cooking remains unwavering and heartfelt. Personally understanding the challenges of dining out with food intolerances, I’m dedicated to ensuring every guest is well catered for, without feeling overwhelmed. Often, a simple tweak to a dish can make all the difference in accommodating special dietary needs.

For a bit of fun, here are seven things I absolutely love (in no particular order):

1. Travel: The thrill of experiencing different cultures is incomparable.
2. Fitness: Whether it’s yoga, sea swimming, running, or hillwalking, I’m all in for activities that get the heart racing.
3. The Outdoors: The allure of fresh air, open spaces and natural beauty, from the seaside to the mountains, is irresistible.
4. Family and Friends: My earliest cooking inspirations come from my grandmother. I vividly remember hoisting myself up on a yellow stool in her kitchen to ‘assist’ her.
5. Taking on Challenges: I’m always ready to give new experiences a go.
6. Strategy and Problem Solving: I enjoy the challenge of logic, efficiency and crafting solutions.
7. Laughter: It’s the best.

Nurturing Through Food

At Table, we believe that food is a language of love and care. It’s about creating experiences that linger in memory long after the last bite. This philosophy guides every menu I craft, ensuring each dish tells a story, whether it’s a hearty family meal, a sophisticated corporate event or a relaxed weekend brunch. My culinary style blends tradition with innovation, always prioritising flavour and quality.

Community Engagement

Community is at the heart of what we do. In 2020, we initiated a programme to provide meals for frontline workers, which was incredibly fulfilling. Engaging with our local community has been a grounding experience, reminding us that the essence of food is to nourish and bring people together.

Sustainability

Sustainability is another core value at Table. We strive to use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, reducing our carbon footprint and supporting local farmers and producers. Our commitment extends to minimising waste and choosing eco-friendly packaging options whenever possible.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans for Table. We’re exploring the idea expanding the blog, compiling our favourite recipes and stories behind them. Additionally, we’re eagerly exploring the idea of thematic dining events. These events would be specially curated to offer a unique gastronomic journey, celebrating different cuisines, cultures, and seasonal produce. Each event would be a distinctive culinary adventure, showcasing our passion for creative and vibrant food experiences.

Personal Reflections

As I reflect on this journey, I realise how much I’ve grown, not just as a chef and business owner but as a person. The challenges, especially during the pandemic, have taught me resilience and the importance of flexibility. The support from my family, friends, and the community has been overwhelming, and I’m eternally grateful.

Closing Thoughts

I invite you to be part of our Table story. Whether it’s through our catering services or just following our journey on social media, your support means the world to us.