Each month at The Grove, we catch up with one of our culinary stars to talk through their top weekly essentials, favourite things to eat, and the unexpected bites that spark inspiration. This is your insider look at the chefs behind our award-winning restaurants and what inspires their menus beyond the kitchen.

Meet Head Sushi Chef Christian Sta Maria – the creative force behind the showstopping sushi at The Lounges and The Glasshouse. This month, Christian shares his fruit and vegetable essentials, the sushi he loves to make most, and the off-duty meals that keep him inspired beyond service.

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What are your weekly essentials?

Top 5 fruits and vegetables

Bananas are great for smoothies, bakes, or a quick sweet snack. I use spinach in everything from eggs to soups and pasta. Avocados add creaminess to toast, dressings, or bowls. Bell peppers are perfect raw in salad or roasted for depth. Sweet potatoes are a go to. Roasted, mashed, or baked, they are always useful.

Top 5 essentials

My fridge essentials are eggs, Greek yogurt, cheddar or feta, milk, and hummus which are all versatile staples for quick meals, snacks, and added flavour.

Top snacks

Oats for days, peanut butter for vibes, chickpeas for crunch or curry, tinned tomatoes to kickstart any sauce, and brown rice or quinoa to keep it all grounded.

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What is our favourite recipe that you’ve cooked recently?

Lately, I’ve been loving a veggie sushi roll filled with creamy avocado, crunch cucumber, and julienned carrot, all wrapped up with seasoned sushi rice and nori. Then finished with drizzle of sriracha mayo and sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a bit of heat and texture.

dining area at the glasshouse at the Grove

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What is your favourite restaurant in The Grove?

The Glasshouse is the spot, its like a next level buffet meets live cooking show. Sushi, robata grills, fresh pasta, stone baked pizza, you can literally take a world food tour without leaving your seat.

What is your favourite restaurant outside The Grove?

Core by Clare Smyth in Notting hill is a must try. The attention to detail in every dish is unreal, and the ingredients are so fresh and well balanced its got that fine dinning elegance but in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Want to try one of Christian’s famous sushi pieces?

Explore our luxury hotel and countryside retreat just outside London.

The Lounges The Glasshouse

Join us next month and find out what our next chef’s must-go to restaurant at The Grove is.

FAQ’S

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Off the Menu The Grove chefs Our restaurants Luxury hotel stays

FAQ’S

Search results for:

Off the Menu

What is Off the Menu at The Grove?

Off the Menu is our monthly chef spotlight series, where we sit down with one of The Grove’s culinary talents to explore their foodie favourites, behind-the-scenes inspiration, and life beyond the kitchen. It’s an insider look at the people behind our award-winning hotel restaurants.

The Grove chefs

Who is the Head Sushi Chef at The Grove?

Christian Sta Maria is our Head Sushi Chef, known for crafting exceptional sushi at The Lounges and The Glasshouse. With a passion for precision and bold flavour, Christian brings a fresh twist to traditional Japanese dishes.

Our restaurants

Are The Grove’s restaurants open to non-hotel guests?

Guests and visitors alike can enjoy the restaurants at The Grove, including The Glasshouse, The Stables, and The Lounges. From sushi and seasonal specials to fine wines and family-friendly menus, there’s something for every palate.

What type of cuisine is served at The Glasshouse?

The Glasshouse offers global cuisine with live cooking stations – from sushi and Asian street food to British and Mediterranean favourites.

Luxury hotel stays

Is The Grove a luxury hotel near London with fine dining?

Absolutely. Located in Hertfordshire, just outside London, The Grove offers a luxury countryside escape with championship golf, an award-winning spa, and a variety of exceptional dining experiences.