Chef Bart Van Der Lee, a talented culinary figure who reached the final four of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2020, is set to return to Nomadic’s Festive Feast on December 14th. Despite his fast-paced life balancing family and the demands of being a professional chef, Bart took time to sit down with Nomadic Founder Noah Ellis to discuss his passion for cooking over fire and what keeps him coming back to Nomadic Dinners one-of-a-kind woodland dining experience. Here’s a look at their conversation.
Q: What is the best and worst thing about cooking over fire?
Bart:
“The best thing about cooking over fire is the incredible flavours you can achieve. Cooking outdoors, surrounded by nature, allows the ingredients to come to life in ways that cooking indoors can’t. There’s something magical about elevating simple, humble ingredients from the surroundings using special techniques like cooking directly on coals, slow roasting, and smoking. These methods bring out such unique flavours that truly immerse you in the experience. The woods create an atmosphere where nature and food blend together effortlessly—there’s no better way to experience it than through open fire cooking.
As for the worst part, I would say it’s the lack of ambient heat. Cooking ingredients to perfection takes time and patience, and when you’re cooking over fire, the heat is not as consistent as in a conventional kitchen. If you don’t have the right setup or the right amount of experience, it can be stressful. But despite this challenge, the flavors that come from cooking over fire are so unique, it’s worth the effort.”
Q: How does cooking over fire differ from cooking in a conventional kitchen?
Bart:
“Cooking over fire outdoors offers flavors and aromas that you just can’t get in a conventional kitchen. The addition of smoke, the crackle of the fire, and the natural elements in the air all come together to create something truly unique. When you cook in a woodland setting, the food absorbs the scents and the essence of the environment, which brings a whole new dimension to the dishes. It’s an immersive experience that simply cannot be replicated in a kitchen with stainless steel equipment. The outdoor elements—the heat from the fire, the fresh air, and even the sight and sound of nature—transform cooking into an adventure for the senses.”
Q: If you could only use one cooking tool for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Bart:
“I would definitely choose a cast iron cooking pot. It’s incredibly versatile and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. You can use it for searing, slow-cooking, frying, and even baking over fire. In my opinion, it’s one of the best investments you can make in your kitchen. It’s simple, durable, and produces excellent results every time.”
Q: What is your go-to comfort dish?
Bart:
“Right now, I’m craving a hearty beef and dark ale stew with plenty of winter root vegetables for depth of flavor. It’s the perfect dish for slow cooking over an open fire. I’d also pair it with a sourdough loaf, gently warmed over the fire, and served with rosemary salted butter for dipping. There’s something so comforting about that meal. It’s rich, satisfying, and the kind of dish that just makes you feel at home.”
Q: Why is cooking at Nomadic Dinners so special to you?
Bart:
“Nomadic is truly unique. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about the entire experience. It’s a place where nature, craft, and like-minded professionals come together to create something extraordinary. From the very first time I cooked at Nomadic, I felt like I had entered a different world—a place where everything is aligned with my own passions for nature and cooking outdoors. The people at Nomadic share these values, and being surrounded by them in such a unique setting truly fuels my creativity. It’s a community that inspires me to keep coming back, year after year. There’s just no other place like it.”
Q: Any tips or tricks for people at home learning to cook over fire?
Bart:
“My number one tip actually doesn’t involve cooking—it’s learning how to build a great fire. Cooking over fire requires different types of heat that you’re not used to in a traditional kitchen. If you don’t have a strong, steady fire, it will be hard to control the heat for cooking. My advice is to start with a solid fire foundation, making sure you have enough heat and the right types of embers for the food you’re preparing. This is something I dive deeper into in my online cooking classes. Getting the fire right is key to achieving those perfect, smoky flavors we love from outdoor cooking.”
Join Chef Bart at Nomadic’s Festive Feast
Chef Bart’s love for cooking over fire and his passion for the unique woodland dining experience at Nomadic make him an ideal chef for our Festive Feast event on 14th December. Guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening surrounded by nature, where Bart will craft delicious fire-cooked dishes that showcase the best of seasonal ingredients.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Nomadic’s outdoor events or this will be your first experience, Chef Bart’s return promises a truly magical evening where the flavors of the season come to life in a beautiful woodland setting.
This interview gives you a behind-the-scenes look into why cooking over fire is so special to Chef Bart Van Der Lee and what makes Nomadic’s woodland dining experience stand out. From the flavours of the fire to the inspiring natural surroundings, Nomadic’s events offer an immersive, unique dining experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Tickets for the Festive Feast are limited, and with Chef Bart’s return, we expect this to sell out quickly. Be sure to book your place soon to secure your spot at this exclusive event. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of dining outdoors, surrounded by nature, with one of the most talented chefs in the industry.
