At Karma Lake of Menteith, the setting does its part: still water, long light, a sense of pause. In the kitchen, Head Chef Giacomo Gulisano brings something equally steady: 30 years across Europe, from Sicilian roots to cruise liners and Oslo dining rooms, now distilled into food that keeps things simple and well judged. Think Scottish sea trout, a proper Sunday roast, Highland chicken — local produce, handled with care.
What flavours and techniques from Sicily will members taste in your cooking at Karma Lake of Menteith?
Simplicity and freshness of the ingredients are the keys to a successful dish, that is the way I was brought up, and will continue here in my kitchen
You’ve cooked on six-star cruise liners for the world’s most well-travelled guests — what did that teach you?
Cooking in a 6* luxury cruise line taught me precision, high volume adaptability, mastering techniques such as pasta making, and working under pressure to deliver over 800+ high-end dishes, and create personalised cooking demonstrations and classes
You’ve opened restaurants and led kitchens across Europe. What are you most excited to bring to the table here?
I aim to blend all my 30 years of journey here at Karma Lake of Menteith and express myself in all our dishes
What excites you most about cooking on the shores of Lake of Menteith?
The peaceful setting and stunning view, the history of the place, and the freshness of the local ingredients.
If Karma Lake of Menteith had a “soul dish,” what would it be?
It would be our new pappardelle pasta on our new menu, as it is a simple dish but packed with flavours
Which local Scottish ingredient do you most love working with, and why?
It must be beef, as we have probably the best beef on the planet, and you can create wonderful dishes
What’s your personal comfort food when you’re off duty?
I love Indian food, and I love Biryani.
What can Members look forward to as you settle in and make the menu your own?
Members can look forward to a focus on balancing some of my Sicilian specialties, local favourites and high-quality ingredients
If you could tempt someone who has never visited Karma Lake of Menteith to book a table, what would you say to them?
Our restaurant and bar combine a tranquil setting and an intimate dining experience, and this is something that we are proud of. Our guest-oriented team is the best in class.
