This week we are incredibly excited to welcome the exceptionally talented Ols Halas as our guest on Marlo Meets. Ols is the head chef at Circus Sauce, a seriously sought-after travelling supper club that tours alongside the much adored Giffords Circus.
In 2020, Ols co-authored the Giffords Circus Cookbook with Nell Gifford and won the General Cookbook Award from the Guild of Food Writers in 2021. We talk to Ols about how it all started and what his favourite sauce is.
1. What inspired you to run away and join the circus?
I was a bit lost at the time and working in the alps when I received an email from a friend asking quite simply "would you like to join the circus?!" what could I say?
2. What is your favourite recipe in the Giffords Circus Cookbook?
Im quite fond of the Eton Mess from the book. its one of the fist recipes we did long ago when I first joined and fits in with the circus so well. Its simple but outrageous. We serve in huge mounds for each table to dig into.
3. Describe the best day of your life?
Quite possible signing the book deal. There was a great buzz at the circus HQ and we shared a glass of bubbly with Nell Gifford my co-author and the rest of the circus troupe; my dream of writing a cookbook was to come true!
4. Where is your favourite place to pitch a tent?
We travel to so many wonderful and stunning places but driving the lorries through the gate of Blenheim palace is quite honestly jaw dropping. For a week of each year we get to call this place home which is quite special.
5. What was your childhood dream?
It has and will always be to write a cookbook and to host a travel/cooking series on the telly. Ive managed to do one of those things and I'm working on the next so fingers crossed!
6. If you could invite anyone, past or present, into your vaudevillian tent for supper who would it be?
Hendrix, Kieth Floyd, Merry Berry and mr Attenborough. There are many so many more but I'd love to see their experience here!
7. What’s your favourite condiment?
Well I have some tattooed on me so you could say that's my thing. Tabasco has to be the one, I'm a sucker for spice.
8. Who is your musical hero?
David Bowie for sure. We have a music decision wheel in the kitchen with different genres so we keep things fresh but it has to be playing at all times, that's the rule!
9. What are you most looking forward to about the tour ahead?
Spending time with these amazing people. We are truly lucky to be touring with the most amazing people from all over the globe and I love every minute of hearing about their lives and experiences. Its a unique experience being able to live this live and i'll go on doing it as long as I can!
