Some years ago I received a commission to create several dozen wooden dishes to serve bread on. Chef Erwann Salaun, then executive chef at Nautilus Restaurant in Port Douglas (Australia), asked me to create dishes that embodied flowing 'organic' shape with a high degree of art value.

They had to accommodate a Cob style loaf (for 2 people) and small butter ramekin. Furthermore, they were to be shaped and balanced in such a way that the wait staff could carry and present them elegantly at the table for restaurant patrons.

So, this range of small functional serving dishes carries the name nautilus in tribute to their beginning.

Nautilus is available in two sizes … the original small size (approx. 180mm - 7" long) and also a larger version (approx. 250mm - 10" long) which is great for larger servings. The series are produced as one-offs … all different but embodying a general common theme of shape and fluid lines.

Nautilus dishes are fully sealed and can tolerate most cleaning practices. Their appearance can be enhanced and maintained by application of vegetable or mineral oil after cleaning, although this is not mandatory.