THE ADDRESS Magazine No.21 | Page 396

media and eating out as much as I can. What would your last meal be? Crab Salad at Café Del Mar in Ibiza, eaten on the Terrace while watching the sunset and sipping on a glass of Ruinart Champagne. What drives you, and what makes you put in those crazy hours that lead to success in the culinary world? No Idea, I just love what I do and where I do it. I can’t imagine life being any different. What spurs you on to the next level? I always want to try new things and I push myself to learn each and every day. What’s your idea of food hell? Liver and kidneys, I can’t stand the thought of eating them but happy to cook and serve them wherever I am working. Do you see yourself as a celebrity chef? No, not at all. What’s been the highlight of your career so far? Being appointed Executive Chef at Mews of Mayfair and Mayfair Pizza Co. What’s your favourite ingredient to cook with? Fish – Mackerel Meat – British Beef Veg – Beetroot You’ve had the fortune of travelling across the globe. Can you share one or two of your favourite experiences as far as your culinary expeditions are concerned... I went to Singapore last year and ate some amazing sushi, awesome chili crab and was blown away at a Jason Atherton restaurant there, called Esquina. 396 What is that one ingredient you consider basic in any kitchen — the one thing that can transform a bland meal into a culinary experience? Salt, it sounds stupid but it’s the difference between good, bad and amazing. It’s a fine line but once mastered it lifts a plate. What’s the one kitchen tool you couldn’t live without? Knives, Pacojet, Thermomix If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing instead? Something creative, I quite like design, though I could not imagine being in an office job working 9-5. What’s a ‘day in your life’ like? I wake up at 6am and I’m in work at 7. I check emails and reply firstly, then accept deliveries and check produce. The morning is spent between both restaurants with kitchen and front of house staff. A usually busy lunch service is then spent running the pass, followed by paperwork after lunch. Back to the pass for dinner service, followed by prep and orders for the next day. Is there anything you don't like about being a chef? Working with staff that are not as passionate as I am, I find it frustrating. What’s your ultimate aim and goal for your career? If you could achieve anything with it, what would you pick? I guess like all chefs, having your own place is the end game. I have become more interested in the last few years and hope to someday achieve that. I have a few ideas I’d like to try out. www.theaddressmagazine.com