"Stay humble, because there are always new things to discover"

When did you decide to become a Chef and why?
I never thought about becoming a chef. My family is big, we were 12 people eating lunch every day at home, and each kid had a task and mine was cooking. I was always cooking. I guess that’s why.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career?
I have learned to stay humble.

 

“Some chefs get too carried away, but even if you’re a famous chef, you don’t know everything and there are always new things to learn.”

 

3 words to describe yourself…
Humble, productive and energetic.

What is your opinion on the quote “Never trust a skinny chef”?
A chef looks like his cuisine. A healthy chef makes healthy cuisine and he looks healthy. If you want to have longevity in this industry you have to keep your body healthy with a healthy lifestyle, including sport.

What is your favorite thing you do in your free time?
Mushroom picking. When it’s in season I go mushroom picking everyday after work for two hours.

Your favorite dish is…
Actually, I don’t have a favorite dish.

 

“I like food in the right season and in the right place. I would rather order a local dish than Sauerkraut with sausage in Brazil.”

 

Is there any advice you want to give to a student who wants to become a chef?
Be prepared. The industry is very hard but at the same time it’s also a wonderful place to work. You meet people and see and experience things other people don’t get to see.

Cooking is…
…something you either do with passion and dedication or you don’t do it at all.

If you hadn’t become a chef, what would you be?
A gardener. Taking care of plants is something I like to do in my free time.