WHAT IS MY COOKING STYLE

This is a question I have been asked many times as a chef - it is not one I have always been able to answer. Until very recently that is.

Although I love to cook, I found my hobby through cooking - which is to try out different styles of cooking. I love to learn about why certain cultures cook the way they do, what is their story behind it and how is food important to them.

When you think Italy - you think meatballs and pasta with rich tomato sauces.

France - Duck a l'orange. Spain - Tapas and

Paella, and the list continues.

When you eat these foods that are filled with so many dynamic flavours, its like tasting the country - only then can you truly understand the smells, tastes and cultures of each place.

I grew up cooking classical recipes, mostly French or Italian based. At chef school we studied French cuisine and from there I created my own path of exploration. I tried a bit of Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Moroccan - whatever I didn't know I researched hundreds of recipes and write ups and tried it for myself. Definitely some of the most fun I have had.

So where do I find myself now? I like to think French with a Thai twist, which sounds ridiculous I know! I love cooking with fresh ingredients, herbs and spices. Some of my favourites originate from Thai cuisine - chilli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce to name a few. However I use these flavour’s very untraditionally in classical recipes. Like one of my favourites you will later learn, is my Thai inspired roasted pork belly and shitake mushrooms. It is always a crowd pleaser.