EDIBLE FLOWERS AND TOPS
I am really lucky to have enough space in my garden to grow a small variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Edible flowers are trendy at the moment and you must use them accordingly for your dish.
- Nasturtiums (flowers/leaves) have a slightly acidic peppery flavour; e.g. they are great to accompany a peach dessert.
- Cucumber flowers: Acidic, use them to accompany summery fish dishes.
I like using wild garlic flowers during spring time. Wild garlic flowers are easy to purchase and they are the perfect accompaniments to a fresh wild garlic soup .
Carrot green tops are great to make a pesto or a chimichurri sauce.
INSPIRATION
I have spent so many hours polishing my skills and inspiration. It’s unbelievable!
Do I need social media to get inspired? No!! Why, I will copy and paste something done already?
A few years ago, we were cooking without having a camera in our pocket. The most important thing was to make the dish right and to assure that the service will go smoothly!
I have always been told to check my seasoning, to send a crispy croquette or to guarantee a hot plate of food. To be honest, it was more important for me to make everything right than to have a nice picture of the dish.
Over the years I have received a wealth of knowledge from all my former Head Chefs. The list of their personal advices is short but effective…….
- Hard work always pays off
- Everything is about flavour
- Don’t over complicate your dish
- Keep it simple
- Every ingredient should complement each other
- Keep reading and focusing on the new trends
- Taste, taste, taste your food
- A happy chef makes great food
- Be sharp from the first minute that you walk in the kitchen
- Have always a cool and tidy mind. It will help you to go through your day
SIMPLE DISHES
Below, is a selection of simple dishes that I made the last few months. Exploring and trying new or old recipes is my aim at the moment. Food is a joy to cook and great food keeps me happy!
NOTE
Read this article, How to plate dishes worthy of a fine dining restaurant, to understand more the art of plating.