Punched against a glass window. Burnt by a restaurant manager with a spoon. Not showering for a week. Pushed out of the restaurant by the entire team. Head chefs cheating on their wives. I reveal a few stories in this video from my time being a chef in some of the best kitchens in the world.
I posted a comment on The High Performance Podcast interview with Gordon Ramsey and people seemed to want to know more about what it’s like working in a high-pressure kitchen from 1 to 3 Michelin Stars.
I had the opportunity to work at a fair few around 10 years ago, so I wanted to share some stories I took from that period of my life to help others who are maybe thinking about becoming a chef at the highest level.
Timestamps:
My experience as a chef – 00:00
L’enclume – 04:05
Being burnt on purpose – 05:05
Chef Clare Smyth – 06:43
The Fat Duck by Heston Blumenthal, Bray – 08:07
Restaurant Gordon Ramsey, Chelsea – 09:54
The Waterside Inn, Bray – 15:45
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Bray – 26:32
Hand & Flowers – 28:32
La Gavroche, London – 29:32
Le Manor aux Quat’ Saisons – 31:33
Midsummer House, Cambridge – 32:37
Restaurant Sat Bains – 34:25
Why I Got Fired From Restaurant Sat Bains – 37:38
Why I eventually left my career as a chef – 42:25
My advice for anyone thinking about working in a Michelin kitchen – 44:09