Great City Chefs competition is about celebrating, not just the food, but the chefs who cook it. Let's start with one of our chefs, Mario Perez, from One Moorgate Place
What made you become a chef and what is your experience in previous kitchens?
When I was in high school in Spain I had a part-time job in a BBQ restaurant. But my experience in London has been in La Chappelle, The Sky Garden and The Lady Otteine where I worked at each for a year. My long term plan is to travel the world with my knives, learning as I go.
The person who probably made me become a chef was my mum, she’s the kind of cook who can make food without tasting it and it always tastes amazing! One day I’d like to be her. I love that being a chef allows you to be quite flexible, you can travel and find a job quite easily. And I love eating – but who doesn’t?!
How would you describe your cooking?
I am inspired by Spanish food of course! But I have done a bit of travelling and I really enjoy cooking Asian food. My next culinary adventure will be to South America.
What does a mid-week meal look like to you?
If I’m honest when you’re in the kitchen all day constantly tasting food, you don’t really feel like eating when you get home. But when I do, I rarely make anything heavy, I quite like pasta and chilli paste.
Who would your dream dinner guests be and what would you cook for them?
I would like to be able to cook for my family but with me in the kitchen of a restaurant, I want them to see what I’ve achieved. And I’d cook black rice with some kind of game meat, maybe pigeon but equally I love fish.
What would you get out of taking part in the Great City Chefs Competition?
Knowledge – I’d like to test myself and see what I can do. I’ve only been cooking for 3 years so I’d like to challenge myself and see where inspiration takes me.
Follow Mario on instagram @cookingsouls to see his cooking
