I Know How To Cook!

You’ve probably never heard of ‘Je Sais Cuisiner’, not many people outside of France have, yet it’s been around since the 1930s but only previously available in French. A compendium of French classic recipes, it’s been the touchstone of Gallic cooking for generation after generation of French families and many a top chef today will tip his toque to it as well. As it appears in English for the first time, we talk to its editor, Clotilde Dusoulier.

Diving for Pearls – Chef Jun Tanaka

Beginning his career under the watchful eye of the Roux dynasty at the famous ‘Le Gavroche’, Jun spent 10 years working in some of the country’s top restaurants, under some of the most notoriously difficult Chefs in the business. Jun has used his experiences to bring his own unique brand of ‘Modern French’ cookery to fruition at ‘Pearl’, consistently delivering food which is both seasonal and innovative. We dove in for a quick word.

Ice Man- Francesco Mazzei at Cocorino

Cocorino’ is a story in two halves – gelateria and focacceria, each with their own doors. Brought to you by L’Anima restaurant’s dynamic chef,Francesco Mazzei , who worked in his family’s Calabrian gelateria and pastry shop aged eight, and Linda Yau, sister of his long-term mentor, Alan, the launch of the sweeter side of this rather cute Marylebone Village venture occurred last Wednesday. Lured by licking, Douglas Blyde went along to discuss cool-runnings with Mazzei.

Quartz to Crystal

Following the first glass masterclass in Britain, Douglas Blyde catches-up with Maximilian Riedel, 11th generation figurehead of the world’s most famous luxury glassware firm. It was founded in 1756 in northern Bohemia.

Ondine to open in Edinburgh

Chef Roy Brett is so excited by his latest venture that he can hardly sleep. Named ‘Ondine’ after the water sprite who marries a mortal in Sir Frederick Ashton’s ballet, the 80 plus cover seafood bar and restaurant opens soon in Edinburgh. Douglas Blyde went to the building site to see him.

Levi Roots – I Slayed it My Way

Following a memorable musical pitch, Levi Roots, 50, won BBC’s ‘Dragon’s Den’ with his potent ‘Reggae Reggae’ sauce. In exchange for a 40% stake in his business, he secured the support of millionaire ‘Dragons’, Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh – not to mention £50,000. We skanked ove to talk to him