Mise en Place has worked with the talented Chef Ian Simpson for many years, with the most recent placement at stunning boutique Hotel La Villa in Italy. After 4 years as head chef at La Villa, Ian has now opened his own restaurant Osteria Odette in the stunning region of Piemonte North-West Italy to great reviews.
Here, we talk to Ian about his experiences in the cheffing world, where he likes to eat and what it takes to work in his kitchen.
Which is your favourite restaurant? (apart from your own of course)
Well, the best meal I have had was in Manhattan New York at DANIELS a mind-blowing meal by a country mile the best meal I’ve ever had…
What is the most important attribute for a chef to have, working in your kitchen?
Absolute passion, no other way to do this job.
If you had to give one piece of advice to an up and coming chef, what would it be?
I would say don’t chase money…money will come naturally and stay at any job for at least a year and stay as long as you feel you are learning
Who would be your ideal dinner companion?
I must say with no doubt my long suffering partner Giulia … if I was off work having dinner, there is only one person I would want to spend it with .
Which chef(s) do you most admire
I admire ANY chef that puts themselves on the line at the sharp end of service.
What is your signature dish of the moment?
Veal cheek has to be my favourite to cook and eat. Taught how to cook perfectly by the late Albert Roux … don’t know a better dish
What do you cook at home on your day off?
Junk food…typical chef…fried chicken…burgers. Love also to cook Asian food when I’m off also…quick and tasty
Have you had any recent food discoveries?
Cardi has to be my biggest discovery Cardi Gobbo a vegetable only local to Nizza Monferrato. It looks like overgrown white celery…… cooked here as FLAN DI CARDI served with fonduta…an outstanding dish.. unique ….But prepping it is a push
What in your kitchen can you not do without?
Dead easy…a kitchen porter…you might think I am making light but ultimately the kitchen porter is the engine of any kitchen and deserves respect and gratitude.
Details of Ian’s new restaurant Osteria Odette can be found here.
Thanks to Ian for chatting to us. If you would like to feature in our Eat My Words series, please contact us on info@miseenplace.co.uk or via our LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.