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A master class was held recently for some Marriott UK Executive chefs & apprentices with world renowned chef Marco Pierre White.
This was hosted at Unilever Food Solutions’ head office in Leatherhead, Surrey in their development Kitchen.
Fifteen Executive chefs and four apprentices were treated to an up close and personal day with Marco who candidly chatted about his training, career, philosophy & life in hospitality.
About Marco
Having left Allerton High School in Leeds, he decided to train as a chef starting in the kitchen at the Hotel St George in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and later at the Box Tree in Ilkley. He arrived in London at the age of 16 beginning his classical training as a commis under Albert and Michel Roux at Le Gavroche. At the age of 33, Marco was the youngest chef to be awarded three Michelin stars.
Cooking
Marco cooked his own true style, cooking classic dishes and use of flavors in his own unique style. Marco created a delicious pumpkin & Parmesan soup, followed by a classic fish pie and Navarin of Lamb that were all truly delectable.
What the chefs said
Simon Beaumont, Snr Director culinary, Europe:
To be in the same room and see with our own eyes his wizardry in the kitchen was an experience we won’t forget. He was open, honest and charming and chatted to everyone about his experiences giving advice about how to make menus work harder.
Sean Kelly, Senior Chef, Europe echoed this: Being able to bring along four of our young apprentices to meet Marco was fantastic. He really got them involved and made them feel a part of the day. To see their reactions and faces when he gave them a personal career chat was fantastic. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I am sure they will never forget today
Satish Yerramilli, executive head chef at Meon Valley said: “It was a real treat to see Marco. He’s been an inspiration of mine for a long time”
David Townsend and apprentice at the Portsmouth Marriott commented: “It was a real eye-opener. He was the first celebrity chef and it was an honour to meet him.”
Jason Schum and Harry Charles, two apprentices at Twickenham and Forest of Arden Marriott’s said: “To hear Marco talking about his philosophy to food and life was fantastic. Just to listen to his experiences and his anecdotal stories was an inspiration. He was the first British celebrity chef”
