Happy Birthday to our talented chef, G! We caught up with him to find out his ultimate comfort food, and no-nonsense views on cooking hacks and foodie trends.

What’s your ultimate comfort food? The one thing you’d eat in your PJs on a lazy Sunday?
An Italian Hero Sandwich. American’s eat sandwiches but the ultimate sandwich is called a hero (or some sates call it a sub sandwich) and it’s just what it sounds – a sandwich with all the Italian meats! It’s called a Hero for a reason

What’s the most surprising ingredient you’ve fallen in love with? Something you never expected to enjoy cooking with?
Nutmeg. An classic that can be used in savoury and sweet dishes

What’s your ultimate cooking hack that’ll totally level up your kitchen game?
I don’t really believe in hacks, I have no shortcuts as my whole culinary career Ive always been quite efficient so never needed one. If it aint broke why try to change it I say? Nuff said 

You have a £50 budget at the supermarket to whip up a dinner party, what’s on the menu?
Kimchi Pizza Fritta, Eggplant Parm Rustico, Handmade Tagliatelle Arribiatta and Zeppoles. Your guests are gonna be well fed!

We all love a cheeky takeaway now and then – what’s your go-to spot in London when you’re too tired to cook?
I’d go for a western style Chinese takeaway. I love the Chicken with Garlic Sauce from New Phoenix in Wandsworth

Imagine it’s your dream birthday meal – what’s on the menu, and where are you eating it?
A Japanese feast at Narisawa in Tokyo

Are there any foodie rules or trends you think are just total nonsense? (Looking at you, gold-leaf on everything…)
Knife cutting hacks like cuttin’ Cherry Tomatoes between 2 plates…quit bein’ lazy and just learn how to use a knife correctly. Or join our Knife Skills Class…

If you could swap jobs with any chef in the world for one day, who would it be, and why?
Yoshihiro Narisawa, chef and creator of Narisawa ranked 21st on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. As far as gastronomy goes, I don’t really buy into it. But Narisawa’s creative appetite doesn’t overcomplicate something we all need to do to survive  – eat. It’s simplicity at its best. Plus, I love Japan.

London’s packed with amazing restaurants – what’s your top hidden gem that we all need to try?
None, as I am always disappointed by the value for dollar you get nowadays when eating out. Food & Beverage industry only achieves 80% and they forget the last 20%. Our cooking classes are 100% value for money however!

Lastly, what is your food nemesis?
Baked Goods

Thanks, G, we love your honesty! Sounds like anyone lucky enough to be at yours is getting a five-star meal, no takeaway needed. Have a fab birthday!