Happy Birthday to Jorge, our glorious KP (Kitchen Porter) – also known as Kitchen Powerhouse!

What’s your ultimate comfort food? The one thing you’d eat in your PJs on a lazy Sunday?
Lazy Sunday Pizza. No question. Usually from 500 Degrees Brixton. Brixton does have some next-level pizza!

What’s the most surprising ingredient you’ve fallen in love with? Something you never expected to enjoy cooking with?
Soy Sauce surprised me. Thought it was just for stir-fries, but now it’s sneaking into everything! Fabulous umami seasoning!

What’s your ultimate cooking hack that’ll totally level up your kitchen game? 
Using a temperature probe has been a game changer. We at The Avenue recommend Thermapen

You have a £50 budget at the supermarket to whip up a dinner party, what’s on the menu?
Easy. We’re doing a meze feast! Hummus, Baba Ganoush, warm Pitta, and Crispy Falafel to start. Then finish strong with a zesty Lemon Cheesecake. Simple, delicious, and no one’s leaving hungry! See you are a fan of our Middle Eastern Class!

We all love a cheeky takeaway now and then – what’s your go-to spot in London when you’re too tired to cook?
Again 500 Degrees Brixton wins the gold

Imagine it’s your dream birthday meal – what’s on the menu, and where are you eating it? 
We’re going full on birthday feast mode – Mexican style! Guacamole, Nachos, and way too much cheese to start, dream Tacos loaded with Mexican Quinoa Salad plus Rice Stuffed Burritos for the main and for pudding, Sticky Toffee Pudding.  Location: my place, come hungry! Count us in!

Are there any foodie rules or trends you think are just total nonsense? (Looking at you, gold-leaf on everything…)
Trends make no sense. Why is Sushi the star of the show when Vietnamese Spring Rolls are way more interesting? Spring Rolls should definitely get more love

If you could swap jobs with any chef in the world for one day, who would it be, and why?
Andrea Larossa, hands down. Michelin-starred in Torino, his recipes are seriously original, and the guy just radiates creativity. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day with a Michelin star genius? 

London’s packed with amazing restaurants – what’s your top hidden gem that we all need to try?
Le Mercury in Angel. A cozy French spot that serves up incredible food. Proper bistro vibes. If you haven’t been, it’s time to get there!

Lastly, what is your food nemesis?
Panettone. Tried it once and failed spectacularly. That dough is a nightmare, getting the temperature right at every stage is like trying to tame a wild beast. Definitely humbled me! We have faith – persevere and share the result, please.

Thanks for sharing Jorge, we look forward to your birthday Mexican Feast!