A little birdie told us it’s someones birthday… and that someone is our wonderful Head Chef Richard! 👨‍🍳

Those of you who have been to an evening or weekend class have likely had the pleasure of meeting Rich, well in true Avenue style when it is someones birthday we like to put together 10 questions so you can get to know The Avenue family a little bit better, so without further ado here is Richard’s interview.

What is your favourite class to teach at the Avenue and why?
Hmm, this is difficult because it depends on the audience I have and what kind of questions they ask. I like an inquisitive audience no matter the class, so a class of inquisitive people would be my favourite!

What is your favourite food combination?
I love a chilli and fruit combination! Like, mango and chilli or pineapple and chilli…  deeeelicious!👌

What was the weirdest food you created during lockdown?
Oh it has to be the bacon flavoured sherbet… note to self, it’s disgusting! (We assume it’s not going to be appearing on the menu’s any time soon then?)

If you could only eat sweet or savoury for the rest of your life, which would it be and why?
Well, as I’m getting older and I’d like to think more sensible, I’d have to say savoury. I’ve got one heck of a sweet tooth and it’s just dangerous for me to pick sweet…

Are you party guy or quiet night in type of fella?
Party, party, party! As long as there is good music… that’s important. (If you ever book onto one of Richard’s classes, you’ll notice his FAB taste in music!)

Before Covid ruined travel, which country has been your favourite to visit and why?
I absolutely LOVED Sardinia. It has some of the most amazing food and equally as amazing kitesurfing spots!

If you were hosting a dinner party for ONE celebrity, who would it be and why?
Harold McGee! There are so many things I want to know about the science of cooking and would love to discover new and better ways to cook. He would probably give me some incredible tips and feedback which would just be fantastic!

If you could give advice to someone who is thinking of getting into cooking, what would it be?
Firstly, learn how to clean, chop, mise en place (setting up) and discover. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push boundaries. You only get better by making mistakes… take the bacon sherbet for example 🤣

If you were a dessert, what would you be and why?
I’d be ice cream… because I may seem sweet, but I’m cold to the bone. (We’re going to assume you mean SUPER COOL here, Rich 😎)

And finally, would you rather have sausages for fingers or baguettes for feet?
Thinks* … I’d have to choose baguettes for feet, but only when they’re stale. How would I chop with sausage fingers?!

And there you have it. Richard in a 10 question nutshell.

Happy Birthday Rich! x