Chef revelations: Nicola Melillo
The head chef at Rudie's in Dalston, London shares his likes and dislikes
What was your best subject at school?
English language and food science
What was your first job?
Fixing tyres at 12 years old
What was your first job in catering?
Baking croissants in a bar at 13
What do you normally have for breakfast?
Hobnobs, espresso, peanut butter sandwich and smoothies
Which is your favourite restaurant?
Home (my mum is the best chef ever)
What is your favourite drink?
Amaretto sour (I know…)
What is your favourite food/cuisine?
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Okra. When they get slimy… yuck!
What do you always carry with you?
My patience
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
Heston Blumenthal. Although I never worked with him I would trade a lot to spend a day in his kitchen.
Are there any foods/ingredients that you refuse to cook with?
Processed foods, foods with lots of E numbers… they should all be banned!
If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you would be now?
I would be working in public relations or advertising
Describe your ultimate nightmare
Running out of gas in the middle of service with a floor full of people
Tell us a secret…
I met my wife online
What irritates you most about the industry?
The many fake 'food experts' we have nowadays
When did you last eat a hamburger?
Last week. At Rudie's we offer a jerk burger - a noble burger, dare I say so myself
What's your favourite film?
Fight Club
What is your favourite prepared product?
Peanut butter (organic crunchy)
If you had more time, what would you do?
Get back into cheese manufacturing
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