Monica Galetti reveals WSH backing restaurant venture
MasterChef: The Professionals judge Monica Galetti has revealed she is a step closer to opening her own restaurant in London, having secured backing from Alastair Storey of WSH.
Speaking at The Caterer's Foodservice Forum on Friday, the former senior sous chef from Le Gavroche told delegates she was searching for a property in the capital for her new venture.
A presentation slide hinted that the judge on the BBC series has been searching in Marylebone and Fitzrovia for potential locations. "Alastair can help me get there but the rest is up to me," she said.
She said: "There are certain things in life that make you look at what you're doing. I hadn't achieved my dream because I was comfortable.
"The fear of failure always drove me. I don't like to fail; I hate to fail. It's important to stand over fear, step over it and just do it."
She added: "I crave the kitchen and miss the buzz. I need to get the site right. I know my style of food and ingredients. I just need to get what's inside my head right and put it out there.
"As long as it's something you love doing, you carry on."
Speaking about her decision to leave the two-Michelin starred restaurant Le Gavroche after 12 years, she said Michel Roux Jr was the first to know.
She said: "He knew before anyone that I was going to leave. I was very comfortable there and loved it, so it was a difficult decision to make."
Storey said: "As a business, we will always look at new opportunities to develop and create exciting new food concepts. Monica is one of the most talented chefs in the industry and we are delighted to be working with her to launch this new venture‎."
Galetti added: "I am delighted to be working with WSH on my new venture and, while the location is yet to be confirmed, I'm really looking forward to launching a restaurant that will represent all the brilliant experiences and food that I've been able to enjoy in my life. I'm very excited about the next chapter in my career."
MasterChef's Monica Galetti leaves Le Gavroche >>
Latest video from The Caterer
