Revelations: Jun Tanaka, chef-patron, the Ninth, London
We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Jun Tanaka, chef-patron of the Ninth, London
What was your best subject at school?
Music – I used to play the cello and the piano
What was your first job?
A paper round when I was 12
What was your first job in catering?
Le Gavroche. I can still remember the very first job I had to do: to julienne three celeriac for rémoulade. It took me all morning and I cut myself a dozen times
What do you normally have for breakfast?
Greek yoghurt and blueberries
What do you do to relax?
I eat out with Ink, my wife
Which is your favourite restaurant?
Can't choose just one, so it's between Lyle's, Perilla and Planque, all in London
What's your favourite hotel?
Castello di Reschio. It's a 1,000-year-old castle on an estate, hidden among the rolling hills of Umbria
What is your favourite drink?
Coffee
What is your favourite cuisine?
Japanese
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Red amaranth micro cress
What flavour combinations do you detest?
Strawberry and sea bass. I was served this in a hotel… why?!
Which person in catering have you most admired?
Danny Meyer. His book Setting the Table was truly inspirational. I admire how he runs his business and the culture he has created
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
John C Maxwell. His book Leadershift was the first book on leadership that I read and it inspired me
Tell us a secret…
I love instant ramen. I have to stop myself from buying them or I would eat one every day
What irritates you most about the industry?
The staffing shortage
Who would play "you" in a film about your life?
Sung-Ho-Kang. I've been asked a few times ‘Are you that guy from Fast & Furious?'
What's your favourite book?
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
What is your favourite prepared product?
Japanese pickles. My favourite is pickled aubergine and cucumber
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