Revelations: Philip Limpl, head chef, Levan, Peckham, London
We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Philip Limpl, head chef at Levan, Peckham, London
What was your best subject at school?
Cooking, we had weekly classes from age 12
What was your first job in catering?
Helping out in a small restaurant called Rauch in my hometown in Feldkirch, Austria. The restaurant doesn't exist anymore but it was an institution back then.
What do you normally have for breakfast?
Coffee and an apple, separately
What do you do to relax?
Reading and running, separately
What is your favourite drink?
Death in the Afternoon, classic Hemingway drink
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Warm strawberries. Awful
What flavour combinations do you detest?
Crustaceans and cheese
What do you always carry with you?
My keys and wallet
How would you describe your desk?
Empty
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
Heinz Reitbauer from Steirereck. Widest range of food knowledge
Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
A satellite phone to call for help
Describe your ultimate nightmare?
Being stranded on a desert island
When and where was your last holiday?
Zurich last month
Tell us a secret...
I think the Beatles are totally overrated. But that's not really a secret
What irritates you most about the industry?
The amount of abuse fine dining restaurants get away with
When did you last eat a hamburger?
About a year ago at Fallow
What's your favourite film?
Leaving Las Vegas
What's your favourite book?
Thus Spoke Zarathustra
Favourite cookbook?
Ma Cuisine Française by Yannick Alleno
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