Revelations: Robert Manea, executive chef, Bokan, London

31 March 2023
Revelations: Robert Manea, executive chef, Bokan, London

We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Robert Manea, executive chef at Bokan

What was your best subject at school?

I loved sport at school, especially football. I also really enjoyed art – in fact, I still do. I am very passionate about pastry, which is basically art on a plate

What was your first job in catering?

I was rather late coming to the culinary world professionally and started how a lot of chefs start, by washing dishes

What do you normal have for breakfast?

Now I am going to sound very French! A croissant and a few cappuccinos

What do you do to relax?

Of course, cooking is my hobby as well as my job. I gain a lot of inspiration from cookery programmes and they also do a good job of helping me wind down after a long day at work

What is your favourite drink?

Oh, it has to be red wine paired with a beautifully cooked meal

What flavour combinations do you detest?

Too much spice – you lose all the other flavours

What do you always carry with you?

I never leave home without my spoon, spatula and tweezers and a small notebook if I think of any ideas worth jotting down

How would you describe your desk?

I'm a chef, my desk is my prep area, although I know Jacqui McMillan (Bo-kan's general manager) would love me to spend more time on my computer

If not yourself who would you rather be?

Not to sound too arrogant but I am happy to be myself, I am proud of what I am achieving, and I believe to be successful, both personally and professionally, happiness starts from within

If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you would be now?

I would love to think I would be taking over my grandfather's sheep farm. It was where I spent most of my childhood – so many happy memories

What irritates you most about your industry?

The hours are unsociable but we know this when we get into the industry. I now have a daughter and so I don't get to spend as much time with her as I would like

What is your favourite film?

Burnt

Who would play you in a film about your life?

Someone very handsome!

What is your favourite prepared product?

Foie gras, cheeses and chutney

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