Antoni Gu, Chef at Antoni Restaurant

3 Photos

by
on Friday, December 03, 2010 12:00 AM

When did you become interested in cooking?

I became interested in cooking as a child, when I was about 10 years old. My father really influenced me as he is a very good cook and has a great interest in food.

What is your favorite cuisine and favorite dish?

My favorite cuisine at the moment is Spanish, as I think the Spanish show such passion and creativity with their food; the possibilities for experimenting are endless.

So that's why you're working in a Spanish restaurant?

Yes. In the future I would like to promote Spanish food in Shanghai and make Spanish food more popular; I would also like to have a number of restaurants in many of the big cities in China and maybe a TV show too.

Who do you most like to cook for?

I enjoy cooking for anyone who enjoys food and I enjoy making people happy with my food. I have cooked for President Clinton at a banquet in the Peace Hotel which was very exciting.

Who do you most admire and why?

Jamie Oliver, the English chef. His style of cooking is the way I like to cook - he has a casual and free way of putting the food together that is colorful, interesting and very tasty.

What is the strangest thing you've ever had to cook?

I have cooked steak in dark chocolate sauce before, and surprisingly it is really delicious.

Have you ever had a cooking disaster?

Not really, the worst thing that can happen is if the communication between the dining room and the kitchen breaks down, and the customer is left waiting too long or the kitchen staff has to rush the preparation of the meal.

When you're not frolicking with frying pans in the kitchen, what do you do to enjoy Shanghai?

In my spare time I am always looking out for new ideas and ingredients for my cooking. I also like to play football and I follow the Spanish league on TV.