Member of the Month April 2022: Chris Alexander

The Staff Canteen

Editor

Here at The Staff Canteen, we feature a different member every month we think deserves to be celebrated - this month’s winner is Chris Alexander

As thanks for being a regular contributor to The Staff Canteen, Chris will receive an item of TSC merch of his choosing and will be entered in our Member of the Year 2022 competition. The Staff Canteen Member of the Month feature is brought to you in association with Major.

1) Current place of work, position

I am the executive head chef of The Plumicorn at The Tawny Hotel.

2) What is your cooking style and what should people expect from your food?

I wouldn't say I have got a style, I like dishes to evolve with different cookery methods, experimentation & textures, hot and cold elements with the best fresh produce.

I think my menus are very varied; you will find alot of Asian, Indian, classic French & British twists but always big flavours.

3) What is your favourite dish to cook and why?

At the moment it would be the chicken lobster coronation with puffed wild rice from the tasting menu. It's very fresh, pretty on the eye with bags of flavour.

4) Name a food item/dish/ingredient that isn't considered "cheffy" but that you love to eat

Being from Birmingham, it has to be a good old curry. You cannot beat it, something spicy.

5) What do you like about The Staff Canteen app and website?

The Staff Canteen is a great platform for the industry, giving chefs somewhere to take inspiration from, to reflect on current trends & show off their own work and creations, something that as chefs we are all proud of. Plus it's a great place to network.

6) What are your plans for the future?

I am moving on from The Tawny in a few weeks. It's been amazing building the team and helping to put The Tawny on the map, an amazing opportunity. I am taking an executive head chef role within Restaurant Associates doing in-house dining for corporate clients.

The ultimate goal is to work on my own restaurant and concept, to work again with some of the young talents front and back of house I have had the privilege to work with and help train.

7) What are your thoughts on Anna Haugh taking over as a guest judge on MasterChef : The Professionals this year?

Everybody loves Monica Galetti, she is an absolutely amazing chef and she will be missed for sure. But Anna Haugh has worked with some amazing names in the industry, not to mention her own success. Anna will definitely bring her wealth of knowledge to the table. Looking forward to it.

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