Armand Sablon discusses his role as Head Chef at Café Royal and his own inspirations with regards to pursuing a career as a Chef.
Name: Armand Sablon
Role: Head Chef Ten Room at Café Royal
Bio: Armand Sablon is the head Chef of the Ten Room situated in Hotel Café Royal offering British informal dining. Overseen by Executive Chef, Andrew Turner, the menu marries the traditional with contemporary flavours and styles. He is also the 2007 winner of the Roux Scholarship.
Armand Sablon takes us through his personal experiences whilst being in the Culinary Industry. These key skills that young Chefs and industry professionals learn as part of their basic training.
What are you looking for in those applying to work with you, on CV and in person?
They must have regular experience in like for like restaurants or hotels or straight out of college – not transient travellers. The candidate must be enthusiastic and must have a want to learn, they must be humble and have a good attitude.
What are your ultimate top five tips for someone looking to start a career as a Chef?
Get a good education and don’t let cooking be the only choice available to you – hospitality has many offerings and avenues.
experience at a reputed place to see if that’s what you really want to do – try a couple of places and the more diverse the better.
Don’t jump at the first opportunity - a career is for life so build your CV well.
Research what it takes to be a top Chef and see if that’s what you think you have to reach the stars. It’s a long hard slog with long unsociable hours – but if you love what you do the latter means nothing.
Be prepared to sacrifice normality and have the opportunity to do a job which brings satisfaction every day you do it.
If you could go back and tell yourself one piece of advice based on what you know now, what would it be?
1. Don’t believe everything your hear.
2. Do your homework before you take a job.
3. Remember the job is for life so make sure to spend quality time with your family.
4. Don’t undervalue yourself – it’s too easy to give yourself away – say it little and say it well.
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