Here at The Staff Canteen, we felt it would be a great idea to show our appreciation to our loyal users, so to honour this we will be featuring a different member every month who we think deserves to be celebrated - this month’s winner is Charles Lee.
As a member who regularly contributes to our site via the app Chef+, Charles will receive a copy of 'Signature Chefs: Recipes from the heart of England and Wales’, a goodie bundle from our appsponsors Essential Cuisine and The Staff Canteen mug.
Current place of work, position and a brief overview of where you have worked before.
I moved to Cambridge a few months ago, from The Gambia and since then I've been freelancing mainly with the University colleges and on the lookout for something more permanent in fine dining. Previously I was head chef at Sea Shells Bar and Restaurant in The Gambia, where I worked for five years.
What is your cooking style and what can people expect from the food on your menu?
My cooking "style" tries to keep things fresh, simple and clean with a bit of quirkiness and always with the seasons in mind. Growing up by the ocean, I've always loved seafood - treating it with the utmost respect. Leaving it to be the star of the show and complimenting it with wonderful but simple flavours that bring the best out of it.
What do you like about The Staff Canteen app and website?
I really find it very inspiring seeing what some of the other amazing chefs are producing, interacting with them and giving and getting advice. No matter what, as chefs we learn something new every day and that always motivates me to push harder! Also, the articles are great to keep us up to date with everything that's going on in the industry.
What is your favourite dish to cook?
At the moment, crab and cucumber cannelloni with cucumber gazpacho, crispy chorizo crumb, dill oil is my favourite, especially in the summer. Light, refreshing and tasty - great for a nice summers day!
Guilty pleasure: list food item / dish / ingredient that aren’t considered ‘cheffy’ but you love to eat
It has to be a nice juicy burger. Nothing beats when it's done properly! I'm also a sucker for Reece's Pieces peanut butter cups. Always have a secret stash of them somewhere!
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are to find work in the UK or similar with great chefs and just continue to learn, improve and keep pushing to the highest level I can. I'd love to be a head chef soon over here but still need a few more years of honing my skills and the long-term goal will always be to have my own place, producing great seasonal food and pushing for accolades… but that's a while away yet!
Do you want to be the next Member of the Month? Download the app now for free and start sharing your images, videos and recipes and interacting with other members to be in with a chance of winning!
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