We feature some of the best chef’s in the world on The Staff Canteen but where would they be without their KP? We thought it was time to celebrate the unsung heroes of the kitchen in a new monthly feature, KP of the Month, and this month it is Bernadino Moirinho, known as Dino, from Lucknam Park.
He was nominated by executive chef Hywel Jones, who said: "Dino is a very quiet person who goes about his work in a
professional manner with a smile on his face. A man of few words as you can see from the responses below. He doesn’t get frustrated with the team or annoyed but takes everything in his stride and keeps smiling! In the 2 years he has been at Lucknam Park he has never been late or sick and takes great pride in his work. When he works with Ben Taylor, Cookery School Head Chef, he interacts with the guests and is always on hand to assist.
"Dino is not a character that draws attention to himself but he is such an 
important part of the team and we'd really be stuck without him there to rely on and keep us on track."
How long have you worked at Lucknam Park for?
Just over 2 years, before this I was packing desserts in a factory so I prefer to be in the kitchen as there is some freedom to walk around the property.
Why did you want to be a KP?
I didn’t set out to become a KP, it was a job I saw advertised online and I thought I would like to do it so applied and here I am.
Are you interested in cooking or happy to stay as a KP?
I will leave the cooking to the professionals, I am happy to carry on as a KP. There is variety to my role as I work across the 3 kitchens – The Park, Brasserie and Cookery School. Sometimes the chefs can be a little stressed and I don’t want or need that.
KP Heaven and Hell
Hell
Doing the washing up!
Heaven
I get to have fresh orange juice in the mornings.
What is it like to work at Lucknam Park, and what is Hywel like as a boss?
I really enjoy it, it is a laugh working with the team and they are a good team. Hywel is really nice and I enjoy working with him. In November 2015 I won the Employee of the Month, Shining Star, award.
Hywel nominated me for this and I was so surprised and pleased to have won it. The General Manager came to find me to present my certificate.
As a KP, what’s the most annoying thing chefs do in the kitchen?
They use an awful lot of pans!
Is there anything chefs could do to make your life easier?
Use less pans
And do you get to try the food? That must be a perk!
I do, they let me taste the dishes for the restaurants.
Do you have a favourite dish you have tried at the restaurant?
The fish and pasta dish which is actually - Braised Turbot with truffle macaroni, wilted gem lettuce, white crab meat and a truffle butter sauce
Would you encourage other chefs to nominate and celebrate their KPs?
I would, it is nice to be recognised for what we do.
If you want us to feature your KP email[email protected]
