In Conversation with Shalina Tobin

Part 2 of 2 with Michelin Chef Aktar Islam. Our Bubbly Brummie talks business from facing staffing issues and how it’s impacting his growth as a restaurateur.       

Part 1 of 2 with Michelin Chef Aktar Islam. We cover everything from childhood inspirations to taking over family businesses. Aktar shares insight into his culinary journey over the years and his ethos with the brilliant Michelin Starred Opheem restaurant.  Part 2 up in 2 weeks!   

Head Chef at one of the worlds most famous restaurants talks to me about  falling asleep in class to winning The Roux Scholarship! The Fat Duck Chef shares his inspirations and how he manages his work/life balance. 

Italian born Exec Chef of 3 Michelin Starred Helen Darroze at The Connaught shares his life journey with us. We learn about Marco's work ethic and what it takes to rise to the top. Enjoy the interview and don't forget to rate, review & subscribe. 

Saturday Kitchen's host Matt Tebbutt shows up even though he was a little under the weather!  We talk all about his career from working in Marco Pierre White's 3 Michelin starred kitchen to how he ended up in TV through adversity.  Enjoy the episode and please don't forget to rate, review & subscribe. 

I chat with James Golding, group Chef Director at the brilliant restaurant & hotel group The Pig - Restaurant with rooms. James takes me back to his childhood memories of foraging with his dad and how it was moving to London at the very tender age of just 16! We talk charity, cheese and ballroom dancing.  Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to my channel.  You can...

Double Michelin Starred Chef Andrew Wong shares insight into his world of A.Wong and what's at the heart of everything they do!   

Part 2 with Raymond Blanc and we talk about first spankings, bathing in rivers and the science behind the souffle!  Please don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to my podcast…I’d love to hear from you guys.   

It’s the legendary Raymond Blanc OBE & I’m so excited to share part 1 of 2 from this amazing interview with you guys! Raymond dips in and out of his past sharing the most wonderful stories from his childhood and memories of Maman Blanc.  We hear about why Raymond has taken a more spiritual path and how he began his path to creating Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.  Part 2 next week Monday! 

Exec Chef & founder of Kitchen Theory, a multi-sensory design studio and chef’s table on the outskirts of London. Jozef and I talk about the connection between science & gastronomy and healing though food.  Jozef has spent years discovering ways in which we can heighten our senses though taste, smell & visuals making his dining experience truly unique. Hear all about it here!         

Head Chef at Aulis London which is quite possibly one of my top favourite dining experiences in town! We chat away about Charlie's career and how he landed Head Chef role at the exclusive & brilliant 8 seater restaurant which is the brainchild of Simon Rogan. 

Exec Chef for Roganic, Aulis & The Baker and the Bottleman has an impressive CV with experience from some of the most famous restaurants in the world such as The Fat Duck, Eleven Madison Park and Maaemo in Oslo.  Oli who was also on The Great British Menu 2021, set the record for the highest number of points ever scored on the show!       This brilliant and extremely talented chef chats to me...

Exec Chef and owner of Michelin Starred Ynyshir is a destination restaurant with rooms located on the coast of mid-Wales. Gareth chats to me about how his love for food developed and how the ethos for his business is driven by his passion.  It's good to be back! 

Head Chef at The Grill at iconic The Dorchester Hotel has made his mark on creating a swanky new space! For this interview, Tom brings his lively and fun character along for a super chat about his past, his present and what he offers at The Grill at The Dorchester.     

From Kitchen Porter to serial award winning Chef! Mark Greenaway has taken Edinburgh by a storm with his fine dining culinary genius, Grazing at the Waldorf Astoria and he now set his sights set on London.     During the pandemic Mark’s been warming us up with his fabulous Greenaway's pies & mash available but I’m sure I’m not the only one when I say how eagerly we await his new 30 cover fine ...

The passion is palpable! Chef Tony Parkin at Michelin Starred The Tudor Room talks us through his highs, his lows and why he's been described as being 'a bit fruity' 

Exec Chef from Michelin Starred Maos Restaurant in Shoreditch shares his inspirational story of growth and success. We learn how Edoardo has made his stamp on the stunning menu at Maos and tells us what we can expect when we dine there!  

Head Chef of Michelin Starred Benares restaurant talks us through his journey, his passions and the people that inspire him most. 

Executive Chef of Michelin Starred Barrafina talks me through his fascinating journey of self growth, leadership, travel and being at the height of his career with Michelin Starred Barrafina Restaurant and Parrillan London. 

Michelin Starred The Dysart Petersham's Chef Kenneth chats to me about what scholarships have done for his career, his love for music and his journey to date.   

Sticky Mango Chef and Restaurateur talks me through his journey to present day. We talk about exceeding expectations, respect and building strong characters. 

3/3 Finale with Michelin Starred Chef of The Ritz Hotel in London tells me about the moment he started at London's most luxurious venue.  

Part 2/3 with Michelin Starred Executive chef of The Ritz Hotel in London. John shares his journey through kitchens and how his ambition to work at The Ritz Hotel was formed.   

Part 1/3 with Michelin Starred Executive Chef of The Ritz Hotel London, John Williams MBE. We chat about John's childhood memories and his first foray into hospitality.   

Chef & owner of Michelin Starred Sabor talks us through her career starting from kitchen porter to now being one of the most influential women in hospitality. 

Head Chef of Michelin Restaurant Hide talks me about his journey and how tells me how learning with the best has led him to working with one of the best establishments in London.

Former Editor in Chief of the Michelin Guide talks to me about life as an inspector and everything Michelin.   

Michelin Starred Chef Sally on women empowerment and exciting new ventures.  

Mark talks to me about the highs and lows of hospitality and offers his thoughts on new ways of working with "greedy London landlords".  

Paul's incredibly deep, touching and powerful story of the loss of a loved one and his coping mechanism for grief. Please be advised this interview is descriptive in detail of what one may experience when dealing with pancreatic cancer. 

Adam opens up about the impact on family life when career goals are strong. We talk about ambition, drive and finding that all important work, life, balance.   

The brain child behind the success of Launceston Place shares advice to anyone who has been through tough, physical and emotional abuse in kitchens. Listen to Ben's story and find out how he finds strength to grow stronger. 

2 Michelin Starred Chef Alex Dilling talks about the effects of The Greenhouse closure and how he went from punk bands to kitchen brigades.   

Ambassador & Culinary Director for Coya worldwide, Sanjay talks to me about his beginnings in the industry and how he battled with racism. Topics include mental health, empowerment and his success within the industry. 

Calum's inspiring story sheds light on overcoming alcohol addiction, rediscovering mental & physical balance and how he's rebuilt his life after hitting rock bottom. 

"A waiter who owns 8 restaurants" Roberto shares his journey of courage, strength and resilience. 

Graham Garrett shares the highs and lows of his culinary journey. 

"You don't succeed if you don't have fear" The 2 Michelin Starred Exec Chef & co-owner of Da Terra talks me through his journey.  

Founder and CEO of D&D London. Des's portfolio spans 44 restaurants, bars and a hotel. This interview is full of interesting facts about the hospitality industry and Des's successful journey within it.    

Head Chef and owner of Michelin starred Claude Bosi at Bibendum chats about the people who have opened his eyes on what being a chef is all about. 

Chef and owner of Xier restaurant opens up about about his troubled past and how he's turned his life around through his love of food. We talk about his journey, Japanese cures & french kissing. 

Head Chef of Michelin Starred Davies & Brook at the Iconic Claridges Hotel shares his very personal story of discovery. 

Monica chats with me about her journey as a chef and inspirations within the industry. We talk about her stunning restaurant Mare and how she manages a work life balance.

3 Michelin Starred Chef Alain shares his fond memories with his father & legend Michel Roux. We hear about young Alain watching his father in the kitchens at le Gavroche to now  flourishing into the Michelin Chef he is today.  

Taylor chats about his influences the industry. We talk food at the incredible Michelin Starred Five Fields Restaurant & Taylor shares things we couldn't have possibly known. 

Ollie tells me about growing up in Kuwait and his journey as a chef. We talk about the highs and lows of first ventures & creating the Hide culture.  

Head chef of Ormer Mayfair chats to me about his roots and his beginnings as a chef. We talk about his ethos in the kitchen and how he wants to bring happiness through his food.

Exec Chef from Michelin Starred Celeste restaurant at The Lanesborough Hotel tells me how he started out in the industry and how he's followed his dreams.  

Masaki shares his inspirational journey of pursuing his dreams and becoming a successful Chef and Restaurateur. 

Michelin Chef Adam takes me back to his beginnings, the road to Trinity and how he can see opportunities on the horizon.