INTERNATIONAL chef Toby Burrowes’ culinary career got off the ground washing dishes in a family-run restaurant at Corowa.
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From age 14, he worked his way up from kitchen hand to front and back of house at Italian eatery D’Amicos.
“It was a family-run restaurant, and they certainly became like a family,” he said.
Burrowes will return to the Border this month for a special dinner collaboration with British-born chef Simon Arkless at Terrace Restaurant at All Saints Estate on December 23.
“I’ll be home for just nine days,” he said.
At 22, Burrowes moved to London where he joined Phil Howard in the kitchen at two Michelin-starred The Square, working through the ranks from the garnish station to sous chef.
In early 2016, Burrowes was appointed head chef in Howard and Rebecca Mascarenhas’ new venture Elystan Street in Chelsea.
Elystan Street gained a Michelin star in the Michelin UK and Ireland Guide 2018, the AA Restaurant of the Year in London 2018 and three AA Rosettes in the AA Restaurant Guide 2018.
What's your favourite dish?
I love tapas, just slowly eating lots of little different things while knocking back some cold beers.
What are the staples in your pantry?
Garlic and onions … that’s where most things start.
What's the biggest product discovery you have made in cooking?
White Alba truffles hit me like a tonne of bricks!
What's your secret vice?
I am just mad for Sriracha chilli sauce!
What is your recipe standby?
When I’m treating the troops, I knock out some naughty tortilla (potato and caramelised onion Spanish omelette) with a saffron and very garlicy aioli; a simple pleasure but it requires perfect baveuse (just runny in the middle).
What is your most unforgettable meal and where?
The first time I ate at The Square; I had been working there a year and never actually sat down and experienced a Michelin-starred meal (let alone two stars); it was a serious eye opener!
What's your favourite cooking utensil?
The most practical and useful tool in the kitchen is a small knife with a cover in the pocket.
What did you have for dinner last night?
The lads made a wonderful lasagne for staff food.
What are you drinking?
Ice-cold glass of milk, but when it’s time for fun, cocktails, Champagne and beer.
Details:
Elystan Street,
43 Elystan Street, Chelsea, London
Phone: +44 20 7628 5005
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