Crafting Culinary Art: An Exclusive Interview with Chef Grigoris Kikis
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The Spark of Passion
Every great Chef has a moment when they realise their calling. For Chef Kikis, this moment came early. "When I was about 11, I was helping out in the kitchen during a family lunch and I fell in love with it," he recalls. "That’s when I decided I wanted to get involved in the culinary world. And I was a very stubborn child. Two years later, I was in a professional kitchen for the first time." This early start ignited a lifelong passion, driven by the stories and origins behind every ingredient and recipe. "Food tells you the stories of its origins, be it the ingredients or the recipe. That's a continuous source of inspiration."
A Global Culinary Journey
Chef Kikis' career is a tapestry of experiences in renowned kitchens around the world. These stints have profoundly influenced his culinary style. "Working in kitchens worldwide, alongside renowned Chefs, has expanded my culinary style through exposure to diverse techniques, ingredients, and cultural contexts," he explains. "It gave me a unique understanding and instilled a commitment to quality, sustainability, and precision, while fostering creativity and adaptability."
This global perspective has moulded Chef Kikis into a Chef who blends tradition with innovation. "These experiences have shaped me into a Chef who emphasises collaboration and leadership to create dishes that are both authentic and inventive," he adds.
Chef Grigoris Kikis
Blending Culinary Influences
With such a diverse background, integrating various culinary influences into his dishes is second nature to Chef Kikis. "Research and experimentation never stop. The ingredients are countless, as are their combinations. It's like falling in love for the first time over and over again," he says, highlighting his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
Sustainability and Seasonality
Every Chef has their favourite ingredients, and for Chef Kikis, certain elements hold a special place.
"Olive Oil: A symbol of Mediterranean cuisine, known for its rich flavour and health benefits. It enhances the taste of any dish in many ways: cooking, dressing, and marinating," he notes.
"Seafood: Particularly fresh fish and shellfish. The natural flavours of high-quality seafood can create magical dishes with minimal seasoning.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavours and aromas to dishes, yet always remain the backstage heroes."
But besides the importance of food sourcing, food management is also a major factor in a Kikis kitchen. Sustainability is a cornerstone of modern gastronomy, and Chef Kikis is a strong advocate for sustainable practices. "Sustainability is vital in modern gastronomy, and a major part of the philosophy of all my projects: from seasonal sourcing to waste management," he says. "I incorporate sustainable practices by sourcing locally and seasonally, reducing food waste, and choosing sustainable, seasonal seafood. Additionally, I prioritise energy and water conservation and educate our staff on the importance of these practices."
Processing the Process
When it comes to developing new dishes or menus, Chef Kikis' creative process is as dynamic as his dishes. "I can't really give you one specific source of inspiration," he admits. "I love sports and I try to dedicate some time to it daily. It helps me clear my mind and that's when inspiration comes sometimes. Other times it just happens as I cook at home and experiment."
Determination, stubbornness, and humility are the essential qualities that Chef Kikis believes make a great Chef. "But most importantly: finding the balance between the three," he emphasises.
With such a diverse background, integrating various culinary influences into his dishes is second nature to Chef Kikis. "Research and experimentation never stop. The ingredients are countless, as are their combinations. It's like falling in love for the first time over and over again," he says, highlighting his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
Sustainability and Seasonality
Every Chef has their favourite ingredients, and for Chef Kikis, certain elements hold a special place.
"Olive Oil: A symbol of Mediterranean cuisine, known for its rich flavour and health benefits. It enhances the taste of any dish in many ways: cooking, dressing, and marinating," he notes.
"Seafood: Particularly fresh fish and shellfish. The natural flavours of high-quality seafood can create magical dishes with minimal seasoning.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavours and aromas to dishes, yet always remain the backstage heroes."
But besides the importance of food sourcing, food management is also a major factor in a Kikis kitchen. Sustainability is a cornerstone of modern gastronomy, and Chef Kikis is a strong advocate for sustainable practices. "Sustainability is vital in modern gastronomy, and a major part of the philosophy of all my projects: from seasonal sourcing to waste management," he says. "I incorporate sustainable practices by sourcing locally and seasonally, reducing food waste, and choosing sustainable, seasonal seafood. Additionally, I prioritise energy and water conservation and educate our staff on the importance of these practices."
Processing the Process
When it comes to developing new dishes or menus, Chef Kikis' creative process is as dynamic as his dishes. "I can't really give you one specific source of inspiration," he admits. "I love sports and I try to dedicate some time to it daily. It helps me clear my mind and that's when inspiration comes sometimes. Other times it just happens as I cook at home and experiment."
Determination, stubbornness, and humility are the essential qualities that Chef Kikis believes make a great Chef. "But most importantly: finding the balance between the three," he emphasises.
Educating the Next Generation
As someone deeply involved in culinary education and training, Chef Kikis has valuable advice for aspiring Chefs. "Experiment. Be bold. And never be ashamed to fail. Creativity and innovation need to break boundaries; and to break boundaries you might need to fail twice or thrice," he advises. "The culinary world needs stubbornness, and patience at the same time. Travel always, listen more than you talk, and inspiration and skill will come."
For Chef Kikis, staying inspired is about engaging with the world around him. "I'm a people person. I talk to people a lot, and I listen to people a lot. I travel as much as I can, and I try as many things as I can. Life moves fast and always, inspiration is hidden in every moment," he shares.
Looking ahead, Chef Kikis is excited about future collaborations and culinary adventures. "I'm really looking forward to all collaborations with other Chefs that we have planned for the rest of the year, and to all the travels around the world and new tastes that I have yet to discover," he reveals.
Chef Grigoris Kikis' journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. His story inspires not only those in the culinary field but anyone with a dream and the determination to achieve it.
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