UTI BACHVAROV

What made you want to become a chef?

It was my mother. I was helping her in the kitchen and that made her and her guests happy.

Who has influenced your cooking style or your philosophy on food?

First and for most , Mum,  of course, but also very big influence were my friends who had “suffered” trough my “growing up” and supported me during all my experiments.

What inspires you or where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from the unique food products and  the love they were grown with.

What is your favourite method of cookery or preparation?

Over a well  heated nonstick pan

What is your favourite ingredient?

Black pepper

What is your favourite kitchen tool?

Big and deep pan

What is your favourite section in the kitchen to work on during your apprenticeship?

Cutting board 

Where you like to eat out?

Open spaces, outdoors, picnic and garden

What would you like to see change with the cook schools?

I think there should be more emphasis on cooking with less fats and conservation the natural tastes of the products.

Your advice to young chefs?

Less salt, less sugar, less fat, less time

What do you look for when hiring staff?

I’m looking for the love for food, thirst for knowledge and personal integrity

What would you like to see change in the industry?

Let’s have less chemistry on the table

How do you deal with awkward guests?

I stand by my personal culinary believes

What is your first memory of food that blew your mind?

My best childhood food- related memory is the stew that was made on the early holiday of my village, which tastes incredible even nowadays.

What is your favourite escape to relax? 

Hunt

What drives your ambition?

As a host of a cooking show my ambition is to share my foods with the people that love me.

What is your signature dish?

Black mussels with rise “Grandmother Style”

How do you motivate your team?

With my relentless drive to prepare something new

How do you think restaurants should be rated?

I think that His Royal Highness, the Client, is above all rating scales and measurements

If you had to build the best kitchen team who would be in your kitchen all stars?

I have traveled to all the corners of Bulgaria and I can state that my dream team will be consisting of Grandmothers. The Grandmothers of Bulgaria are the bearer of traditions, history and national identity