Here is an article about me and my chef services that was posted on http://www.partlysunny.ca
If you want to see the whole thing, click here.
There is one thing I can not live without, and that’s a good meal. Among other weaknesses the way to my heart is food. My friend Francois Samson can give your taste buds a run for their money. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting prepared meals by Samson and to this day I still salivate when I think about it. Here’s your Industry Insider this month: Chef, Francois Samson.What you do? (Name both your businesses and give a briefer on both services): I have been in the food industry for over 14 years and have worked at some of the best restaurants around the world. A few years ago I decided to get out of working in a kitchen full-time to offer private chef services. I am now the founder of a gourmet catering company called “MyChef” as well I run a networking website for the food and beverage industry called “industryblender.com“. I also provide private chef services and consultation.
What is the easiest part of what you do? What is the most difficult?: Cooking is the easiest part, I understand food naturally and I’ve learned through the years to trust my instinct with food. To serve a certain volume, I need a solid team with me and this has been the biggest challenge. Unfortunately, a lack of quality staff is a challenge faced by many in the industry.
You’ve worked all over the world and you have a-listers as your clients. Tell us a little bit about one of your most craziest experiences. (Crazy demands, uncontrollable incidents): Oh…If only I could tell. Professionalism is a must to get and to keep the best jobs. What I would say is that all you hear is true and more…
One New Year’s eve while working as private chef on a mega yacht, I prepared a full-on meal for Beyonce and JayZ and their closest friends and family. Just before midnight, they called the captain to get ready for a drop off on Kevin Bacon’s yacht to celebrate the countdown…Let me tell you that the staff, including myself quite enjoyed the crystal champagne and all the food prepared on the boat…Later on that night around 3:45 am, I got a call in my cabin to get a grilled cheese sandwich ready for Miss Beyonce!
What is the one thing most people assume incorrectly about being a chef?: People that never worked in the food industry can’t understand the pressure that comes with the dead line of service and the one chance to deliver perfection.
If you had to cook the most perfect meal for yourself, what would it be?: I was very fortunate and had dinner in many of the best “rated” restaurants in the world and at the end, it always came back to the company that you are with that makes it the most memorable.
I prefer a good honest meal – dishes that respect the natural flavour of the ingredients. It’s something I refer to as harmony within the ingredients used. So, to answer your question, an Italian dish eaten with good friends and wine would be my perfect meal.
Where do you see the food industry moving too? What trends should we be watching out for?: I believe that we are and will become more and more challenged with our food sustainability. It’s trending back to eating local and more an more restaurants are trying to maintain menus with local ingredients.
Managing a restaurant is more difficult than ever with the constant rise of prices. Customers are more and more curious about what they eat and they also want to be entertained. I choose to operate a catering company instead of a restaurant because I can customize my guests experience every single time.
So what is the next move for François Samson? What can we be looking forward too in the near future?: So many things! I am always looking to push the envelope further and I want my customers’ events to be memorable and unique. I am about to launch a gourmet food delivery service. Also, you may be seeing me on TV soon!!!
As an entrepreneur, if there is one piece of advice you can leave my readers with, what would that be?: Business is about relationships. Give and you shall receive.
Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider (Photo Credit: meloCreative)
Francois Samson's Weblog 