"Go straight to the deep end, make big mistakes and learn"

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'Go straight to the deep end, make big mistakes and learn'

Cocktail Kitchen's chef de partie Kenny Bruce La. His dad was a Bruce Lee fan, hence the middle name, gets candid about dreaming big

By Staff reporter

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Published: Fri 22 Jul 2016, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 22 Jul 2016, 2:00 AM

The number one item on your wish list right now.
Japanese knives - Shun knives, to be exact! (I have a serious obsession with sharpening my knives.)
If you could move anywhere in the world for free, what place would that be?
Spain. I just came back from visiting Barcelona for the first time and, even though I only spent four days there, I couldn't believe the food, the weather and the lifestyle. Work hard in the morning, have some lunch, take a siesta, then work hard again for a few more hours at night - that's livin'!


The biggest learning point or experience in your life to date.
Working with Liz Stevenson, former pastry chef of Qbara, and Colin Clague, former executive chef of Qbara. I was fortunate to learn under the wings of such talented chefs who have worked in some well-respected kitchens across the globe. It was their knowledge and work ethic that really inspired me.
If you won a million bucks tomorrow, what would you do with the money?
I would give back to my family. Most of them are back in Chicago. I'd pay off my sister's student debt, followed by my dad's mortgage - and then use the remaining money to travel for a year, with not a care in the world.
What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
Don't be afraid of simply not knowing. Just be confident. If an opportunity does come up, don't just dip your toes in it - go straight to the deep end, make big mistakes and learn from them. This can apply to every career. Also, don't be afraid to travel and broaden your horizons.
The most interesting app you've come across - that's not the usual social media suspects.
Triple J - it's an Australian radio station that plays great music with no commercials. It's not mainstream and the DJs have some of the greatest taste in radio.
 Your greatest fear.
I had a dream that I wasn't able to taste anything anymore and I was devastated when I woke up the next morning.
If you could trade lives with one person - either historical or still alive - for an entire day, who would it be and why?
I would trade places with [social media personality] Dan Bilzerian, because he works hard and plays hard but, on top of that, he's an absolute legend that goes all over the world - and just so happens to be surrounded by the ladies all the time!
Favourite movie character of all time.
Clint Eastwood in The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. His character, Joe, is admirable: a cowboy, a tough guy and a nice guy at the same time.
If you could have your pick of superpowers, what would you choose?
Time teleportation - the ability to take myself anywhere at any given time.


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