'I'd cook Barack Obama a classic American meal'

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Id cook Barack Obama a classic American meal

Tête-à-tête with Timothy Newton, Group Head Chef, Bistrot Bagatelle, Dubai

Published: Fri 28 Jul 2017, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Sat 29 Jul 2017, 1:17 PM

Your favourite memory of food.
One of my favourite memories of food is a rather simple one - eating a hotdog in Calais, France, when I was nine years old. I grew up in a very small town in California and the hotdogs we ate there were pretty horrible. This one was in a fresh baguette with Dijon mustard and melted Emmental cheese. As a chef, this was life-changing.

What's the most challenging part of your job?
Cooking is the easy bit, actually - it's the managing of the chefs that's the challenge. Everyone has a different background - from training to culture - so it's trying to manage all these characters that's tricky. I love it though.

Do you have a personal mantra or motto that drives the way you cook?
I really don't have a mantra or motto for the way I cook. I keep evolving as a chef every year, so it's difficult to have a phrase that reflects that.

If you could cook for a high-profile personality, who would it be and what would you serve them?
Barack Obama. I would cook him a classic American meal - like a fried chicken dinner. It's one of his favourites, plus it would make for a cool story!

How often do you eat out? Do you have a favourite place around town?
Out of my two days off, I will eat out on one day. I don't have any favourites but, as a go-to, if I'm struggling to make a decision, it would have to be La Petite Maison. I love the room, consistency of food and great service there.

After cooking all day, do you cook for yourself at home too?
I cook at home quite a bit. from a nice healthy breakfast to tacos for dinner. Love getting out the BBQ - when it's not too hot, of course!

You're asked to invent an unusual dish - what would it be?
Tough one. I think something with foie gras ice cream or salty turkey bacon cream. Lately, I have been really enjoying the combination of sweet, salty and fatty.

Who do you admire most in the culinary world, and why?
Paul Bocuse. He was the one who started it all. If you don't admire Bocuse, you're not a real chef.

Your favourite comfort food?
Tacos. I grew up in South California, so we eat tacos a lot. I love that you can make them with any kind of meat: chicken, beef, lamb. The combinations are endless!

One ingredient or dish you can't stand, and why.
I really don't have one. I think that any ingredient or dish in the right hands can have a great result.

If you could choose a last meal, what would it be?
Fried chicken, mash potato and creamed corn. Maybe a couple of cheese biscuits thrown in for good measure!

Your favourite culinary destination, and why?
London! It has it all. Don't get me wrong - I love New York and San Francisco, but nothing can touch the quality, diversity and consistency of London.
- Staff reporter