StyleNest take Five Minutes With Monica Galetti, judge on MasterChef: The Professionals to find out her exclusive cooking tips and family life.
StyleNest talks to Monica Galetti, head sous chef at Le Gavroche and judge on MasterChef: The Professionals about food, family and fun. The Samoan born chef was raised in New Zealand and now works in London for Michel Roux Jr and tells StyleNest exclusively about working on MasterChef and cooking at home.
You’ve recently launched a new book called Monica’s Kitchen. Can you tell our readers what to expect from your first book.
It’s a book for the home cook, the first time cook or those wanting to expand on their repertoire to entertain.
Did you always have a passion for cooking or was it something you developed as you got older?
I’ve always enjoyed cooking but really got passionate about it at the age of 18. It was clear then that it would be my career.
Do you believe cooking is a talent or a skill which can be developed?
I do believe you can be born with an inherent skill to cook. But with practice and time you can learn it if you have the passion.
What advice would you give mums to help prepare time efficient, nutritious and tasty meals for the family?
Think ahead what you’d like to have, try and keep staples in cupboards or fridge for those last minute dinners on the go. Such as good quality pasta, tinned tomatoes, anchovies or even ready made puff pastry.
You take inspiration from across the globe in your cooking, how important is it to introduce children to a diverse palette from an early age?
Personally speaking yes, because both my husband and I are in the trade so its natural we try to get our daughter involved in as much food prep or tasting as much as possible. I think it’s great to get children to experiment with flavours and textures.
As a chef you spend hours in the kitchen, do you still get pleasure cooking at home or would you prefer to go out to dinner?
I love a home cooked meal, even more when we come as a family around the table. Food is sociable and brings people together. It always best when shared.
What is your ultimate favourite meal?
I absolutely love a shellfish platter with a bottle of Krug. Perfect.
When you are not cooking at home or at work, what do you do to relax?
I love going for a deep body massage like a Thai massage for about two hours (not for the faint hearted). I also enjoy a good workout five times a week.
You must have a very busy schedule, with long hours, what do you like to do to unwind with the family?
We like to escape for weekend breaks. It’s important to take time out and spend time together.
Can you give StyleNest any exciting inside news on any current or future projects you might be working on?
I’ve just completed filming a new series with Michel coming out in January called Michel’s Food and Wine. I’m also the newly appointed Tourism Ambassador for Western Samoa so I will be there in January rediscovering my roots as I’ve been away for more than 25 years.
We have loved watching you as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals. What’s been your favourite part of being involved with the show?
Discovering the future talents of UK Chefs, they are professionals wanting to be better and need a opportunity to move up in the industry.
Your book is filled with both sweet and savoury delights. Would you say you have more of a sweet or savoury tooth?
More savoury – I think!
What influence has Michel Roux Jnr had on your work as a chef?
A great deal. His work ethic, never settling for second best, giving as good today as you did yesterday, Michel has been a great mentor.
There are so many inspirational and innovative chefs around at the moment and food seems to be at the forefront of society at the moment. Who is your driving inspiration?
Inspiration comes from many given situations for me, it can be from receiving a box of sample new season ingredients to a discussion with friends, from dining out and meeting other Chefs to getting an idea while out for a morning run.
The food industry is known for being somewhat of a male dominated industry, what advice would you give women who want to break into the profession?
You have to be tough and give as good as you can take!
What is your ultimate goal?
Be happy with achievements in this lifetime.
With Christmas approaching, what best advice would you give mums to prepare for Christmas lunch?
Keep it simple and stick to what you do best – adding a little twist here and there to make it extra special.