This is the part where you gather as much information as possible.

 

Research the chef extensively:

 

• Background e.g. research-based vs traditional inspirations, technique vs and emotion

• Personal and professional life - success and failure

• Work – what are the Chef’s trademarks?

• His influences e.g. mentors, other chefs, specific collaboration, interests (art, music, sports etc.)

 

Sources:

 

• Mediakit – ask the PR team – Bio and Photos

• Google

• Specialised sites – Guide Michelin, St Pellegrino top 50, Gault-Millau guide etc.

• YouTube, Netflix

• Bibliography

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STEP 2 : The interview

 

Once you have gathered the necessary information write down your questions and your guide for the interview.

 

 

Pointers:

• Record the interview

• Avoid generic questions such as “how do you define your cooking?”.

 

1. Start a quick association game based on keywords defining the Chef e.g.

 

• Emotion

• Technique

• Music

• Artist

 

  2. Discuss key Notions – e.g. Pierre Gagnaire

 

• Cooking and resilience? 

• Adding soul?

• The principle of emotion?

• The invention of “multi-facetted” dishes?

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Question example – Pierre Gagnaire:

 

• Personal history: you took over the restaurant of your father similarly to Paul Bocuse. What have been the marking point of your professional experience?

 

• International reach: Do you see yourself as a French chef with a global reach or a Chef without borders?

 

• Style: How do you manage to ensure your authenticity?

 

• Research: You collaborate often with the scientist Hervé This. What place does science take in your cooking?

 

• Collaboration: How did you launch your collaboration with the musician Chilly Gonzales?

 

 

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STEP 3: Writing the interview - low tide

 

You will see the main lines of the interview appearing.

Up to you to draft the interview on the three-main axis

 

• Link the main ideas in three direct questions

• Re-listen the recording

• Discuss with your interview partner

• Make sure to include the defining traits of the Chef