#008 - Chefs On The Pass - Steve Munkley - Culinary Craftsmanship, Passion & Persistence

In this delightful episode of "Chefs on the Pass," Phil had the pleasure of chatting with the culinary legend himself, Steve Munkley. Our delightful conversation covers a wide range of topics, from festive family traditions to the ins and outs of Steve’s illustrious career.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

Tales from Christmas Past:

Steve shares the heart warming tradition of being the chef for his large family on Christmas Day, despite often having worked earlier in the day. Phil and Steve both agree there's something magical about cooking for loved ones during the festive season.

Career Chronicles:

We journey through Steve’s diverse experiences in the culinary world, touching on his time at the Royal Garden Hotel, his adventurous year in Switzerland, and even a stint on the QE2. Steve’s career highlights the joy of variety, growth, and learning in the kitchen.

Learning from Mistakes:

Steve talks candidly about the importance of making mistakes and learning from them. From miscounting consommés to managing large teams, his stories reinforce that growth often comes from overcoming challenges.

Managing the Kitchen:

Steve shares insightful tips on the balance between being a great chef and an effective manager. He emphasizes the importance of delegating, mentoring, and creating a positive kitchen environment.

Passion for Young Talent:

Steve’s dedication to nurturing young chefs’ shines through as he discusses his involvement with the Graduate Awards. Encouraging the next generation is clearly close to his heart.

HRC Competitions:

We get a sneak peek into the world of culinary competitions at Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC), including live cooking events and a focus on skills testing for students. It’s clear that these competitions are a beacon for emerging talent.

Craft Guild of Chefs:

Steve’s long-standing relationship with the Craft Guild of Chefs is evident, having been involved since the early days. He talks about the evolving nature of the Guild and how it continues to support and inspire chefs through various initiatives.

Throughout, Steve’s anecdotes—from mop bucket mishaps to culinary triumphs—highlight his love for the industry and dedication to nurturing the next generation of chefs. An enlightening and fun chat that's sure to inspire newbies and professionals alike!

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Contact Us:

Phil Streat (Host) - Reach out on LinkedIn

Steve Munkley (Guest) - LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-munkley-2830a71ba/

Craft Guild of Chefs Website - https://www.craftguildofchefs.org/

**Support Our Sponsors:**

This episode is brought to you by Ramsden Recruitment - https://www.ramsdenrecruitment.co.uk/

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and expert insights on the next episode of "Chefs on the Pass"!