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Q+A with chef to the stars Uwe Opocensky

He’s cooked for the Queen, The Prince of Wales, Take That, Bill Clinton and Stevie Wonder to name a few. Now the Executive Chef at Hong Kong’s iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Uwe Opocensky talks about his journey to Michelin star success, plus how you can cook the perfect mushroom risotto.

You have trained with some big names. How did you end up at the Mandarin Oriental?

I had always wanted to work in Asia so when I came to Hong Kong the first time in 2004 to work, everyone was talking about Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and I set my goal that one day I would be able to work for this wonderful hotel. So when, after I got back from working at El Bulli, I got a call I jumped at the opportunity and the rest is history.

Tell us about “progressive gastronomy”.

“Progressive gastronomy” is a name I use to describe my food or my idea of food. Everybody always wants to put chefs into boxes for what they do. For example, Ferran and Heston are in the ‘molecular chef’ box. I believe today modern chefs just use equipment and techniques which is available to them. “Progressive gastronomy” is just a name. We cook food with a modern approach, whilst constantly looking for and researching new techniques and ingredients

Man Wah restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

What is your favourite dish on the menu right now?

Currently it is ‘The Venison’. This dish is a show. I can’t really give you a recipe for this dish as it is far too complicated to replicate at home, however for something simpler I am delighted to share my Risotto recipe with you, as this to me is my ultimate comforted dish.

Get the recipe for Uwe Opocensky's mushroom risotto here

What sets dining at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong apart from the rest?

I would like to say it is the variety that we are able to offer our guests. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong houses 10 outstanding restaurants and bars, three with Michelin stars and each of which has its own style and setting, using only the finest ingredients and cooking skills.

M Bar at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Where have you enjoyed the most success?

I think here at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. The reason behind this is that I have creative freedom and an amazing team to go with it.

How do you cook for your family at home?

I don’t cook much for my family at home and the main reason being that I work six days a week - so on a Sunday, my day off, I normally cook a one pot wonder such as a roasted chicken, grilled steak or something very simple.

Pierre restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

You have cooked for some big names. Who made you nervous and why?

I have cooked for a lot of famous people but the pressure is always the same, even for those who are not famous, as for me I always want to offer the best I can. Over the years I have been lucky enough to have cooked for the Queen, The Prince of Wales, Take That, Bill Clinton, No 10 Downing Street and even Stevie Wonder……

What are some cookbooks you rate and why?

There are too many cookbooks to mention. I like all sorts of cookbooks because they always give you inspiration. The one that I am in love with at the moment is “Modernist Cuisine”.

Pierre restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

What is your deathbed dinner request?

I hadn’t really thought about this as it is too morbid to think about, but at my fantasy dinner party I would have Ferran Adrià, Heston Blumenthal, Thomas Keller, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Steven Jobs. And for my dream meal, it would be my mother’s Xmas feast of roast goose, braised red cabbage and her famous steamed dumplings.

For further information on Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong to find out more about their latest special promotions and packages please visit: www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong or call +852 2522 0111

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