One-O-One chef Pascal Proyart has told BigHospitality of his nervousness at having to leave his trusted team of chefs behind next week, as he attempts to feed hundreds with a team of just four Westminster Kingsway students at the Restaurant Show.
Being just one of two restaurant spin-offs exhibiting at the show this year, Proyart is preparing to serve up to 200 people per day at his One-O-One outlet at the Earls Court show. But unlike working in the familiar surroundings of his restaurant in Knightsbridge, Proyart will be joined by just four students in a kitchen undoubtedly less than half the size.
The French seafood chef will also have heavy competition from the second on-site restaurant, CafT Spice Namaste, particularly with such a heavy influence from Asian chefs at this years show, but he insists he will be more popular than Cyrus Todiwala’s acclaimed Indian food.
“Obviously I’m fighting a big thing with Indian food as it’s so popular in the UK, but I think when people see my menu they will be amazed. There will be some high quality Michelin star standards at the restaurant show, I’m sure of it.”
Proyart intends to outdo his rival with an elaborate, complicated menu of pan-fired scallops, King crab, pork belly, Norwegian White Halibut and cassoulet for his fellow industry members and foodies alike. But despite such a daunting task ahead of him, Proyart insists he is not too nervous.
“It will be a bit tricky having the restaurant open at the same time, and with all the industry there, but I’m a very confident person so I’m not worried about it,” he said. “My biggest worry though is to see the kitchen down there. I’ve no clue.”
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