Flash-grilled: Graham Long
What was your first job?
My first job was as a Kitchen Porter while I was at college, it was my first taste of being in the kitchen and I loved it!
What is your guiltiest food pleasure?
Doner Kebab, especially after a couple of drinks…
What’s the best restaurant meal you’ve ever had?
My first visit to The Ledbury about 10 years ago and it’s still the best.
What industry figure do you most admire, and why?
My old boss Shane Osborn; he’s an exceptional chef who taught me to respect everyone in the team and run a happy kitchen. He’s still a friend and mentor to all of his old staff.
If you weren’t in kitchens, what would you do?
I have always fancied sports journalism, mainly for the free tickets!
What is your biggest regret?
Not seeing enough of the world, having spent too many years in a basement.
Pet hate in the kitchen?
Tweezers.
What’s the oddest thing a customer has said to you?
Are you my dessert? I wouldn’t have minded, but she was very elderly…
What’s the dish you wish you’d thought of?
My friend Ben Marks’ tomato dish at Perilla is so simple but so clever.
Describe your cooking style in three words
Tasty, honest, luxurious.
Most overrated food?
Tofu.
Restaurant dictator for a day – what would you ban?
Mobile phones - the number of terrible photos of half-eaten food you see on TripAdvisor etc. really annoys me.
What’s the worst review you’ve ever had?
Somebody once blasted me on TripAdvisor but got the wrong restaurant, moaned about dishes we didn’t have on the menu!
If you could cook for anyone in the world who would you pick, and why?
The first time my family comes to my own restaurant will be pretty special.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the industry?
Work hard, learn everything you can, but don’t let it consume you. We are only cooking dinners at the end of the day.
Which single item of kitchen equipment could you not live without?
Spoon - you can do most things with a spoon.
What do you cook at home on your days off?
Most commonly a bacon sandwich.
What’s your earliest food memory?
Porridge for breakfast at my Nan and Grandad’s.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be nice to people; you never know when you need someone to do you a favour.
What’s the closest you’ve ever come to death?
I have managed to avoid any close shaves so far.
Where do you go when you want to let your hair down?
Love going for a good lunch on my day off! Other than that, I’m happy at home with the football on.
Tipple of choice?
Pint of cold lager at the end of the day.
What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
A great chicken pie.
