Michelin-starred celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, consultant chef at Rhodes Mezzanine in Grosvenor House Dubai, tells us all about his kitchen which, according to him, is absolutely gorgeous!
“It’s obviously a very practical, very domestic kitchen but we tried to also keep it as close to a professional one as possible, with a central island which is pure workspace,” explains Gary. “This was created with so much room for food preparation and, although it’s quite a domestic kitchen, I have a big classic gas flat top industrial stove with four gas rings, giving me the best of both worlds. Along with two large ovens, I have a big fridge/freezer. This style of equipment fits in nicely amongst the more homely range of kitchen furniture.”
Like many celebrity chefs, Gary favours the American oven company Wolf. “It is a perfect range that suited my kitchen,” he says. “We also have room for a table for eight to eat at. Everybody’s kitchen is the central point of their home where friends and family gather while food is simmering away. So the full atmosphere, from simple lunches to full dinner parties, can be savoured all together while the food is being cooked and served.”
Another favourite of celebrity chefs seems to be a Mark Wilkinson kitchen, and Gary agrees. “I have a Mark Wilkinson designed kitchen and he is such a great designer who is often inspired by old classics but gives them new life and identity, which is exactly what inspires me with food. He has put a whole new twist to a very classic design – a wonderful blend of modern and old together.”
As for accessories, Gary has a serious collection. “Certainly, knives are the most important product to me, and these have to be professional, not domestic. Pots and
pans are important too. I use a company called Run for pots and pans, which are very hardwearing and superb to use as they enhance the flavours in the pan. Arc 42 also make excellent ones.”
Gary adds, “I love to have a small little coffee grinder. It works as a tiny hand-held food processor that will crush dried spices and peppercorns instantly for you to the finest powder texture you wish, rather than being chased around in a big commercial machine. It’s been part of my kitchen collection for years and years, and I wouldn’t be without it.”
For Gary, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. “It’s where we spend all our time,” he says. “First thing in the morning, I head to the kitchen; when I get home from work, I go straight to the kitchen; gatherings with friends always end up in the kitchen. It’s probably the most used room in the nation, even the world!”
So, is there anything Rhodes would change about his fantastic kitchen? “No,” he admits. “It’s what I wanted and I’m glad to say my wife wanted too, so we’re both very happy, although I wish it was self cleaning!” Don’t we all, Gary!
