Interview with chef Alistair Goodall
We took some time to interview the extremely talented Chef Alistair Goodall, the founder of goodallfoods.com. Goodallfoods is a company offering bespoke catering experiences, private chefs and hospitality consultancy for any occasion. This unique and original dining experience offers sustainable meals & also alternative menus for those with special dietary requirements, from gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, kosher and halal; making it suitable for everyone! From sustainability to inclusivity, we found out his thoughts were really interesting & have decided to interview him.
Q1: What do you think are the most important elements for creating a successful dish?
When creating a new dish at Goodallfoods we always rely on our chefs to use their vast knowledge and experience of the food industry to create truly unique dishes that meet todays demand for delicious, healthy, well presented dishes.
Q2: We noticed on your website that you mention sustainability - how do you incorporate this into your everyday work? And how important is it for you to source local and seasonal produce?
When sourcing ingredients and stock at Goodallfoods sustainability is always at the forefront of our minds. Sourcing ingredients that have minimal food miles, sustainably fished, red tractor approved, and using minimal plastic waste, is very important to us, and we are always updating our systems to follow this ethos as much as possible.
Q3: Over the time that you have been a chef and running Goodallfoods have you noticed a change in the demand for certain types of dishes?
Over recent years plant based and vegan cuisine has become incredibly popular, and is a rapidly growing market. We believe that our customers are much more conscious of their impact on the environment in recent years, leading to these kind of trends. Goodallfoods believes in meeting the customers needs and demands wherever possible and a large portion of our menus do just this. We also create bespoke catering experiences for any other requirements, such as gluten free, halal, kosher, vegetarian, dairy free.
Q4: On your website you talk about creating well-balanced dishes - what does this mean to you?
All things in life are about balance. When creating a new dish at Goodallfoods, we believe that the use of truly great ingredients is what will lead to an amazing dish and the balancing of these flavours is essential, to allow each to truly shine. The balancing of flavours, tastes, colours and ingredients can lead to some truly unique and amazing dishes.
Q5: How do you feel that the restaurant/hospitality business will recover from the pandemic?
Given the current situation with the hospitality industry it is likely that the takeaway/production side of the business will have a significant boom, whilst the 'eating out' side of the industry is likely to be hit hard. Many businesses are moving with the times, at Goodallfoods we are offering consultacy via Zoom, delivery options for catering, and personal chef services only in 'self-isolated' situations.
Q6: You are extremely artistic with your work - is this a natural talent or did you learn this overtime?
As a youngster I was always passionate about good food and at school loved art, and found it to be a very satisfying form of self-expression. Growing up in South-West Devon I started working in restaurants at 15 years old, working my way up from a kitchen hand to chef. Combining these two talents allowed me to create some truly beautiful dishes and take my food offering to the next level.
Q7: How did your career lead you to be where you are today? And what advice would you give to people who want to follow in your footsteps?
Working as a young chef I enjoyed trying my hand at as much as possible, I believe in your late teens/ early twenties you are like a sponge, and as a chef you need to take in as many cuisines, venues and techniques as possible. Combining these ingredients will lead to a well rounded, adaptable chef who can think on their feet and create amazing dishes in any situation.
Q8: Finish the sentence: Nutrition Rocks ….
Nutrition Rocks because it is our fuel! Good Nutrition = Good Energy = Good life