Executive Sous Chef Andy Choy of Groupe Flo Asia dreams of one day becoming a successful celebrity Chef; an idea inspired by his role model Chef Gordon Ramsay. Choy worked for several years at Ramsay’s Verre in Dubai and was greatly impacted by the British celebrity chef’s mastery of French cuisine. In addition to his busy career as a sous chef, Choy is also a doting dad. Choy chats with beijingkids about how being a chef influences his most important job.
How has your family influenced your cooking?
When I was a kid, every weekend my grandparents and parents used to buy a lot of vegetables and different kinds of meat and fish to make a big weekend meal. It was like a party, we would BBQ, make hot pot, bake, and stir-fry. Every weekend was great fun.
How have your cooking habits changed since becoming a parent?
My cooking habit have changed so far on those following points: less oil,more vegetables, more color, and most important; smaller pieces with nice little shapes.
How has your career as a chef influenced your cooking?
Now that I am in China and working as a French cuisine Chef, I try experimental dishes such as putting a western cooking method into my Asian cooking.
What was your first memory of food?
A big spread of foods from different countries. There were salads, sushi, a meat carving station, ice cream, and lots of desserts.
What’s in your fridge at home versus at home?
In the restaurant, we have a lot of raw food ready to be served for more than 200 people while at home, I keep my fridge ready to welcome three to four people.
What kind of meals do you whip up meals when your daughter is hungry and “has to eat now”?
I usually keep enough food at my place such as bread, eggs, and rice so I can put something out in less than 20 minutes.
What’s your daughter’s favorite food? Is she picky?
Her favorite food is strawberry ice cream.Yes, as picky as daddy.
What’s your advice for parents whose kids don’t like vegetables?
Made them into tempura or cut into different shapes. A good sauce can help them enjoy the degustation too!
How would you encourage a kid to try new things, like oyster or fish?
Set an example and tell them the importance of fish or a new food for their body.
What are your family’s favorite restaurants in Beijing?
Heng Shan Hui Cantonese restaurant.
Do you teach your children about food origins?
Yes, and at the same time, it enhances my knowledge.
What do you do when you have time to yourself?
Visit different restaurants to get to know the market better, visit a wet market to get new ideas, and cook a great meal at home with my family.
