Describe your culinary style…
Alternative British snap!
What would you say is the main focus/concept for your menu at Obsession 17?
To give people a little taste of Ynyshir.
What do you think makes a restaurant or menu sosuccessful?
Flavour. It is all about flavour and consistency. Something exciting and creating a journey.
What are your most indispensable ingredients?
Miso, Soy, Welsh Wagyu and Mackerel.
What kind of experience do you aim to give guests when you cook for them at Obsession 17?
We want to give them our taste experience. Usually we do a 19 course menu (Obsession is supposed to be 5!) so we are not making anything bigger or differently, just giving them a mixture of our dishes. Hopefully people will remember what they had and come for the full experience at Ynyshir.
What would you say has been the most memorable moment in your culinary career so far?
Being Sous Chef in the team to gain 2 michelin stars at Sat Bains. And then getting my own star in Wales.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self, starting out a career in the world of food?
Try harder in school then you won’t have to work such long hours! No, always question everything. Nothing is ever static, it can always be made better. Evolve something every day.
What’s next for you/What’s projects do you have lined up?
Currently we are building up our reputation as a Restaurant with Rooms in Wales. We have big plans for extending the restaurant and refurbishing parts of our beautiful building. This has already started. We want to create a destination restaurant with a clear concept and experience for every person who comes to stay with us.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Pot noodles!
What restaurant is currently at the top of your list to dine at?
Alex Bonds restaurant (due to open in April-ish) in Nottingham – Alchemilla. He is going to smash it!
Gareth will be appearing at Northcote’s Obession 17 event during 20th January- 5th February.Find out more about Gareth and Ynyshir Ynyshir Restaurant and Roomshereand Obsession 17 atNorthcote here |www.northcote.com
For more information about Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms here |www.ynyshir.co.uk