The kitchen gypsy

Australian chef, Jesse Michael Hands, throws infectious energy all around him. This 30-year-old bohemian chef is passionate about his work. To him cooking is an art and a way of living. These days, Jesse is in Pakistan for Australian Food Festival, organized by Avari Hotels, where he prepares authentic dishes for the guests. Read on more about this gypsy chef. We hope you guys will enjoy reading his interview as much as we enjoyed talking to him...

You! When did you first get  involved in cooking?

Jesse: As a child I was very naughty and mischievous. I had to do something or the other all the time, as my energy level was very high. So my family, in order to control my restlessness and channelize my energy, engaged me into cooking: I guess I was 10 when I first started cooking, my doting grandmother was the one who gave me the basic training. It worked as a therapy for me and I started enjoying it.

You! Have you done any professional courses?

J: Yes. I did an Australian Commercial Cookery course in 2004. It was a one year course; there I learned everything related to cooking. Then I did a refresher course in 2007.

You! How long have you been working as a chef?

J:  It's been like 15 years. My first job was at McDonald's as a counter boy, I was 14 then. I also worked at Domino's Pizza before I became a full time chef. 

You! Have you always wanted to be a chef?

J: Laughs... actually no. I wanted to be James Bond first. Then reality hit me. Actually I have always wanted my energy to translate it into something creative, something to do with hands... so becoming a chef is more of a natural process than a want.

You! You live in Bunbury, what's the most distinctive feature of the city?

J: The port city of Bunbury is the third largest city in Western Australia after the state capital, Perth, and Mandurah. It's two hour's drive from Perth. The Bunbury Port is the centre of economic activity with the flow of goods through it to and from all parts of the world.

You! Where are you working in Australia?

J: Hmm... I am actually self-employed. You can say I am a gypsy chef. I travel all around the world and I love exploring and experimenting.

You! How many countries you have visited so far?

J: Around 25 including England, Europe and Japan.

You! Have you ever participated in MasterChef Australia?

J: Technically I am not allowed to participate in such programmes as I am a professional chef. Such programmes are designed for home cooks.

You! Is this your first visit to Pakistan?

J: Yes. When I was invited by the Avari management I was delighted to accept their offer as I was very much interested in visiting Pakistan. Australian Food Festival at Karachi was a success. Now I am heading to Lahore where the AFF will be held from 18 to 23rd November at Avari.  

You! How has been your experience being a part of Australian Food Festival?

J:  This food festival is the joint effort of The Australian High Commission, in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Avari Group of Hotels - in a bid to bring a taste of the best of Australian cuisine to Pakistan. I am proud to be a part of Australian Food Festival as it features the best of Australian barbecue with quintessential Australian spices, meat and seafood imported from Australia. The response has been tremendous. Pakistani people are so colourful, beautiful and attractive especially women.

You! Your signature dish...

J: Wattleseed Gnocchi, Roast Pumpkin puree, Dill Cream and Crispy Sage with lemon and rosemary oil.

You! How would you define your style?

J: Fusion food, mixture of different elements. I give attention to details and presentation.

You! What do you love about this business?

J: Chefs are in demand all over the world. To me, learning is the most exciting part. You see most of us like eating more than cooking. So to me offering people something unique is a challenge. This business has its own demands. This is so unique and crazy and it's like real artists in the kitchen. As an independent chef I know how to work. I get to see the world, mingling with people, getting to learn about different cultures, history - I love everything about this business.

You! An ingredient you can't live without?

J: Onion

You! Your favourite Australian Food?

J: It has to be prawns

You! Your favourite Pakistani food?

J: Daal.

You! Who is your favourite chef? Your inspiration...

J: Gordon James Ramsay, who is a British chef, restaurateur, and television personality and is known for his fiery temper. I am really inspired by his style as he is passionate about cooking. He knows how to keep things simple.

You! What do you think is the main difference between Australian and Pakistani food?

J: Pakistani food is much spicier and there is a concept of slow cooking. Whereas Australian food has less spices. It's quick cooking.

You! Would you like to live and work somewhere other than Australia?

J: Yes. I am a kitchen gypsy! I am a traveller. I stayed in Japan more than 14 months. I love going to different places and exploring their culinary secrets.

You! What are the main ingredients of a good chef?

J: To be a chef, one has to have an open mind and he has to have a strong will. He has to be creative and determined. It's not a child's play.

You! What would be your advice to someone who wants to be a chef?  

J: Don't give up. Don't let other people stop you from working. Keep practicing. Let your passion be your mentor. Be prepared for hard work.

You! What are the low points of being a chef?

J: Horrible working hours. It is not at all a lucrative job, it looks glamorous but a lot of hard work is involved in it. You don't make good money but yes the kick you get out of your creation cannot be measured in terms of money.

You! Do you ever have regrets that you chose to become a chef?

J: There are no regrets. There is no point regretting, as you’re only wasting precious time.

You! What are your future plans?

J: I would like to be a teacher; help students understand the basics of cooking, to polish their culinary skills. I would like to open a small restaurant of my own some day, or maybe I will have my own catering business that I can manage easily. I would like to travel, but I don't want too much fame.

You! One thing you are crazy about (besides cooking):

J: Tattoos! I have a tattoo fetish!

You! What are your spare time interests?

J: Love being outdoors, going to the beach and when I am home, I like to play video games like big boys do!