Interview with TOZI Victoria’s Head Chef Maurilio Molteni

This week we caught up with TOZI Victoria’s Head Chef Maurilio Molteni, to talk about what sparked his interest in cooking, his cooking style and much more.

Can you take us back to the beginning, what first sparked your passion for cooking?

Since a young age, I used to sit around the kitchen table watching my mum cooking in Italy, she is a fantastic cook, from fresh pasta to roasts and cakes she can do anything! We used to go food shopping together, fresh vegetables, meat, fish, I was only 8 years old and I said to my mum when I'm older I want to be a chef, the rest is history!

What was the food culture like in your home growing up, and how did it influence your career?

As I said, every single dish was home-cooked by my mum, always using seasonal ingredients bought from farmers, butchers and fishmongers, no supermarkets! That was really important to me and now I do the same in my kitchen at work.

How would you describe your cooking style in three words?

Minimum fuss, maximum flavour! Italian food is seasonal, no messing around, few ingredients cooked well!

Where do you draw inspiration from when developing new dishes?

I love regional food, I was lucky enough to travel a lot which I think is really important for a Chef. I tried to respect the seasons and the ingredients available. I have a great relationship with my suppliers which helps me a lot along with young chefs working with me and bringing their own experiences and ideas.

How do you stay inspired and continue evolving creatively over the years?

I love to go out to eat, not just Italian food, Thai and Japanese are my favourites! I speak a lot with my colleagues, do a lot of tastings and try to always be aware of new cooking techniques and different ingredients. Also I'm lucky to work with young talented chefs that keep pushing me.

What would your ideal day in London be like?

Go for a nice walk in the morning, do some food shopping in Borough market, get a nice pint of lager with some street food, then go home and cook something nice for my family. Then have a glass of nice Italian wine and relax watching a good film. Very simple.

For more information on TOZI Victoria or to book click here.

Photography courtesy of TOZI Victoria