Chef’s Sharing Kitchens – The Power of the Collab

“Let’s Collab” is a term used by Millennials who have figured out the power of working with like-minded individuals and using it to everyone’s advantage. Chefs seem to have taken note. During my six-month expedition in London, I had the amazing opportunity to witness three legendary collaborations.

Aside from giving guests an amazing opportunity to indulge in an experience created by not one but two legendary chefs, these collaborations are powerful marketing tools for restaurants as they create massive buzz. Industry fanatics and foodies can check off eating the food of two renowned chefs in one sitting. Tickets typically sell out rather quickly as this is a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” These events are a wonderful way to sell advanced tickets and create memorable events that are financially rewarding.

Chef Clare Smyth & Chef Anne Sophie

For International Women’s day, two of the most influential female chefs hosted a collaborative dinner in Anne-Sophie Pic’s restaurant, La Dame de Pic in Tower Hill London. Chef Clare Smyth was voted the best female chef in the world in 2018, and Anne Sophie Pic was named the best female chef in the world in 2011. They hold nine Michelin stars between their restaurants, which is phenomenal. And if I may add, it seriously makes me smile that female chefs are pushing boundaries and making amazing moves. The evening offered a 5-course tasting menu featuring Clare Smyth’s signature “potato & roe” (dubbed the best potato in the world) and Sophie Anne Pic’s “turbot with a smoked beetroot rose.”

Claude Bosi & Bjorn Frantzen

Just a few months ago, Claude Bosi of Claude Bosi @ Bibendum and Bjorn Frantzen of Frantzen collaborated in Claude Bosi’s legendary restaurant located in the original Michelin House in Chelsea, London. The dinner was called “Dinner with Friends” and delivered just that, the Michelin way.  Celebrated French chef, Claude Bosi who holds two Michelin stars welcomed one of Stockholm’s most innovative restaurant’s (the first to hold three Michelin stars in Sweden) for one night only.

The menu featured Claude Bosi’s classic canape:

• Bibendum Olives and dish: Nosotto “Mona Lisa”
• Frantzen’s: “Chawanmushi, 100-day aged pork broth with Frantzen prestige caviar.”

The evening was a pricey one. The evening was well worth it, the full menu and wine pairing for £175.

Monica Galetti & Rachel Humphrey. “Chef’s Reunited”

One of the UK’s most recognized food personalities from Master Chef: The Professionals, Monica Galetti, is reuniting with Rachel Humphrey of Le Gavroche, in her Fitzrovia restaurant, MERE.

Monica Galetti was recognized for her culinary talents during her time at Le Gavroche, a two Michelin Star restaurant from Michel Roux Jr. Fast forward twenty years, Galetti’s successful and on-going run as a judge on MasterChef UK, and the opening of her very own restaurant with partner David Galetti in 2017 called MERE has been an inspiring chef story. During her time at Le Gavroche as a senior sous chef, and Head Chef of the restaurant Le Gavroche des Tropiques in Mauritius, Monica worked alongside Rachel Humphrey. Rachel Humphrey worked her way to become the first female head chef in Le Gavorche’s 40-year history. On June 17, the two will reunite in MERE’s kitchen, for an exclusive tasting menu with paired wines by master sommelier David Galetti, and head sommelier Sandra Bein.