Revelations: Jonas Karlsson, head chef, Aquavit London

We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Jonas Karlsson

 

What was your best subject at school?

 

I always really enjoyed music

 

What was your first job?

 

I secured my first job after a week’s work placement. It was at Toftaholms Herrgård in Sweden

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

Toasted sourdough with Swedish set honey and mature Cheddar

 

What do you do to relax?

 

Listen to music – I’m particularly enjoying Ludovico Einaudi

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

So many, but if I had to pick one, I would say Le Pré Catalan in Paris

 

What’s your favourite hotel?

 

I had a great stay in Hotel Kempinski in Moscow

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

Red or white wine and bubbles too

 

What is your favourite food?

 

You can’t beat a warm open sandwich topped with freshly picked and sautéed girolle mushrooms, finished with little diced shallot onions, a splash of white wine and crème fraîche

 

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

 

Garlic, it’s a love-hate relationship

 

What flavour combinations do you detest?

 

Chilli and chocolate

 

Which person in catering have you most admired?

 

Philip Howard

 

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

 

My grandparents

 

Describe your ultimate nightmare?

 

Another pandemic

 

What irritates you most about the industry?

 

The costs of running a business are high with a small profit margin. You don’t go into hospitality for money – it has to be a passion – but I would like to offer higher salaries to attract more people and combat the staffing crisis

 

What’s your favourite film?

 

Midnight Express

 

Who would play “you” in a film about your life?

 

Ricky Gervais

 

What’s your favourite book?

 

It has to be a cookbook, perhaps Eleven Madison Park by Daniel Humm, very inspiring

 

What is your favourite prepared product?

 

I can tell you my least favourite prepared product – baked beans

 

Who would be in your “fantasy” brigade?

 

Anyone hungry for success, willing to learn, with a good attitude, a good palate and, most importantly, a smile on their face