Revelations: Rosa Di Giacomo, head pastry chef, Frenchie, Covent Garden London

We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Rosa Di Giacomo, head pastry chef at Frenchie

 

What was your best subject at school?

 

Nutrition studies, I really loved learning about all of the chemical parts of each food ingredient and the science behind diets

 

What was your first job?

 

It was for an event catering company. I started when I was 14 with my dad

 

What was your first job in catering?

 

It was straight after my diploma. I decided I wanted to move out from home and I moved to Milan to work at a nine-month stage at the five-star Armani hotel

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

A coffee and a glass of milk for energy

 

What do you do to relax?

 

I walk my dog, watch some Netflix and read a book

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

I’m not biased, but Frenchie will always be number one on my list

 

What is your favourite cuisine?

 

I grew up in Italy and I really admire Italian cuisine. It has such variety, giving you the flexibility to cook anything you want. I would also never turn down a spicy gaeng

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

A classic Negroni

 

Are there any foods/ingredients that you refuse to cook with?

 

I never cook with coriander. I’m the first person to try a dish before I give to costumers and if I’m completely honest I hate the smell and the taste of it. You’ll never find coriander in Frenchie!

 

When and where was your last holiday?

 

In Thailand in 2019 – this is where my love for Thai cuisine started

 

What’s your favourite film?

 

Hachiko – the film about the Japanese Akita dog remembered for his loyalty to his owner. It’s a true story which makes it even more remarkable

 

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

 

I would always want to play myself – who could do it better than me?!

 

What is your favourite prepared product?

 

I never buy anything prepared, I like making everything from scratch, even the hardest things to make

 

Who would be in your “fantasy” brigade?

 

Our head chef, Ivan Vukadinovic, my brother, Felice Di Giacomo, the head chef or Veronica Amarasinghe, head pastry chef, both at Laboratorio Lanzani, and Sophie Fenwick