Revelations: Yasmine Celiene, private chef
We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Yasmine Celiene
What was your best subject at school?
The sciences, chemistry in particular
**What was your first job?
In a local chippy when I was 15. They paid me £3.50 an hour and I got the sack because I refused to clean behind the fridge
What was your first job in catering?
At Adams restaurant in Birmingham, while I did my level 2. I loved it so much I asked for a job
What do you normally have for breakfast?
This is super-unhealthy but I usually just have a glass of water and a coffee
Which is your favourite restaurant?
Asia Asia food hall in Birmingham
What's your favourite hotel?
Probably the Grand hotel in Birmingham. It's bloody gorgeous
What is your favourite cuisine?
It depends on my mood. if I'm feeling under the weather then I only want my mom's homely Jamaican cooking. We usually eat a different kind of cuisine every night – Korean tteokbokki one night, chicken tacos the next
What is your favourite drink?
I don't drink often, but I do love a Gibson. I omit the vermouth for extra-dry sherry and pop in a bit of the onion pickle liquid
Which person in catering have you most admired?
Clare Smyth. Her career is such an inspiration, and it would be a dream to work under her. I wish I had a role model like her growing up
If not yourself, who would you rather have been?
Queen Elizabeth I, she was badass
Describe your ultimate nightmare?
Being told I could only eat pasta bake for the rest of my life
Tell us a secret...
I am a huge gamer. I have one of every console
What irritates you most about the industry?
Elitist behaviour, where people look down on those of us who have chosen the educational route. So many chefs say that I've wasted my time getting a degree until I work for them
What's your favourite book?
The Songs of Distant Earth by Arthur C Clarke. It's been a favourite since I was 10
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