PARTNER INTERVIEW WITH JEAN-CHRISTOPHE NOVELLI COOKERY SCHOOL
As you’re possibly aware, Jean-Christophe Novelli is a renowned 5 out of 5 AA Rosette and multi-Michelin star winning Chef, Author, Teacher and Restaurateur. He is very approachable and his interactive cooking demonstrations and hands-on sessions are always a fun experience. Whatever one’s cookery skills, a course with Jean-Christophe will be a truly memorable occasion!
Please tell us, how did the Novelli Academy begin?
It was so exciting to be awarded 4 Michelin stars and a great many other awards in the 1990’s - but one day I realised it was time for a change. And so, in 2005 I launched The Novelli Academy at my 14th Century farmhouse in Hertfordshire. I am very fortunate to have a beautiful home where I can share my passion for healthy cooking and interact more closely with my guests. Since that day, the Academy has continued to attract food lovers from across the globe, and we are always busy with cookery courses, demonstrations and corporate events.
What inspired you to teach your cookery skills to others?
As a child, I was inspired to cook by my Mum. I was lucky to witness her values for great traditional dishes from an early age. By the time I was 8 years old I knew that I would be a chef, and this was confirmed at the age of 14 when I started to work as a baker. Like many chefs, it took me many more years to realise that I was also a good teacher. I really get a buzz from sharing my tips and interacting with people through my live cookery demonstrations. I also get a great feeling of excitement cooking for my guests at the cookery school. I enjoy cooking for everyone who appreciates good food and especially for anyone who likes to learn new tips!
Have you got any essential top cookery tips that you would like to share with us?
To eat healthily we need to cut back on sugar and salt without compromising on flavour. I use a lot of herbs and spices in my cooking which gives natural flavour and taste to food, so we are not tempted to add salt or sugar to everything.
What three words would you use to describe your cookery courses?
Fun, Informative, Interactive
Do you have a favourite meal that you enjoying cooking?
My favourite dish is still my Mum’s Stuffed Baked Tomatoes.
Finally, do you have any future plans for Novelli Academy that you would like to share with us?
I am absolutely delighted that a sister cookery school “The Corran Academy with Jean Christophe Novelli” will be opening in April 2018 at the Corran Resort & Spa in South West Wales. I also want to expand the space at the Novelli Academy in Hertfordshire, so I can host larger corporate groups at my home.
A massive thank you to Jean-Christophe Novelli for answering our partner interview questions about his cookery school. We love to find out a little bit more about our partners especially within these interviews. It's great to hear about your wonderful achievements to receive 4 Michelin stars back in the 1990's and how a sister cookery school will be opening very soon! We can't wait to see what the future holds for both cookery schools!
