#205 - Hospitality Meets Kate Austen - Competitions and Breaking the Culinary Ceiling

Well, have I got an absolute feast for your ears today!

I welcomed the incomparable Kate Austen to the show. Kate is a culinary maven whose journey from a kitchen newbie has taken her on to become the youngest ever 2 Michelin Starred Female head chef and the First Female to win the main course at the awesomeness that is, The Great British Menu. Join us as we dive into Kate's hilarious anecdotes, heartfelt reflections, and invaluable industry insights.

🍴 Highlights of the Episode:

1. From "Naïve" to Notable:

• Kate describes her audacious entry into the culinary world, walking into Michelin-starred restaurants in Norfolk without any culinary training. Bold move or sheer naivety? You decide!

2. Underestimated & Unstoppable:

• Despite starting with minimal skills, Kate's determination and willingness to learn turned scepticism into admiration. An inspiring reminder that perseverance can ultimately triumph over doubt.

3. Competition Camaraderie:

• Relive the intense, yet camaraderie-filled Great British Menu with Kate. Learn how an 11-week wait, nerve-wracking moments, and a supportive crew turned a high-pressure environment into a lifelong memory.

4. Career Transitions & Travels:

• From Michelin-star kitchens to private chef gigs, Kate's career transitions offer valuable lessons on flexibility. Plus, enjoy some light-hearted Scandinavian kitchen stories – fish bones and freezing water, anyone?

5. Mastering Scandinavian Techniques:

• Kate shares her thrill at mastering new pickling and preserving methods in Scandinavian kitchens, elevating her culinary skills to new heights.

6. The Perks of Being a Chef:

• Whether it's free food and drink or forming incredible friendships, Kate and Phil explore the delightful advantages of life in hospitality. Who knew that such perks could be a key motivator?

7. Leadership Evolution:

• Delve into the 'then and now' of kitchen leadership. Kate champions respect over fear, shaping a new, supportive culture in the culinary world.

Hilarious Moments:

1. Intern Pranks:

• Laugh along as Kate recalls a time when an intern was tricked into washing fishbones and freezing water – we've all been there.

2. Competition Woes:

• Join the fun as Kate recounts the logistical chaos during a farmer's strike in Paris. You'll be surprised at what chefs can overcome with a little teamwork and a lot of

Key Takeaways:

1. Perseverance Pays Off:

• Despite starting with no culinary experience, Kate's journey is a testament to the power of persistence and learning from every experience.

2. Industry Adaptability:

• Flexibility and adaptation are crucial in the ever-evolving culinary world. Kate's transition from restaurant kitchens to private chef gigs exemplifies this.

3. Leadership with Heart:

• Kate advocates for respectful and supportive leadership, moving away from the traditional authoritarian kitchen culture typical of Michelin-starred environments.

4. Embrace the Journey:

• Whether facing long hours, low pay, or challenging competition, Kate’s story highlights the growth that comes from overcoming adversity.

Tune in to this episode of Hospitality Meets for a delicious blend of humour, heart, and hard-earned wisdom from the culinary trenches. Bon appétit!

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