Music has always played an important role in my life, both personally and professionally. As a private chef, I find that music can set the mood for a meal and inspire me in the kitchen.
One band that has had a significant impact on me and my culinary journey is the Sex Pistols, specifically their iconic song “God Save the Queen.” The Sex Pistols emerged in the mid-1970s as one of the leading bands in the punk rock movement. Their music was raw, rebellious, and unapologetically anti-establishment. As a young chef just starting out, I was drawn to their energy and attitude. One day, while listening to “God Save the Queen,” I had a realization: the lyrics “God save the Queen, she ain’t no human being” could easily be reinterpreted as “God save the Chef, he ain’t no human being.”
Just as the queen represents the establishment that the Sex Pistols were rebelling against, chefs also work within a highly structured and traditional industry. We are expected to follow strict protocols and adhere to long-standing culinary traditions. Inspired by this idea, I decided to name my brand “God Save the Chef.” The name represents a rebellion against the traditional notions of what it means to be a chef. It’s a statement that chefs are more than just robots in the kitchen, following orders and sticking to a rigid formula. We are artists, creatives, and rebels in our own right. The Sex Pistols were known for their DIY attitude and their refusal to conform to societal norms. This attitude is something that I have carried with me throughout my career.
I strive to push the boundaries of traditional cuisine and create dishes that are innovative, unexpected, and exciting.
In resume, music has played a significant role in my life, both personally and professionally. The Sex Pistols and their song “God Save the Queen” inspired me to think differently about what it means to be a chef and to name my brand “God Save the Chef.” This name represents a rebellion against traditional culinary norms and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen.
