COPENHAGEN: Christian Puglisi, chef and owner of restaurants Relae, Manfreds, Baest, Mirabelle Bakery and Mirabelle Restaurant is one of the industry’s top innovators. And he has proven it yet again with a new idea that will enable young chefs to prove their worth as he leaves them in the steering wheel.
After deciding to close the restaurant last year, the chef of Relae and Manfreds has decided to give young talented chefs the opportunity to step onto a big stage.
“I will leave my restaurant Relae in your hands if that is so. For 3 months, you will get the framework that has been a success for 10 years straight with your hands on the steering wheel. You set your team, your menu and your ambition.”
The chef said that after months of reflection he believes the future of Relae must be to pass the relay – and to leave it in the hands and ideas of the next generation.
“Relae came to life after the financial crisis of 2008 where a small and humble basement was the only option for a young chef to take the big leap. Now in the wake of an even greater crisis, creating opportunities for young talent is needed more than ever.”
He said that Relae will give youngsters the platform if they have the talent, the drive and the fire in their eyes. Applications are being received till April 23. The opening will be determined in line with the Danish govenrment’s lifting of lockdown, regulations etc.
When he closed the restaurant Puglisi said that “In 10 years, Reale and Manfreds have changed a neighbourhood, made an impact on the global culinary scene and fought to take organic agriculture seriously. We created countless memories, emotions and unforgettable experiences for myself, visiting guests and staff alike.”
The chef of Italian origin made a huge impact on the Danish scene with his sustainable approach. He said that opening Relae and Manfreds was a quest for freedom. “I created a space where my curiosity could be free to discover the restaurant of my dreams and my heart. My dreams came true and I proudly managed to achieve it all while picking every fight to keep my independence. Only in this last year have I realised that, that while my drive and need for independence have not dwindled, fighting for my freedom today means doing less.”
He is also author of the book Relae, a Book of Ideas. The chef opened Relae in 2010 on a rough, run down stretch of one of Copenhagen’s most crime-ridden streets. His goal was that of serving impeccable, intelligent, sustainable, plant centric food of the highest quality in a setting that was devoid of the retention and frills of conventional high end restaurant dining. It was an immediate hit. Today the Jægersborggade—where Relæ and its more casual sister restaurant, Manfreds, are located—is one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant and exciting streets.
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