Name Joseph Benoit
Current Position Head Chef at Steakhouse NewQuay

Nationality Mauritian
Professional experience highlights Head Chef at The Lim

Who or what inspired you to become a chef?
My mother because of her passion for food and cooking

What do you enjoy most about your profession?
The freedom and creativity in working with food

How would you describe your cooking style?
Rustic with clean and modern presentation

What is your most popular dish?
Steak!

What is your favorite snack?
A good seafood pasta

What is your favorite indulgence?
Bruschetta, chocolate and sweets

What is your death row (last) meal?
Large platter of grilled seafood

What would we always find in your freezer or pantry at home?
Salt, pepper and a good olive oil

What annoys you most in the kitchen?
Messy workstations

What is the most overused/overrated ingredient?
Artificial boosters – beef, chicken or veg 

What is the most underused/underrated ingredient?
Believe it or not, salt and pepper!

Chef who inspires you and why?
Jamie Oliver because of how creative and unique he can be with his cooking

Love a bottle of?
Shiraz

Which three cooking tools or gadgets are your favorites?
Paring knife, sharp cook’s knife, and a good nonstick pan

What is your guilty secret – something canned, something hokey – in your arsenal of ingredients?
Don’t have one!

Is there a food you can’t bring yourself to like?
Cakes which contain sultanas and dried cherries

Best meal you ever had, where and why?
Le Restaurant at The Sofitel.  The whole dining experience (food & service) could not be faulted.

Best thing about being a chef in Australia
You can get your hands on the best produce and products

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be doing?
No idea

Where can we find you on a day off?
At home relaxing