Often, chefs ask them about their favorite food or cook, and they talk for hours, with passion and joy. But we know very little about foods that are difficult to cook but comfortable to put on the plate. The Guardian asked some chiefs and they seem to hate, among other things, spices like soap and okra.
okra
?Okra are the most disgusting legumes. When fusion cuisine began to spread in London, chefs used every possible ingredient, and if you didn't know how to cook it, the cheeses became slippery - and tasted even more bitter. They are edible only when fried with plenty of oil, but what is not edible when fried with lots of oil? What is the purpose. I refuse to cook okra. If I see them on a plate, I ask them to remove it. ?
Jason Atherton, chief at The Social Company Restaurants
Coconut
"I tolerate coconut milk in curry, but I don't understand people who eat crunchy, dry, whole tasteless coconut - or fresh coconut, because we're here. The chefs must risk limbs simply by splitting this big furry nut. And it's neither soft nor fluid. It's like water, strong and stuck to the toes. If I got stuck on an abandoned island, I would starve. "
Tommy Banks, boss and owner of The Black Swan
Halibut
"What I can't bear to see is the liquid. The skin releases mucus, which over time turns green, as if it were hard on fish. After cleaning the pig heads, this is the most terrifying job in the kitchen. I gather my strength and I do it - I adore it - but I hate muck. "
Mary-Ellen McTague, chief and owner of The Creameries
coriander
?Coriander tastes great, but makes a lot of mess. Fits everywhere, stumbles on knives, hands, boards. It's like sand, you find it anywhere even a week after you've used it. Over time, it tastes soap. "
Meriel Armitage, boss and owner of Club Mexicana
octopus
?Octopus tires me out, especially when it's cold. The fact that it is like gelatin does not seem pleasant to me. I feel like I should have fun, but I don't. "
Jane Baxter, co-owner of Wild Artichokes Catering
Smoked salmon
Smoked salmon leaves a smell on the hands that does not go away, it is impenetrable to soap. Wear gloves always. ?
Josh Katz, founder & chief of Berber & Q
