Exclusive by Marios Papaloizou
TV chef James Martin is a man who knows exactly what he wants and just how to get it – and he doesn’t care if he riles up a rival on the way.
When what he wants happens to be 12 giant metallic antique cockerels that had taken the fancy of culinary superstar Marco Pierre White, James knew there was only one thing for it…he whacked them in the boot of his car and sped off.
Skidding up to his new restaurant James Martin Manchester, the chef phoned Venue Director Justin Carter.
“I cracked up, I thought he was joking,” Justin said.
“He told me he’d beaten Marco Pierre White to these giant cockerels and we needed to unload them.
“This was all on a whim – they weighed 20kg each!”
The cockerels now sit proudly in the restaurant and stare down at staff – a symbolic reminder of the competitive spirit that James has brought with him to Manchester.
“James had spotted these things in an antique shop and loved them,” the 35-year-old who originally hails from New Orleans, said.
“The owner had told him that Marco had his eyes on them so James knew he had to act fast.
“He bought them there and then, loaded up his car and drove them all over here.”
It’s not just beating a rival to birds that excites James.
On a recent team building exercise with staff in his Manchester restaurant, the Saturday Kitchen host once again proved that losing is not an option… even at go-karting.
“It was all nice and friendly at first but when we stepped into the cars it was ruthless competition,” Justin said.
While Justin was coy on whether any foul play helped the chef to victory, James Martin Manchester’s Head Chef Doug Crampton, 25, from Leeds, was more forthcoming.
“There were a few dirty tricks at play for sure,” he said.
“James loves his cars so he was always going to win, he just made sure that he did.”
Dan Kelly, Manchester235’s Food and Beverage manager, went a bit further in his assessment of James’ desire to win.
“I’m sure you know, James is a big petrol head so it came as little surprise when he took the chequered flag at the end of day. You won’t believe how seriously he takes it,” he said.
“As a proud Aussie I always want to win, but sometimes you’ve just got to let the boss take the victory…”
While many chefs only have their name above the door, Doug told MM that James likes to drop into the kitchen and get his hands dirty with the team.
“There’s no chance of him taking a backseat like some chefs. He wants to be involved and muck in with everyone.
“He usually works on the pass but he’ll also jump on people’s stations and make sure everything is being done in the way he wants.
“He’ll go to the pastry station and make sure the pastry girl is doing everything right and it’s all precise.
“He is definitely a perfectionist.”
So has James Martin got a touch of Gordon Ramsey about him in the kitchen?
“I wouldn’t quite say that,” Doug said. “Let’s just say he’s firm but fair.”
This sentiment was echoed by Justin who has had to learn quickly that James is very thorough and likes to have total control over every aspect of his restaurant.
“He orders everything from suppliers that he’s found around the country,” he said.
“But he also takes note of where knives and spoons are placed on a table.
“Everything is usually really chilled as long as you don’t try to interfere!”
Despite the firm nature and demands for perfection that come from the celebrity chef, Justin revealed that the atmosphere in the restaurant is relaxed as everyone knows what is expected of them.
“There’s no need for fear or anything like that. We have high standards here and everyone meets them,” Justin said.
The standards that James has set at the restaurant mean that it is now one of Manchester’s hotspots and is frequented by the some of the city’s biggest stars.
“I’m not going to kiss and tell, but let’s just say that is no shortage of footballers and TV stars coming through our doors,” he said.
With all the talk of competitive spirit that is making the restaurant such a big success, we quizzed the two key members of staff about whether they fancied their chances against James in the infamous Omelette challenge.
“Hmm I’ve seen the guys in the kitchen operate and I think with a little bit of practice I could definitely give him a run for his money,” said Justin.
However, Doug was a little more laid back with his confidence.
“I’m not saying anything,” he said wryly.
James Martin Manchester serves classic British dishes and was launched on Tuesday September 24. It is housed inside Manchester235.
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks.
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