Norfolk


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="769" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms2-769x1000.jpg" alt="Alberto Mesini, head chef at Suffield Arms" class="wp-image-46037" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms2-769x1000.jpg 769w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms2-615x800.jpg 615w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms2-768x998.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms2-404x525.jpg 404w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms2.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-first-job-in-the-kitchen">Your first job in the kitchen? </h2>



<p>I was apprentice grill chef in a very small restaurant in a rural town in northern Italy close to Ferrara. I was sent there at age 16 from my school as work experience for two months.&nbsp;Starting out as a chef wasn’t easy, especially at such a young age &#8211; the hours are long and in Italy the hierarchy can be very militant. It&#8217;s not for everyone but through hard work and dedication I knew it was going to be rewarding.&nbsp;After my placement, the school saw potential in me and moved me to an apprenticeship in the best restaurant in the area. My professors were experienced chefs and maître d&#8217;s from some of the best hotels and restaurants in the area, which gave me a very strong foundation and network of connections in the industry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-brought-you-to-the-uk-nbsp">What brought you to the UK?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>I was living in the Canaries when a friend called me on the Monday to see if I wanted to work with him in London. By Wednesday that week, I was on a plane to Gatwick airport. The reason I moved so quickly was because I knew this was the best place to kickstart my career as a chef.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Career highlight? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20233.jpg" alt="Suffield Arms" class="wp-image-45883" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20233.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20233-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20233-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20233-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Becoming Head Chef at the Suffield Arms at the age of 24. I knew it was a massive responsibility, but I have always been one to take risks in my career. The kitchen is a pressured environment &#8211; to exceed you need to put pressure on yourself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your biggest influence? </h2>



<p>This must be my family, especially my Nonna (grandmother). In Italy, usually the female figures of the household spend a long time in the kitchen while the males would rather sit in front of the fireplace drinking wine! I much preferred spending time in the kitchen and I was fascinated by the atmosphere in which they cooked great food and socialised. The passion and enjoyment I saw them get out of it is what made me realise that I wanted to be a chef.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sum up your cooking style/food philosophy? </h2>



<p>My style of cooking is simple and effective. I am a strong believer that if you have a great product you need to treat it accordingly and be able to get the best out of it without complicating the dish.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20232.jpg" alt="Tapas at Suffield Arms" class="wp-image-45882" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20232.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20232-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20232-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20232-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Most memorable moment at work? </h2>



<p>The day I learned how to fillet a fish.&nbsp;Because there is a hierarchy in the kitchen, you are not able to work/handle any fish or premium products until you have proven yourself. The fact that they were willing to teach this skill to me meant that I had already gained a certain level of respect. It took me a while to master the technique but once I had perfected it, the sense of achievement was massive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ever cooked for anyone famous? </h2>



<p>Yes, I have cooked for celebrities while working in London. I was amazed to find out that they have tastebuds like everybody else.&nbsp;I have cooked for countless footballers and actors, but it’s never been my style to boast about this. If you want real celebrities that I have cooked for they are most definitely my Nonna and my mother!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your biggest mistake at work? </h2>



<p>I accidentally turned off a fridge full of fresh fish while cleaning. It wasn’t the best surprise for the head chef when he turned up at 9am the next day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">You’re tired, starving and impatient: what do you cook for dinner? </h2>



<p>That’s easy! <em>Pasta aglio, olio e peperoncino</em> (spaghetti with garlic and olive oil),&nbsp;a traditional Italian pasta dish from Naples. It takes the same amount of time as a PotNoodle but the nutrients and flavour are tenfold!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="769" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms1-769x1000.jpg" alt="Alberto Mesini, head chef at Suffield Arms" class="wp-image-46036" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms1-769x1000.jpg 769w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms1-615x800.jpg 615w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms1-768x998.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms1-404x525.jpg 404w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What would you cook to impress a date? </h2>



<p>Definitely a fish dish. Oysters are a must as an aperitivo, followed by the delicate taste of seabass &#8211; always a winner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite chef? </h2>



<p>Mauro Uliassi, who owns a three-Michelin star restaurant in Seniallia&nbsp;on Italy&#8217;s Adriatic coast.&nbsp;The guy is a genius.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite cookbook? </h2>



<p><em>Made in Italy</em> by Giorgio Locatelli. As I am at the helm of a Mediterranean tapas restaurant, the <em>Morito</em> cookbook has to be a close second.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="769" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms4-769x1000.jpg" alt="Alberto Mesini, head chef at Suffield Arms" class="wp-image-46039" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms4-769x1000.jpg 769w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms4-615x800.jpg 615w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms4-768x998.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms4-404x525.jpg 404w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Alberto-mesini-head-chef-suffield-arms4.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite type of cuisine? </h2>



<p>Of course it has to be Italian!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite kitchen gadget? </h2>



<p>Pasta tweezers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite local eatery?</h2>



<p>I am not just saying it because its our sister pub, but it has to be the Gunton Arms. They really know how to celebrate the local seasonal produce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your three favourite local markets and suppliers? </h2>



<p>Borough Market and Billingsgate (when I was in London). Norwich market is smaller but still great if you are in the area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite things to eat when you’re on holiday? </h2>



<p>It all depends on where I go as I always love to try local cuisine.&nbsp;One of best things about Norfolk is the large amount of local produce we can access. We are very fortunate to have our own walled garden and venison on the Gunton Estate which helps massively towards our sustainability. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What mistake do inexperienced cooks tend to make? </h2>



<p>Their biggest mistake is trying to focus on too many things before even learning one correctly.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20231.jpg" alt="Suffield Arms, Thorpe Market" class="wp-image-45881" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20231.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20231-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20231-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20231-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite ingredient and why? </h2>



<p>Pasta &#8211; there are endless possibilities and combinations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Most overrated dish/ingredient? </h2>



<p>Watercress. It’s overused as a garnish, has a very short shelf life and tastes like muddy water!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The dish you are most proud of creating? </h2>



<p>Grilled Squid, Crispy Guanciale, Yellow Beans &amp; Slow Cooked Tomatoes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tell us your best ever cooking tip? </h2>



<p>Cook with love and enjoy every step of making the dish &#8211; this is the strongest base of cooking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three dishes every home cook should master? </h2>



<p>I am from Bologna, so Bolognese must be one (it is not Bolognese with garlic and mushroom!). Roast potatoes, easy to cook but very difficult to perfect. Tiramisu because it&#8217;s Tiramisu!</p>



<p><strong><em>You can try Alberto’s cooking at <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/suffield-arms-gunton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Suffield Arms</a>, Station Road, Thorpe Market, Norwich, NR11 8UE</em></strong><em><strong>. <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-the-suffield-arms-thorpe-market-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read our review here.</a></strong></em></p>


What’s Cooking? Alberto Mesini, Suffield Arms

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