The Seven Sins of Michael Wignall - Executive Head Chef at Gidleigh Park
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    The Seven Sins of Michael Wignall

    Executive Head Chef at Gidleigh Park
    Michael Wignall
    Michael Wignall’s experience of freshly cooked food and multi-cultural cuisine started at a young age, travelling extensively from the Far East, to the United States and across Europe. Although exposed to a variety of international gastronomy, aspiring to be a top chef was not Michael’s first passion.

    As a teen, Michael had a promising career as a professional BMX biker, however, his parents encouraged him to attend catering college. After three years, Michael moved to Spain to experience front of house, authentic cooking and the cuisine the country had to offer.

    Upon his return to the UK, Michael’s professional career started at Broughton Park, under Paul Heathcote, moving with him to his restaurant in Longbridge, Preston, followed by a spell working with John Burton Race at L’Ortolan. Following this he headed up Old Beams, Waldo’s Restaurant in Cliveden Hotel, Michael’s Nook and the Burlington Restaurant at The Devonshire Arms, earning a Michelin star at each.
     
    Michael produces incredibly complex, technically accomplished dishes. His attention to detail and dedication to the pursuit of perfection in flavour, texture and appearance knows no bounds. His reputation of working with suppliers and producers, ensuring all elements are fresh and sustainable, adds to the faultlessness of his dishes.

    Out of the kitchen, Michael’s love for extreme sport still exists- particularly Wakeboarding which still plays a massive part in his life. He also travels the world to find new inspirations and ideas to pair with locally sourced, British produce.

    From January 2016, Michael made his move from The Latymer to Gidleigh Park, taking over the reins from Michael Caines. This has been lauded the highest profile culinary takeover of 2016 by the likes of Jay Rayner. The move sees him not only lead the kitchen, but also consult across the food and beverage offering for ABode Hotels.
     
    Wrath - What makes you angry about the hospitality industry?
    Michael Wignall Seven Sins
    Lack of acknowledgement for the wider team – it’s easy to forget everyone else that’s working very hard behind the scenes in both the kitchen and front of house.
     
    Greed - If all your food fantasies came true what would be on your Plate?
    Michael Wignall Seven Sins
    I fell in love with Japan when I visited for the first time last October. I can truly say my food fantasy came true. We got up incredibly early to visit the Tsukiji fish market. We ate fresh salmon roe washed in ponzu and it was heaven. I could eat just that all day long, it’s such a memorable flavour - what food is all about.
     
    Sloth - What do you do to unwind?
    Michael Wignall Seven Sins
    I have a huge passion for water sports, particularly wake surfing. When I can get some time off I head straight down to the nearest coast or lake.
     
    Pride - What are you most proud of?
    Michael Wignall Seven Sins
    My team past and present and of course my family.
     
    Lust - Is there anything that you are still lusting to achieve?
    Michael Wignall Seven Sins
    Some say perfection is impossible to achieve, but this doesn’t stop us from evolving and striving towards it.
     
    Envy - who are you most envious of?
    Michael Wignall Seven Sins
    I don’t envy anyone in particular – there are a lot of chefs that I admire, however I do envy those with a good work/like balance.
     
    Gluttony - have you ever over indulged? 
    Michael Wignall Seven Sins
    I’m a sucker for a cheese. There was an occasion once when my wife Johanna couldn’t decide on which cheese to choose, so we ordered a whole flight! We’ve never felt so full.
     
    Seven Sins
    Seven Sins
    We put the spotlight on the industry's most recognisable faces in our new interview segment "Seven Sins". If you want to know what inspires the industry's movers and shakers or what your favourite food loving celebrity likes to indulge in then you'll find it in their Seven Sins.
     
    Tom Kerridge
    Chef, Restaurateur and Author
    Tom Kerridge Seven Sins
    Tom Kerridge, the award winning and celebrated chef brings a taste of culinary...
    Tom Kerridge
     
    Atul Kochhar
    Chef
    Atul Kochhar Seven Sins
    Chef Patron of the highly acclaimed Benares restaurant in London, Atul...
    Atul Kochhar
     
    Wolfgang Puck
    Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur
    Wolfgang Puck Seven Sins
    The name Wolfgang Puck is synonymous with the best of restaurant hospitality...
    Wolfgang Puck
     
    Raymond Blanc
    Chef Patron, Le Manoir
    Raymond Blanc Seven Sins
    Born in Besançon, France, in 1949, Raymond Blanc is acknowledged as one...
    Raymond Blanc
     
    Belstaff UK
     
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