VICKY CHENG
Interview with Vicky Cheng
Today, we are interviewing the Chef Vicky Cheng, @chefvickycheng on instagram – Born in Hong Kong and raised under Western influences, Chef Vicky Cheng started off as a young chef classically trained under some of the most highly revered and respected French chefs, including Daniel Boulud of the Michelin-starred Restaurant Daniel in New York, to acquire knowledge and principles that laid foundation for the culinary excellence he excels at VEA restaurant and Lounge today. His background has paved way to his cooking style – “Chinese x French” Cuisine is what you will find at VEA Restaurant and Lounge.
Question: What is the worst advice you see or hear given in your trade or area of expertise?
Vicky: I choose not to listen to bad advises, but I absorb all advices from people around me and try to make the best decision.
Question: What makes you different? Who trained you or influenced you?
Vicky: The cuisine that I cooked is a unique blend of Chinese and French culture. As my mentors were classic French chef (eg. Chef Danial Boulud) and I was born Chinese blood.
Question: What weird food combinations do you really enjoy?
Vicky: Sliced salami, whole banana, served with steamed rice and black coffee as sauce.
Question: What was the best compliment that you ever received?
Vicky: When I hear that “I am so happy to see somebody in HK trying to do a cuisine combining classic Chinese ingredient and technic in a way that has never been done because it truly represent our culture and city.
Question: What have you created that you are most proud of?
Vicky: Crispy Sea cucumber in French style. Using dried sea cucumber which is normally only used in Chinese cuisine and we have created a unique way to cook and present it in French style.
Question: How was your childhood?
Vicky: I grew up in a single mother family, didn’t have a lot but my mother was the most supportive person in my life even until now, our bond is very strong and she was a big part of my success.
Question: Do you have a favourite restaurant in the world? If so, which one and why?
Vicky: I don’t have a particular favourite restaurant in the world but I do like to travel and eat whenever I can.
Question: What is your motto for life?
Vicky: Do a 100% or don’t do it at all.
www.instagram.com/chefvickycheng
Do a 100% or don’t do it at all.