Once-in-a-lifetime experience at top restaurant for young chef

A CHULMLEIGH boy has returned from a once-in-a-lifetime work experience placement with celebrity chefs Michel Roux Jr and Monica Galetti.

Chulmleigh Community College pupil Toby Mosedale, 14, has been cooking since the age of six and being a top chef is his dream career.

Toby wrote a letter to Michel Roux at his Michelin-Star London restaurant, Le Gavroche, last year asking if he could come and help out in the kitchens.

To his surprise Toby received a reply direct from Michel who offered him a placement during his half term week.

Le Gavroche was the first UK restaurant to gain a maximum three Michelin Stars and is regularly named among the top 50 restaurants in the world.

Owner Michel Roux Jr and sous chef Monica Galetti both appeared on the BBC's Masterchef Professionals series last year.

Toby said: "It was an amazing experience.

"I spent most of the week with Monica who started me off with some basic pastry and dessert skills.

"I then progressed on to more specialist tasks such as opening scallops, boning fish and preparing vegetables. It was a very varied workload.

"I was treated as one of the team and everyone was very helpful. Monica even suggested that I should apply for the restaurant's annual scholarship."

Michel Roux Jr added: "Toby has an unbelievable potential, his desire and knowledge for someone of his age is quite exceptional."

Toby, who has previously cooked for Lady Arran at the Park Hotel in Barnstaple, says that cooking comes naturally to him because his family are all food enthusiasts.

He said: "I've always had a passion for food. From a young age I helped my dad peel potatoes for the family Sunday lunch — now I cook it all on my own.

"I think my strongest quality is not being afraid to experiment with different combinations of food. I'm always trying out new things.

"My family are really supportive and have even bought me my own knives and monogrammed chef whites."

Toby is planning to spend his school holidays getting even more kitchen experience.

He will be cooking for dignitaries at the Devon County Show in May and has also applied for a placement at London's Mango Tree Thai restaurant.