Interview: Christopher Barber

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Christopher Barber has over 30 years of experience in the food and restaurant industry, and has carried out nearly every role you can imagine.

Christopher is one our judges at this year’s Culinary Festival Bernard Loiseau.

• Previously Chef to HRH The Prince of Wales and food consultant

What is your principal trait of character?
Good humour.

What is your greatest quality?
Patience.

What are the qualities you look for most in other people?
Kindness.

What is your biggest weakness?
Don’t know!!

What is your favourite tipple?
White wine (chardonnay).

What is your favourite dish – and your least favourite?
Anything cooked by someone else… because I appreciate the effort that goes into cooking.

I dislike ready meals, though I never eat them.

What has been your best experience professionally?
Being part of the Festival Culinaire Bernard Loiseau (really!).

Who are the most important people to you in your professional life?
All of my clients, whether they are high profile, or new to the business, I treat them all the same.

What, for you, is happiness?
Spending time with my family.

What is your most important personal possession?
I don’t value material goods…

With what talent would you like to have been gifted?
Humility.

If you had not done this profession, what else would you have liked to do professionally?
I would have loved to be involved in some way in sport… especially tennis.

What does the word ‘creativity’ mean to you?
Creativity is the most valuable commodity, it is often dismissed and not celebrated as it should be… without creation we have no joy in our lives.

How do you get away from it all?
A place where my mind stops thinking about troubles and stress.

What inspiration do you get from Mauritius?
Beautiful place, beautiful people, wonderful friends and the best hospitality in the world.

What do you do when you need to recharge your batteries?
Go for a long run in the countryside where I live.

What’s the best compliment someone can pay you?
Being liked is the greatest and simplest compliment.

Which type of cuisine is currently the best in the world in your opinion?
Sri Lankan – it is where my family is from, and has one of the world’s most underrated cuisines – fantastic fruit and vegetables, beautiful spices, wonderful fish. Presentation is not so important but flavour…