Since I started reporting on the world of hospitality four or so years back it's always been self evident that, at a certain level, everyone knows everyone else in the business.
As a journalist this is both useful and frightening (better not piss anyone off too much).
However, after last week's Association of Catering Excellence conference on sustainability it seems I can add to the above that not only does everyone know everyone but you are also probably related to them!
On a coffee break during the conference I was introduced to one of the afternoon's speakers, the charming chef Oliver Rowe.
Rowe is the owner, and sometimes TV star, of restaurnat Konstam at the Prince Albert in London's King's Cross.
As I blundered along and Rowe politely endured my whitterings Peter Backman, head of data analysis specialists Horizons for Success strode up to Rowe and unfurled a handwritten piece of paper.
"You haven't met me," said Backman to Rowe, "but we share the same great, great, great grandfather." Quite an ice-breaker.
Rowe, who had obviously done some homework of his own on this, was calm and collected and launched into an enthusiastic tale of family dynasty with Backman.
I continued to slurp my coffee.
So, for the record, fact fans, Rowe and Backman are descendents of the Kohnstamms who lived north of Nuernberg in the 17th century, although probably hail from Portugal.
And not only do you all know each other but it seems you might all have similar bloodlines suggesting that the best operators are born into a life of hospitality.
Comments (1)
Exciting Opportunity for 10 Chefs:
Real Body currently require recipes from 10 talented chefs
of healthy life style menus for its global e-health and fitness cookbook.
Chefs wishing to raise their public profile and benefit from free publicity by inclusion in a major healthy life-style e-business and full colour cookery publication should apply for an information package for further details.
Please email your contact details to:
sonjafalvo@yahoo.co.uk
Places are strictly limited
Posted by Sonja Falvo | June 13, 2008 3:35 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 15:35