Chalk & Cheese

Chef Gary Mehigan confesses his love for India, even as he spills the beans about his days, first as an apprentice in London and now as a world citizen.

- Sneham Choudhary

Chef Gary Mehigan is quick, real quick. The speed at which he whips a recipe is unique. Only his deep passion for food matches it. For this British-born

chef, now settled in Australia, chocolate reminds him of his childhood and home. His grandfather, also a chef, would keep Couverture chocolate in his pantry, and little Gary would sneak in there to steal a few squares at a time, so he wouldn’t notice. “He did of course!” Not the one to shy away from new age food techniques, Chef Gary has noticed how Indians are always on the lookout for out-of-the-box experiences. Currently in India to host a television show, he tells us what he loves about this country and his days as a celebrity chef.

What was your first feeling when you arrived in Australia from England?

I remember the day I arrived in Melbourne. As I walked down to the Fitzroy Gardens that surrounds Parliament House in the centre of Melbourne — it was a bright sunny day — I realised I had made the right decision. I love the UK and my family is still there, but my life is in Australia now.