MY MOOD
23 January 2012 -
We waited for him so long, but finally he came. Directly from Oriocenter.it, we interviewed Simone Rugiati. The famous TV chef describe us his passions, goals and ambitions as a famous protagonist of a national cooking show. Looking at the sun of Miami!
Simone Rugiati was born in Empoli in 1981, graduated at "Hotel and Management Institute F. Martini" in Montecatini Terme, then he attended several competitions and stages in Italy and also abroad. But he started his own career in TV (Gambero Rosso, La7 and La7D), presenting his cooking abilities becoming sooner a famous, talented TV chef.
He attended several TV shows like as La prova del cuoco (Rai Uno, 2002-2010), Oggi cucino in... (Gambero Rosso Channel, 2006), SOS Simone (Gambero Rosso Channel, 2009), Cuochi e fiamme (LA7D in 2010, su LA7 from 2011), as well as Io, me e Simone (Cielo, 2010-2011).
1. Welcome Simone to Oriocenter.it and thank you for your time. What about your cooking experience? When did you decide to become a chef?
Since I was young, my interest about cooking immediately grew up. But my passion didn't rouse immediately as well.
I attended an Hotel and Management Institute but I had not realised yet what would be my future.
In the past we had a different idea of the chef as a professionist. This job hardly changed in the past 7 / 8 years. This changement has determined that chefs could move outside the restaurants presenting their skills to a larger audience. That was the starting point: at that moment, I decided to become a chef and improve my talent.
2. What are the most significant passages of your career?
Since I graduated, I made pratice as comis in several restaurants. These experiences helped me a lot but they were not so dynamic as I was.
I worked more than 8 hours pro day for "Food Editore", the most important Italian food editor. I also made practice besides the most talented chefs, I ever met.
I edited more than 200 books and managed 2 reviews as well. This was an amazing experience, I won't forget.
The second most important moment for my career coincided to the casting for the TV show "Il Piatto Forte" led by Iva Zanicchi. I was selected even if more talented and famous chefs attended the contest as well. Then Gambero Rosso saw me and now I work in TV.
3. Have you ever thought about a possible failure in your career?
No, I haven't. At the beginning I didn't realize I could become a TV or a communication man. Now, instead, I am very confident about my future in the showbusiness.
4. Are you a TV chef, a television protagonist or a writer? What is your favourite role at the moment?
The center of my daily life is the cooking. I usually describe and create my own favourite dishes and this is the most important thing.
I can describe my cooking presenting TV shows or writing books. This is the same idea about cooking, but it is translated in different ways.
I like TV but I would like to live a different experience for my own career. Anyway this is my present world.
5. You worked as chef for Gambero Rosso Channel, La7 and Cielo, then you became a protagonist of a TV reality show. What are the common elements in your career?
We have to distinguish between culinary TV programs and Isola dei Famosi.
The most important changement from Gambero Rosso and La7 is about the format. I worked 4 years for Gambero Rosso, I explained and presented my own dishes.
In "Cuochi e Fiamme" broadcasted by La7, I led a TV program, where someone else usually prepares its dishes.
I simply give some cooking advices to the audience, I create a personal moment along the show. This is a perfect, first experience as a TV host.
Looking at Isola dei Famosi broadcasted by Rai Due, I lived this experience for a short time. My teammates didn't know me, because I lived there for a couple of weeks.
6. Do famous, international or national chefs inspire you? What about your personal desires?
Nobody ispires me. I'm trying to create my own, personal career even if there are many protagonists of the cooking panorama, who don't do the same.
I just admire Jamie Oliver for what he does as a TV chef.
7. As a TV chef, you knew a lot of competitors and appreciated their receipts. Have you ever "stolen" a few?
Most of all I remember those people, who personally re-interpretated simple, easy dishes. This is an important element to underline their abilities and skills.
8. What about the judges of Cuochi e Fiamme, do they intimidate you?
I really respect them but they don't intimidate me. If I felt intimidate about my receipts of suggestions, I won't do this job!
9. What about your future? Anything to share?
Personally I didn't plan opening my own restaurant yet. I can stay in the same place for a couple of days, I have not time. But I'd like.
At the moment I'm satisfied about my activities and experiences. Maybe I will open my first own restaurant in Miami...
Simone Rugiati will cook for us soon. Please connect to our webiste or join us on Facebook to know better the receipt, he will prepare for Oriocenter.it.