'My biggest food influences were my family.' Yann Florio, MasterChef: The Professionals 2019

It's finals week on MasterChef: The Professionals 2019 - find out more about Yann florio, co-owner of far out food ltd.

Name: Yann Florio

Region: East London, originally from France

Age: 30 Profession: Private Chef / Co-owner of catering company

Place of work: Far Out Food Ltd 

Cooking Background

“I have lived in East London for almost 10 years, which I consider my second home. I’m originally from Lorraine, in the North East of France. Lorraine is very much like England in so many ways - wet, cloudy, boozy and very, very friendly.

“I was a bit of a high school drop-out so started technical school at 14, went on to study cooking at Lycée Hôtelier St Andé in Ottange, Lorraine, and graduated from there with a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Art, which is a fancy way of saying that I’m an alright cook.”

Influences

“My biggest food influences were my family. My Grandma, mum and aunts always cooked when I was growing up. We would often get together with the rest of my family for massive dinners that would go on forever. My whole family is very involved in community events in my village. They have been running a beer festival since 1998, which still gets over 7000 people attending. They have inspired me all my life. My grandmother is sadly not with us anymore, but her spirit is still very much here! I owe them everything and they are the reason I'm standing here today.”

Food Passions

“I'm interested in everything, cooking-wise, but I particularly love the kitsch 1970s!”

On MasterChef: The Professionals

“My girlfriend Lorraine and my business partner Graham encouraged me to enter MasterChef: The Professionals. I feel fantastic about being getting to The Final Four. I have been both excited and nervous. That's how I like to feel every day - a bit scared and very much looking forward to the next challenge!

“The Skills Test is without a shadow of a doubt, the toughest part of the competition so far. Nothing can prepare you for it and you don’t know what to expect! It’s an intimidating experience and I think I speak for everyone when I say I’m so glad I never have to do it again!”

Cooking ambitions

“Currently, I'm working on lots of corporate and private events, and pop ups with my catering company, which we want to take to the next level. We are on a journey to becoming a waste-free and sustainable high-end catering company for unique, immersive dining. We are also looking for investment to open an event venue and community kitchen/lab for food and drink entrepreneurs. I'm also doing cooking lessons and working on a YouTube food series that will be out soon. I would also love to do more TV!”