The Art of Whole Animal Cooking: Insights from London's Hottest Italian Restaurant

Youtuber: Bon Appétit

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bonappetit

Restaurant Name: Manteca

Restaurant Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7B3h5CxR2nz9PJmy7

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d19879135-Reviews-Manteca-London_England.html

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The Art of Whole Animal Cooking: Insights from London's Hottest Italian Restaurant

🍽️ **The Concept of Whole Animal Cooking**

At the forefront of sustainable dining, the restaurant emphasizes the importance of using whole animals in their cooking. By doing so, they can better control sourcing and quality, ultimately passing these benefits on to their customers. This method also embodies a philosophy of responsible and sustainable cooking, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor.

👨‍🍳 **Meet the Chef and Co-Founder**

Chris Lee, the chef and co-founder of the restaurant, guides the team in creative directions while supporting day-to-day operations. He emphasizes the importance of creativity in the kitchen, especially when working with whole animals. The goal is to not only serve delicious food but to tell a story through the ingredients used.

🐖 **Breaking Down the Whole Pig**

The day begins with the arrival of a whole pig, which is cut into six parts for easier handling. Lee and his team utilize every part of the pig, from the shoulder to the skin, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This includes curing the copper muscle, which provides unique textures and flavors for their salumi.

🌿 **Curing and Preparing Salumi**

The team follows a meticulous process for curing their meats. Salt is carefully measured and combined with spices like nutmeg and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile of the pork. Every cut and measure is designed to ensure consistency and quality in the final product.

🍅 **Creating Rich Ragu**

The restaurant specializes in preparing various ragus, showcasing the use of slower cuts and flavorful ingredients. A mix of onion, carrot, celery, and garlic is cooked down slowly to develop depth in the sauce. The addition of wine and tomatoes provides acidity to balance out the richness of the pork.

🍝 **Handmade Pasta**

The pasta-making process is a labor of love. The chef rolls and shapes the dough, ensuring air pockets are trapped within to create the perfect texture. Different pasta shapes are selected based on how well they pair with the sauces they are served with.

🧀 **Serving Rich Dishes**

With fresh pasta and ragu completed, the team prepares for a busy service. The dishes are beautifully plated, garnished, and ready to be served to eager customers. This attention to detail ensures that every customer receives not just a meal, but an experience.

🔔 **The Busy Service Environment**

As orders come in, the kitchen becomes a whirlwind of activity. The team communicates efficiently, ensuring that every dish is prepared and delivered in a timely manner. Time management is key to maintaining the quality and speed of service.

💼 **The Culinary Philosophy**

The underlying philosophy of the restaurant is to make use of every part of the animal in innovative ways, redefining how we think about ingredients and waste. Through their practices, they aim to inspire others to cook responsibly and sustainably.

This restaurant exemplifies the art of whole animal cooking, combining culinary skill with a strong commitment to sustainability. Each dish tells a story, not just of the ingredients used, but of the respect for the animals and the environment.