In an open interview with Desi Banova-Plevnelieva, the chef Ivan Manchev talks about his passion for cooking, the difficulties he went through personally and professionally, and sincere love as inspiration and satisfaction in life.
“We are in an iconic place. This is where I started – from the Technical School of Public Catering in Bankya. I’m proud to have finished it. My father directed me to this profession. He is the man who gave me the impetus to deal with it. Because he knew I was a person who loved food and loved to poke his nose everywhere. He is no more in this world, but I will be grateful to him for the rest of my life for guiding me to this profession. To this day, I have communication with this wonderful school because I am the chairman of the public council and I believe that there is a future in this profession. And one can develop in it. We are an example – we have ambition and desire to work in this field and we have proven that the profession has great potential, “said Chief Manchev.
For the taste of success
“The road has always been and continues to be long. After graduating from college, I went to work in the largest hotel in Bulgaria. I started there as an assistant chef, but came out as a chef and F&B director. Then I specialized in Switzerland and Germany. I graduated from the Technical University in Gabrovo with a degree in Trade and Marketing. I have always chased different challenges. What motivates me is to give a good product. My dream was to make a restaurant and the symbolism of being here at the moment is that I started with this hall as a restaurant owner. In the beginning there were 9 tables and a small kitchen. I made a very small menu… “
For the difficulties along the way
“It was difficult for me many times. Because when you develop a restaurant or a brand, it is important what standard you introduce in your product. So that people can perceive it. It has been difficult for me for many years, because working with different people, some have understood what I want to do, and some have not. I have changed many employees, but many have remained. Because they saw that the professionalism and the path I set out on was real. And that brings success.
“However, I have never given up. Even when COVID-19 came and everything was very difficult, we lost a lot. And we are not yet completely out of this situation. Our business has suffered a lot. On the other hand, you have a team that you have to keep and work with. This always has consequences. But one must be positive and look ahead. There is a line from Charlie Chaplin – “If you want to see the rainbow, do not look at the ground!”. Look ahead! ”, The chef is categorical.
What is it like to cook for Bill Clinton and Vladimir Putin?
“When I was a hotel chef, my first meeting was with Bill Clinton. When he came to Bulgaria for the first time, it was a great euphoria. It was extremely stressful, with the whole security system, it was very extreme. On the other hand, we did very well. This was my first very serious attempt to feed such greats. We did well. Then Russian President Vladimir Putin came as a guest. It was February 2003. The security controls were amazing – they had come to check on the hotel seven months earlier. The security system in both cases was extremely high. This is her attempt to feed people who are like us, but on the other hand rule some of the largest countries in the world. “
“When you show up on TV, you set a pattern of behavior. If you are successful, people start believing in you. I am famous for proving myself in my profession. This carries with it a huge responsibility. I want my children to go their own way. The one who is pleasant to them and brings them satisfaction. Just because I’m in this profession and everything I do doesn’t mean they have to go my way. The only thing I can do is give them the right advice. And what will happen depends on them.
For love and inspiration
“I have a great love for me, with which I get along wonderfully. Her name is Iva and I am extremely happy to have met her. It brings me inspiration and satisfaction. Everything that happens to me is thanks to the peace of mind I have at home. Our relationship developed gradually. We’ve both had stories that have disappointed us. Over time, we found that we looked alike, and things happened. It is very important for the woman at home to be able to create comfort. Cooking is not the most important thing, but rather that you understand. This is the heart of a good coexistence. When everyone respects the boundaries of the other. We travel a lot, we have a lot of friends.
“My inspiration always comes from what I do. If I make restaurants, I want them to be the best. In this way one seeks goals. If we calm down every day that we have done something, it means that we have stopped. One should never calm down, but always look for new horizons “, Chief Manchev is categorical.
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