My first role was as a Commis de Cuisine under Chef Michael Hoffmann in Hamburg. His cooking style and philosophy inspired me to reach my own personal goal of attaining one star. Today I have two stars and believe you can only reach greatness by working with people who share your passion.

My earliest memory of the pepper was when I was seven years old. A neighbour had given me a chilli, which I served to my father, who was not expecting it to be hot. This gave us a good laugh. Since then, I have grown to love the pepper for the fruit flavours and spice it can bring to my dishes.

A few summers ago, I was working on a big gardening project with family and friends. Although I spent every free minute I had there, it often felt like we would never be finished. When we did complete it in early December, I wanted to thank everyone in the most special way I could so I opened a Magnum of Krug Grande Cuvée for us to enjoy together.

Mohammed Ali because he was my childhood idol from the age of four. My father was a boxer and my older brother still is. In the end, I chose to cook. Still, when I feel the pressure getting too high, I reach for my boxing gloves, which help me destress.