Chef Kazakov Anatoly seem to be in high spirits as his restaurant “Selfie” has been ranked No.88, making its debut, on the 51-100 list of The World’s Best Restaurants 2017. With 18 years of experience under his belt, Chef Anatoly was named “Best Young Chef in Russia” during his stint at Bon Restaurant in 2011 and thereafter, moved on to opening Zodiac, together with White Rabbit’s Vladimir Mukhin in 2013, then finally started Selfie restaurant in 2014.

Here Chef Anatoly shares his inspiration and thoughts with Aspire Lifestyles.

Aspire Lifestyles: Tell us more about how you entered this profession and what was your greatest influence?

Chef Anatoly: To be honest, I only decided to enter this profession after I started working in a restaurant. I can’t say that my time spent in culinary school was particularly interesting for me. However when I started working, I received feedback from my diners and guests that made me realize I am doing something interesting and so important to people’s lives and feelings. That was when I felt a true connection to gastronomy and when I decided to dedicate my life to it.

Aspire Lifestyles: Tell us more about your cuisine specialty and how did you come to decide on it?

Chef Anatoly: I have an international menu and I find it interesting to work with seasonal produce here in Russia. The techniques I use is a mix of French and Asian, but it is important that it enhances the natural qualities of the ingredients. Most dishes I would say is Russian, because it is prepared by a chef that is Russian and from local produce.

Aspire Lifestyles: What was your most memorable chef you’ve worked with to-date?

Chef Anatoly: Gualtiero Marchesi, the undisputed Maestro of Italian cuisine, really inspired me at the beginning of my career. Despite his age, he doesn’t stop at innovating and progression. Also, there is Norbert Niderkofler – whom I worked with at the IKRA festival in Sochi this year – he has a very delicate sense of style and balance in food and flavouring which I admire and want to emulate.

Aspire Lifestyles: Is there someone you would love to get acquainted with or learn from this year’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants?

Chef Anatoly: Wow there are so many great talents like Grant Achatz of Alinea, Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana and Martin Berasatega. Massimo is incredibly talented and communicating with him always inspires me on a great level. I am on pretty good terms with Martin and I think he cooks very well, even better than many great chefs with similar ratings.

Aspire Lifestyles: Lastly, who do you think will best represent Russia in The World’s 50 Best 2017?

Chef Anatoly: I think that we have many great Chefs here in Russia – Vladimir Mukhin, Berezutskiy brothers, Abuzyarov, Trojan. I would like to have more Russian Chefs and restaurants make the list this year and I am sure that this year we will.

As a partner on our Global Preferred Restaurant program, all our clients’ customers enjoy an exclusive discount when dining at Selfie Restaurant.