A seasoned British chef, Nate Green came to Hong Kong from the UK where he started his career at the two-Michelin starred Gidleigh Park under the guidance of master Chef Michael Caines. Nate subsequently worked at renowned establishments such as Tom Aikens, The Square and the Michelin starred Arbutus where he was Senior Sous Chef. In 2004 Nate was voted “Young Chef of the Year” by the Restaurant Association, the most prestigious competition for young chefs in the UK.

In March 2014, Nate was hand-picked by Jason Atherton to take on the Executive Chef role at his Hong Kong eateries – 22 Ships and Ham & Sherry.

After his unforgettable journey at two of Hong Kong’s favourite neighbourhood tapas bars, Nate opens RHODA in partnership with award-winning restaurateur Yenn Wong of JIA Group in June 2016. RHODA offers simple, delicious dishes cooked over the charcoal grill and aims to bring back family meal-times and the fading custom of conversation over good meals.

1. What is your philosophy when it comes to food?

I believe in finding the best ethically grown ingredients and treating them simply to allow the quality and flavours to shine through.

2. Name your most Favourite dish on the menu? And why?

It’s so hard to choose, I guess my favourite dish at the moment is probably the Fruit Tomato from Fukuoka in Japan which are simply served with salt and a beautiful young Arbequina olive oil from L’Albages in Spain. It’s a dish which highlights exactly what I said above – simplicity.

3. Main considerations when it comes to choosing your ingredients?

At Rhoda, as much as is possible, we look for ingredients which are grown, raised or caught with as little damage to the environment as possible. We only deal with people who care as much about what they do as we care about what we do.

4. How do you see the growing demands for sustainable produce affecting the food world?

We all have a responsibility to our planet. We are all merely here to preserve it for the next generation but sadly this isn’t happening. As chefs I do think we need to make people more aware of the produce that they are putting into their bodies. Sadly, I really think that the consumer want for cheaper produce will always far out weigh their want for produce grown sustainably.

5. If you weren’t a chef, or in the food business, what would you be?

I’d be a tattoo artist.

6. Do you have a memorable food experience that impacted you as a child or young chef?

My whole childhood was full of amazing food and lots of memories, as for us eating was always time we spent together. The first time we went to France was very special, I always remember the first thing I ate – it was a croissant with apricot jam and a big bowl of hot chocolate. Then there were the pates and the rillettes and the cheeses. Incredible.

7. What do you enjoy most about being a chef?

I love the fact that every day is different.

8. Other than creating good food, what are the most important qualities that make a successful chef?

For me the most important skill a chef needs is the ability to communicate with those around them. I also think that it’s important to be able to engage with the guest.

9. If you had a choice of anything for your last meal, what would you choose to have?

Mom’s shepherds pie with baked beans. For pudding, steamed ginger pudding and custard.

10. Do you have any tips for budding chefs or restauranteurs?

Work hard and put your hours in, but make sure you find time for yourself and find time to travel. Remember it’s a job and not your life so its important that although our hours are long that you find time to have fun. Listen to those around you for advice as it helps a lot.

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For the review on RHODA visit: savourblackbookasia.com/rhoda-hong-kong/

ADDRESS:
Ground floor, Upton, 345 Des Voeux Road West, Hong Kong
OPERATING HOURS:
Lunch:
Monday-Friday: 12 noon – 2:30pm
Saturday: 12 noon – 3pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 4pm
Sunday: 4pm – 6pm (drinks and light bites)

Dinner:
Monday-Thursday:  6pm – 11pm
Friday-Saturday: 6pm – midnight
Sunday: 6pm – 11pm
RESERVATIONS: Recommended
PHONE: +852 2177 5050
EMAIL: ask@rhoda.hk
WEBSITE: rhoda.hk/