INTERVIEW WITH A CHEF
August 21, 2025
Name: Leo Laurent
Location: Santa Monica, California
Details: The head chef in a prominent French restaurant
Conducted by Alexander Lee
QUESTIONS
1. What's the most peculiar thing you've done on a Tuesday?
I don't keep track of days like that.
2. Do you believe in a power nap?
I don't have that luxury - I cook through exhaustion.
3. How do you feel about socks?
Socks? Well, how can one feel about socks?
4. Ever had a dance battle with an inanimate object?
If a dead crab counts as inanimate, then yes.
5. What's your strategy for dealing with Mondays?
I'm off on Mondays.
6. Do you think cheese is a food group?
Dairy is a food group - cheese is dairy. An essential flavor enhancer.
7. How often do you reorganize your thoughts?
I get lost in the moment, and everything runs on instinct. No time for thoughts - it's the job at hand that matters.
8. What's your favorite way to procrastinate?
I taste sauces.
9. Ever talked to a plant? What did it say?
I've screamed at stubborn herbs - does that make me crazy?
10. Do you have a secret talent for weird things?
I have a knack for unusual food pairings.
11. How do you define "adventure"?
Anything outside the kitchen.
12. What's the last thing you googled out of curiosity?
Bruce Lee - I think he's still alive.
13. Do you believe in luck?
I believe in blessings.
14. How do you handle things that are "too real"?
Cho 'em up and eat 'em.
15. What's your go-to excuse for weird behavior?
"I was only experimenting."
16. Do you collect anything odd?
Ashamed to say, but yes - vintage adult magazines.
17. How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
A mortal sin.
18. What's the most spontaneous thing you've done?
It was in the bedroom - we'll skip the details. But there was an elderly lady and a snooker ball involved. I'm French.
19. Do you have a ritual for calming down?
I eat someone else's cooking.
20. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would it be?
I'm not a sport person, but tennis is not too bad. I think it's already an Olympic sport.