The All In One Ultimate Restaurant List Interview: Goodman

The Goodman restaurant group have hit upon a winning formula with high end steakhouse Goodman and the fast-expanding Burger & Lobster chain, where a whole lobster and fries will set you back just £20. This year no less than three of their restaurants (Goodman Mayfair, Burger & Lobster Mayfair and Burger & Lobster Soho) are included in our top 100 Ultimate Restaurant List. Executive chef John Cadieux shares his advice on the perfect steak, and how to make the best cookies ever, fact.

What sets Goodman apart from other steakhouses?
I think it is a couple of things. Firstly it is our absolute commitment to serving the best steak possible. We source beef from around the country and around the world, while our focus is on England and the beef from the British Isles we also serve beef from the Basque Country, USA, Canada, Australia and the very fine Kobe from Japan. Secondly because we dry and cut all our own primal cuts we are able to offer the widest choice of cuts and origins, we will even put a piece on the band saw in the middle of service to ensure the customer gets exactly what they want. We take the same approach to all the products and make sure we get the best ingredients possible and serve them with respect and reverence.
 
What has your most valuable experience as a chef been?
I think it's been seeing some great chefs close restaurants because they did not know how to make money. Restaurants are a business and if that business' fundamentals are not sound the restaurant will not succeed. If you can have a solid business plan and great food and superior service it's hard not to be successful
 
What food do you regard as a guilty pleasure?
Toro, I only have it once a year and try to make sure I eat it at a restaurant that has as impeccable sourcing possible.
 
What London restaurants have excited you recently?
I think the new Barrafina is great, and the Bone Daddies group of Flesh and Buns and the noodle bar are all top choices. I also like the crispy duck at Alan Yau's Duck and Rice.
 
What tips can you offer a novice to cook the perfect steak?
Buy good beef from a reputable butcher like Darragh O'Shea, season with salt only, cook it in a hot pan (oil your steak not the pan)  and turn it every 15 seconds to ensure even cooking.
 
Do you have a signature recipe you can share with us?
Best cookies ever!
 
Ingredients:
224g 53%  chocolate chips
65g unsalted  butter
125g flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
185g packed light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
112g 53%  chocolate chips
224g milk chocolate chips
 
Method:
Preheat oven to 180c degrees.
 
Heat chocolate chips and butter till melted.
 
Mix eggs, brown sugar and vanilla on high until fluffy.  Add to chocolate mixture. Then add dry ingredients and mix.
 
Add milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips at end and stir till blended.
 
Bake for 11 minutes and cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing.