A CHEF who reached the final of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2024 is finally opening his own restaurant after years of working for himself.
Gaston Savina, a French chef who studied at culinary school in Burgundy and began his career in Paris, is set to open his first restaurant in London.
The new business will sit on the former site of Cepáge[s] wine bistro, Notting Hill, which was the first kitchen Gaston worked in when he moved to London in 2014.
He spent two years at Cepáge[s] before launching his private cheffing business, exploring seasonal eating and dishes inspired by his French heritage.
Gaston learned the tricks of the trade from renowned chefs including Franck Graux at Le Dôme and Christophe Langrée at Le Faust.
He finished fourth in series 17 of MasterChef: The Professionals.
In an interview with Staff Canteen, Gaston said: “I applied for MasterChef because I want to showcase my pride in cooking French cuisine with lovely, well-sourced British ingredients”.
In the announcement he made about his restaurant opening he said: “Since MasterChef, I’ve always dreamed of opening a little restaurant in London… and gosh, it’s happening.
“It’s been a journey – one I’ll share with you as much as I can. It’s scary, incredible, overwhelming and beautiful all at once.
“I feel like the luckiest chef because this adventure resonates so deeply with who I am and what I want to create.”
He added: “Cépage[s] has always been special to me. It was my first job in London – the place where I built my self-confidence as a chef.
“It was also my last role as a full-time restaurant chef before becoming a private chef.
“A full-circle moment.
“I know Cépage[s] has meant a lot to many of you – fine dining and wine lovers, romantics, French food enthusiasts from Notting Hill and beyond.
“We will keep the same spirit, the same legacy – and hopefully add even more fun.”
