He looked in at the Limehouse kitchen and food distribution depot to hold a masterclass for the charity’s first cohort of chef apprentices.
“I am passing my experience to the next generation,” Francesco said. “We are helping these young people find jobs by learning how to cook some of my favourite dishes.”
The Felix Project is currently training four school leavers who were unemployed and outside the education system to become commis chefs.
The four are a third of the way into their apprenticeships, spending half a day helping prepare meals and the other half learning everything to become professional chefs.
Francesco showed them how to make fresh pasta and create Italian meals like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, carbona and gricia.
He has been supporting The Felix Project since it started in 2016 and now has another link because of the King who opened the charity’s Coronation Project in Deptford in November. Francesco collaborated with actor Stanley Tucci to create an Anglo-Italian menu for a dinner hosted by the King in February.
“It is fantastic to know that the King supports the Felix Project,” Francesco added. “The charity is helping young people find work in the restaurant trade.”
His own career has included some of the most celebrated kitchens around the world, such as Corinthia Palace in Malta, and he is opening his signature restaurant in London later this year.
His masterclass session at Limehouse was joined by Alivini food suppliers, which provided the ingredients for the apprentices to train with. The company has been supplying Felix since February, so far donating two-and-a-half tonnes of food to make up more than 6,000 meals.
Vincenzo Lerro from Alvini said: “It’s important that that any surplus food we have doesn’t end up wasted. Working with the Felix Project means many more people are getting to try premium Italian foods while our ingredients are make meals for those who are struggling.”
The apprentices get a life-changing chance for professional training in the kitchen. They also play their part helping support people in financial need.
