In each of these journal entries, we want to give you the opportunity to get to know our partners a little better. Each of our NuMi partners bring, not only their professional skill, but also a unique perspective on what it means to be a healthier, happier you.
Gino’s culinary journey is one that blends passion with purpose, turning a lifelong love of cooking into a mission to nourish both body and soul. His path has taken him from the warmth of his family kitchen to the demanding world of fine dining, and now to NuMi, where his expertise is helping others reconnect with the food they eat. We’re excited to introduce you to Gino, our talented in-house chef, whose dedication to wholesome, flavorful cooking is at the heart of everything we do.
The Heart and Soul of NuMi’s Kitchen
Gino’s goal is to share culinary skills and ideas with NuMi members, helping them to fall in love with nourishing themselves and their families. He’s passionate about reconnecting people with the origins of their food and the joy of cooking from scratch; whether that’s buying in ingredients – or going one further and growing their own! If you’re inspired by Gino’s recipes, but would like extra confidence in the kitchen, check out our NuMi Kitchen Workshops {link to workshops}
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Tradition
His cooking journey began, as so many do, in his mother's kitchen. From a young age, he was taught the basics: that carrots needed more time in the saucepan than cabbage, how to properly mix cornflour with cold water to thicken a dish, and that the anticipation of a meal often made it taste even better. But the most important lesson he learned was that cooking from scratch was the best way to know exactly what you’re eating and why it tastes the way it does. This foundation stayed with Gino through university where he continued to prepare home-cooked meals and discovered the wonders of local produce at farmers' markets and independent retailers.
From Corporate Life to Culinary Passion
After spending some time in France, where Gino met the wonderful Millie (who might teach you yoga in the NuMi Studio), they moved to London. Corporate life wasn’t Gino’s calling, though he enjoyed the proximity to Borough Market and the leisurely lunches that went with it. Eventually, the curiosity got the better of Gino, and he approached a new Italian-Japanese restaurant in East London, asking if they had a place for a complete novice. They did, and Gino found himself immersed, not in spreadsheets and numbers, but in the world of fine dining.
Embracing the Seasons and the Art of Flavor
In this culinary environment, Gino learned the art of garnishing with micro herbs and crafting perfectly smooth ice creams, but the real joy for him came from seeing what fresh produce arrived each day. He worked with suppliers like Natoora and an Italian wholesaler who sourced the best from markets in Rome. The vegetables that graced their plates — tiny striped courgettes, dark tomatoes, vibrant cime di rapa — were grown for flavour first, yield second. Gino came to understand that the true magic of their dishes lay in the quality of the ingredients, rooted in the traditions of the farmers and producers who grew them.
A New Direction: Cooking for Health
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought a significant change to Gino’s career. Angelina, the fine dining restaurant where he worked, had to close its doors. To survive, they partnered with a local charity to prepare vegan meals for residents who were sheltering in their homes. For the first time, Gino saw food as more than just a source of pleasure — it was essential fuel for life and health. This experience shifted his focus toward the nutritional aspects of cooking.
Rethinking the Role of the Modern Chef
Gino believes that while the role of the professional chef has drifted too far into the realm of entertainment, there is a growing opportunity to return to the roots of cooking as a source of nourishment and healing. In the past, food was our only medicine, and cooks played a crucial role in preparing meals that supported health and cured ailments. Today, even with the advancements of modern medicine, food continues to play a vital role in our well-being. With an abundance of ingredients at their disposal chefs, and home cooks alike, now face the exciting challenge of rediscovering how food can truly nourish us. By embracing this responsibility, anyone who cooks can move beyond entertainment and contribute positively to the health of all those they feed.
A Love for the Outdoors and the Simple Pleasures
Outside of the kitchen, Gino is an avid cyclist and enjoys tending to his vegetable patch. He finds joy in getting outside as much as possible, whether it’s on two wheels or wandering through markets, touching the fruit and veg, and chatting with food producers who are passionate about what they grow. This connection to the land and the food it produces is something Gino strives to bring into his work every day at NuMi.
Want to check out Gino’s Recipes?
Experience Gino’s passion for food yourself and check out our online recipe book by clicking the link below.
If you’d like to hone your home-cooking skills then check out our food workshops by clicking here →
