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June 05, 2024

Michael Caines on being one of the few Black Michelin star chefs in the world, how food connects us to culture, and working in predominantly white environments

1 hour 20 minutes

The one where the cream rises to the top

Emma and Nicole speak to Michael Caines, is a two-Michelin star awarded chefs and one of six Black Michelin star chefs in the world. Born in Exeter, Michael was adopted into a white family at a young age and his love of cooking lead him to apprentice under Raymond Blanc, and at the age of 25 a car accident lead to him losing his right arm.

He discusses growing up in a white family and predominantely white environments, working in fast-paced and highly competitive environments, relearning his skills after losing an arm, and how food connects us to culture.

Michael is featured in Lucas Fothergill's Everyone Everywhere: Mixed Race Family Stories, looking into a hundred years of mixed British history, published by Unbounders.

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Everyone Everywhere: https://unbound.com/books/everyone-everywhere
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Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/
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