Kitchen Visit at Osip's: A Peek into the Culinary World with Chef Merlin Labron-Johnson (Episode 2)
In the picturesque town of Bruton, Somerset, lies Osip, a Michelin-starred restaurant that has become a culinary gem. The man behind the magic is Chef Merlin Labron-Johnson, whose approach to food is as captivating as the dishes he serves.
Labron-Johnson's journey in the kitchen began at a young age, helping prepare lunches at his school cook's in exchange for free meals. His passion for food grew, leading him to work as an assistant at a local cookery school before venturing out to kitchens in Devon, Switzerland, and France.
One formative experience that shaped Labron-Johnson's culinary philosophy was at a farm-to-table restaurant in Belgium. This encounter instilled in him a deep appreciation for local ingredients and the art of finding new techniques to utilise them.
Osip's menu is a reflection of what's growing on the local farm. Each season brings the same ingredients at roughly the same time, allowing for the revisiting and layering of dishes. The roots of Labron-Johnson's Osip restaurant can be traced back to the Indo-Caribbean region, adding a unique flavour profile to the restaurant's offerings.
The food at Osip is the undisputed protagonist. Labron-Johnson's food creation process often starts with a visual idea before a flavour profile. His dishes are a dance between the serenity of the garden and the intensity of the kitchen, a balance that is crucial for achieving success.
Every detail at Osip contributes to a larger picture. From the plating and crockery, to the art and wooden spoons, each element is carefully considered to enhance the dining experience. The restaurant is housed in a 17th-century coaching inn, adding an air of historic charm.
Recently, Osip expanded to include four bedrooms designed by Johnny Smith, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Osip experience even further.
Labron-Johnson views farming and cooking as similar, requiring discipline, care, and process. He expresses a desire for a life of farming if not a chef, a testament to his deep respect for the ingredients he works with.
Travel, art, and architecture can serve as sources of inspiration for Labron-Johnson. Merlin Labron-Johnson, initially named Osip after the Russian poet Osip Mandelstam, continues to push the boundaries of gastronomy, making Osip a must-visit destination for food lovers.
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