By Laura Rancie
When I think of my most treasured kitchen items, a knife isn’t the first thing that comes to mind but who can argue the integral role of this daily accessory to both a Chef as well as the home cook?
This week we touch base again with the once-nominated Australian Pastry Chef of the Year, Pierrick Boyer (owner at Reverie Cafe) and ask why his Opinel knife set is so special to him, based on a comment he made in our last interview with him earlier this year.
Interestingly, you’d think this article was an advert for the French brand, but it is not. It is the story of how special equipment and tools are bonded to their Chef owners who master them so well and use them lovingly and consistently to create the visions of food artistry that we as diners and gourmands enjoy.
As a boy scout in France at age 8 years old, little Pierrick had an Opinel! It is these childhood memories and associations that often shape our interests and behaviours as an adult so it’s no surprise that grown-up Pierrick grew up to have his own adult version engraved with his name, café logo and café name.
"I grew up with Opinel and it is such an institution in France. It’s the savoir-faire of skills and experience” he says.
Rooted in history with a commitment to craftsmanship, the Opinel family still make their knives in the Savoie region in France, nestled at the foot of the French Alps.
Pierrick explains: "I was a boy scout in France at 8 years old, when I first got my Opinel! So, it is a great childhood memory too. Then just earlier this year, literally by chance, I bought something from a person who was the Opinel distributor in Sydney and a few months later we met up to discuss a friendly partnership. He could see that I genuinely loved them, you know me, I do things in general because I love the products and the people behind them."
When posed the question of why great knives are so important to a Chef, the pastry master responded: "They are an extension of our knowledge, vision and hands I would say!”
Being named Australia’s best pastry Chef and having worked at an international level across various countries, French-born Pierrick is no stranger to the importance of a great knife set in his kitchen, sharing: "I have several professional line knives and of course different sets, both in the Reverie kitchens and at home. Even my daughter who has just started school, has her first Opinel engraved with her name!”
Visit Reverie Cafe at Westfield Doncaster, or 31 Izzett Street, Prahran.
The cafe is available for functions and events and Pierrick can also be booked privately for functions, weddings and corporate events or follow his Instagram here for the latest updates on workshops, High Tea and classes.
