The Aesthete: Next Celebrity Chef

Dimo Valev works as Marketing Manager at Media Cast in Dubai Media City. He is born in Bulgaria, in the early seventies, where he has completed the Academy of Art in Sofia. As many Bulgarian people, Dimo is fluent in few languages, in particular: English, French, Bulgarian and Russian. Apart from his job, he enjoys cooking, traveling, painting, playing chess and spending time with his family. As he is an interesting and inspirational resident of Dubai, Dubai Chronicle would like to reveal some details of his personal life. The exclusive interview for Dubai Chronicle continues from Part 1.

Q.: Do you have in mind something that you would like to buy?

A.: Yes, and it is at this point completely out of reach: The Cuisine Diploma classes at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris.

Q.: What is your recent “find”, something unique that has fascinated you?

A.: Molecular gastronomy! A truly new dimension of the perception of texture, food, cooking, presentation; Warning: It is only for the real gourmets who respect the past, but look forward to in the future.

Q.: Do you read books? If “Yes”, what is the title of the book you currently read?

A.: I read a lot, read and re-read. I always read 3-4 books at the time, because I am such an impatient, frenetic enthusiast who always looks for new ideas and inspiration. At the moment, I read ‘Start with the answers’ by Bob Seelert (Chairman of Saatchi and Saatchi), and inspiring ‘full-of-wisdom’ book about business and success, and ‘Molecular Gastronomy: Exploring the Science of Flavor’ by Herv; This (who is an amazing scientist and gourmet, and one of the inventors of the Molecular Gastronomy).

Q.: What is the title of the website that inspires you?

A.: With no doubt: google.com. I use and admire Google since their creation back in 1998.

Q.: What is the best gift you have ever received?

A.: The master-kit “Le nez du vin 54” (The Nose of the wine, 54 aromas) – a birthday present, offered by my beloved wife Zori. This is an encyclopedia, a game, a tool, a toy; that every gourmet should have. More information here: www.lenez.com

Q.: What is the best gift you have ever given?

A.: My love poems – to my wife Zori, from the depth of my heart, with all my love.

Q.: If you collect or would like to collect artworks, who will be your favorite artist?

A.: It is not easy to choose, really. I esteem many if not all of these amazing artists, a race of titans that is unfortunately no more; Paul Cezanne maybe, for his astonishing landscapes; and his unique color that brings light and serenity in your heart and your soul.

Q.: How long you have been in Dubai?

A.: Seven years and seven months.