Name: Jack C.
Position: Chinese Executive Chef
Hotel: Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers

In the heart of vibrant Hong Kong, at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, you’ll find Chef Jack. In his role as Chinese Executive Chef, Jack oversees the cuisine at the hotel’s renowned Chinese restaurant Celestial Court, which was most recently awarded a one diamond rating by the esteemed Black Pearl Restaurant Guide — an honor the restaurant has achieved for six years in a row.

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Jack began his culinary journey in 1992, and honed his skills across four different hotels before finding his home at the Sheraton in 2017.

“The profession of a Chinese chef requires a lot of time to hone your skills and learn new things,” Jack says of his experience. “Working hours are often longer than in other professions, so you need to have a deep interest in the job, not be afraid of hard work, face challenges and continue to learn, and not give up easily.”

Read more about his inspiring career, including his advice for newcomers to the industry.

When did you get involved in the industry and when did you join Marriott?

I have been in the hotel industry since 1992, starting as an apprentice in the kitchen and working my way through four different hotels in a variety of positions before joining the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers in 2017..

In your career journey, who is your career guide? And what is his/her greatest influence on you?

Throughout my career, I was most inspired by the Executive Chef I met at my first hotel. His culinary skills and influence on the industry inspired my love for the industry and my determination and hard work to develop my career.

In my daily work, the positive comments from our guests are the driving force for me to improve, and I can also learn from the guests’ feedback what the team lacks, and constantly learn and improve to make our restaurant a favorite choice of our guests, which gives me a great sense of satisfaction and achievement.

There must have been lots of struggling moments, what is your greatest motivation?

The profession of a Chinese chef requires a lot of time to hone your skills and learn new things. Working hours are often longer than in other professions, so you need to have a deep interest in the job, not be afraid of hard work, face challenges and continue to learn, and not give up easily.

Since I joined the industry, I have realized that I can only get what I put in. I have thought of giving up in the face of difficulties, but when I think of the support of customers, the efforts of colleagues and the morale of the team, it always inspires me to get back on my feet.

Management is an art. What is your understanding of a team, and how do you get along with your own?

Our team is made up of a mix of people from different age groups, and as the team leader, I take the time to explore each person’s strengths and understand their needs, such as the adequacy and safety of tools and kitchen equipment, and the smoothness of the operation.

After ensuring that everything is working properly, I will assign each person to a suitable position according to their characteristics, provide training and guidance, with the aim of allowing everyone to have the opportunity to develop and improve, while maintaining team cohesion and strong team spirit, maintaining good communication, as well as a mentor and a friend, to have a strong and effective team will be able to work halfway through the work.

What are your hobbies? Do you enjoy cooking outside of work?

In my daily life, I take time to exercise to keep my body and mind healthy. On my days off, I also like to cook for my family and prepare their favorite food.

You always deliver your health concept through dishes, what else would you do to keep health in your daily life?

A healthy diet is of utmost importance to me. I emphasize on a balanced and nutritious diet and believe that a healthy body is the foundation of everything. I believe that a healthy body is the foundation of everything.

I advocate enjoying a variety of foods in moderation, actively participating in outdoor sports, and ensuring that I have enough time to rest to maintain a healthy body.

What is your advice to those just starting out in culinary?

For those who are passionate about joining the food and beverage industry, it is recommended to make a plan for at least one year, during which time you should stick to your passion for your job, face challenges, don’t be afraid of hard work, and don’t give up easily.

Every position has its own challenges that we need to overcome. It is important to maintain a positive attitude when facing these challenges.

Through continuous learning and practice, you will be able to find a career that you will be satisfied and proud of.

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