Moldovan chef Denis Brovceac has spent 12 years in the kitchen and now cooks at La Butuc in Chișinău. He also collects hats, from classic to extremely extravagant.
Do you want to hear a story of a meteoric rise? A fun tale of success and the classic “one morning I woke up famous”? Then you’d better ask someone else, because my story is made of a dream, work and steadfast purpose.
My name is Denis Brovceac, and I’m the chef at La Butuc restaurant. I’ve dreamed of culinary freedom since I was a kid. As far back as I can remember, the kitchen was always my territory. Other children were interested in streets, yards and garages, but I was fond of products, recipes, combinations and aromas.
There wasn’t much choice in my Soviet childhood: there was only the all-Union State Standard. But I was smart and resourceful, a good inventor and creator, and sometimes I got really great results. Now I’m proud of my courage.
I never get tired in the kitchen. How can you get tired of something you love? Every day is different, unique and new. For 12 years now, my work has brought me happiness, new experience and new goals.
That’s why it’s so hard for me to name a favorite dish, or even a favorite cuisine. For me, they are all canvases for my creative work, where I add my personal accents and make the tones more complex. There are millions of culinary possibilities in the world, in every tone of taste, and I don’t want or plan to limit my choice. That’s what I teach my son: to feel, rather than keep up with fashion or other people’s dreams.
I’m happy because my son is really interested in cooking and choosing ingredients. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen together, and it’s really great: we’ll found a dynasty of chefs. Perhaps every father dreams of this, openly or secretly.
You’ll be surprised, but my hobbies have nothing to do with the kitchen. I’m a rather unique collector, so to speak: I collect hats, from classic to extremely extravagant. But I’ve found a practical use for my hobby. When I cook in an open kitchen, I can dress up to please my guests.
There’s only one thing I can never get enough of, and that’s time. I don’t have enough time to be simply a man, a father and a husband. My family is the most understanding and supportive in the world, and I spend every spare moment with them. They are my greatest motivation, and I believe their sincere love will always help me.
