A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Founder of Ef Zin, a Greek multi space culinary concept

Regardless of the day, my body naturally wakes up at this time. I spend time on my phone, which I like to think of as a good habit. I check the reports from the previous day, review emails and messages across all my social media platforms. I make sure to post on both my personal and business Instagram platforms (@chefsperxos and @efzin.ae). It is important for me to keep the content fresh and to showcase what we are creating.

I head to the gym – I am still on my phone, replying to business and personal messages. Cooking is my life and eating is a passion, so I never skip my daily workout. An early morning workout is my shot of caffeine, it kicks starts my body and mind!

On my way to Al Quoz, I have a call with my PA, we catch up on my day ahead and what meetings I have confirmed. I arrive at Efzin Kitchen Lab, a creative space that is an office, studio and private dining space all rolled into one. I like to be a positive leader for my team, and a happy workplace boosts productivity, motivation and creativeness.

When I arrive, I greet the team and ask how everyone is. Once armed with a coffee, we have our team briefing. This is an important time to run through any potential issues but to also praise any highlights from the evening before. Following the meeting I tuck into some eggs kayana – a simple Greek dish of scrambled eggs with tomatoes – and make a daily task list; this is the easiest way for me to plan my day/week ahead. I then check that all goods and supplies are up to my expectations and create new menus for clients – this is one of the most enjoyable parts of my day!

The next few hours I am kept busy with meetings. I meet with a new client, a well-known DJ (sorry my lips are sealed!) who wants to host a birthday celebration on a yacht. I don’t get star struck often, but there has been the odd client who I’ve been nervous to meet. But once in the kitchen the nerves disappear, and I am in my element. I next meet with my business partner with whom I discuss new opportunities to grow the business. We are currently working on some very exciting projects in Dubai, Qatar, and Mykonos.

The afternoons are for training, I believe that putting aside just 10 minutes a day to train someone in a new skill is very important. This not only helps the individual grow, but also the team and in the long run the business too. I love to cook but also to teach, it makes me happy to share my skills and my Greek heritage with the team. I learn from them too. Our team are from different countries and it’s exciting to learn from their cultures and cooking experiences.

Some of the teams are working in different locations today. I have one chef working in a villa on Palm Jumeriah, and another in a penthouse Downtown. My driver takes me across town so that I can visit each location and make sure everything is prepped perfectly.

The cooking studio is where I spend time to relax, I can clear my head and be fresh for the evening ahead. This is also the time when I am my most creative and try out new recipes and ideas on presentation – my life goal is to put Greek cuisine on the map!

I usually eat a quick dinner now, whatever I have been experimenting on in the kitchen. Tonight, I am enjoying Giouvetsi – beef stew with delicious orzo pasta in a rich tomato sauce, topped with a heap of grated kefalotyri cheese.

It’s time for me to head to my client’s villa in Emirates Hills and provide an exceptional private dining experience. I am cooking a five course Greek dinner for 15 guests. One of the biggest challenges of the evening will be serving 15 dishes at the same time, with dry ice and edible flowers. The hosts have a live band which is a nice touch to the evening.

The evening is a success! The dinner is over, and the party is in full swing. We pack up and I make my way home, although my day in not over just yet. I use the time in the car to catch up on emails and send voice messages to my team.

I get home and ready for bed, but first, I need a little time to unwind. I put my phone on silent and enjoy a green mountain tea with Kourabiedes (Greek cookies which we make and sell at Efzin), whilst settling in for an episode of Ozark. No two days are ever the same for me and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store for me!