After dedicating eight years to the Ottolenghi group, Elaine Goad steps into the role of head chef at Nopi, the renowned restaurant nestled in London's vibrant Soho district.
Goad is the second female head chef at Nopi. Nicole Pisani was the first female head chef at this restaurant back in 2012 and left in 2014.
Having spearheaded Ottolenghi Chelsea's launch in 2021 as head chef, Elaine Goad now brings her expertise to Nopi, marking a significant transition within the Ottolenghi group.
In 2015, Elaine Goad joined the Ottolenghi group as a kitchen porter, having wanted to 'start from the bottom, as that way if I ever wanted to run a business, I'd know how a KP or a commis chef would feel'.
As Nopi's pioneering female head chef, Elaine Goad will introduce a captivating menu inspired by her Filipino roots and highlighting the diverse flavors of Southeast Asia. Expect innovative dishes like roasted rump cap with gochujang and coffee butter, runner beans with coconut brittle, and black tea chocolate ganache with whisky caramel, inviting diners on a culinary journey through vibrant and tantalising tastes.
Yotam Ottolenghi said: 'Elaine has undergone a meteoric rise at Ottolenghi, from kitchen porter to commis chef, salad chef to head chef.
'It's fair to assume that all of her years of work have given her an incredible drive that, combined with great talent, has made her the extraordinary chef she is today. We're so excited to see what she does at Nopi – I'm confident that the menu will thrive under her guidance.'
Nopi made its debut in 2011 as Yotam Ottolenghi's first 'grown-up' restaurant, offering a sophisticated dining experience centered around shared plates influenced by the rich culinary tapestry of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia.