Tino Longpre

Chef Tino Longpre's culinary philosophy is centered on elevating the dining experience within a cocktail-focused establishment, positioning food as a paramount attraction rather than a mere accompaniment. Deeply influenced by his mentorship under Chef Justin Leboe, Longpre imbues his cooking with the "Model Milk creativity," which is synonymous with inventive, refined interpretations of comfort and familiar dishes. His ethos at Proof involves crafting a "fun list of small plates" that are not only delectable on their own but also thoughtfully designed to complement the sophisticated cocktails. Longpre strives to transform conventional concepts into unexpected culinary adventures, surprising and delighting diners with dishes that are both approachable and artfully executed. He believes in the harmonious interplay between food and drink, ensuring that his cuisine stands as an equally compelling co-star to the expertly crafted libations. Chef Tino Longpre's technical style is distinguished by a sophisticated and creative take on small plates, meticulously designed to pair seamlessly with a high-end cocktail program. He showcases an inventive approach to flavor combinations, elegant plating, and a penchant for re-imagining classic dishes. His signature dishes include: * **Two-bite options:** Pickled eggs, gougeres made with Sylvan Star gouda, oysters, and pork belly steam buns. * **Black Pudding:** Topped with a fresh apple salad and toast. * **Warm Confit Cherry Tomatoes:** Served with rich beef butter. * **Pickled Shrimp "Cocktail"**: A particularly creative reinterpretation, this dish features grapefruit and side-stripe prawns, accented with macadamia nuts for crunch, fresh mint for brightness, and presented with whole endive leaves for a unique scooping experience, distinctly moving beyond traditional shrimp cocktail preparations.

Mentored by Justin Leboe.