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Meet Jonathan Henry, an up-and-coming food content creator who is taking the culinary world by storm. Known as ‘ThePlasticItalian’, this self-taught cook has a passion for Italian cuisine and aims to inspire others with fresh ideas and recipes using minimal ingredients for maximum flavour. Aged 28, Jonathan, who didn’t grow up in a foodie environment, had to learn later in life about the importance of homemade food. But despite only cooking for the last five years, his dedication and love of food has gained him a vast following on social media and beyond.

Jonathan’s culinary journey began in lockdown when he moved to London to be with his partner Taylor. It was there his eyes were opened to a whole new world involving food. By watching chefs in the open kitchens and appreciating the full dining experience, he fell in love with hospitality and in particular, Italian cuisine. He knew then and there that he wanted to dedicate his life to a career based around food.

The nickname, ‘ThePlasticItalian’ was coined by his mother over FaceTime one evening as he cooked a Bolognese. The word ‘plastic’ is a term in the north for ‘fake’ and his mother playfully told Jonathan ‘You’re not Italian - you’re a Plastic Italian!’ Jonathan immediately embraced the name but he gives all the credit to his mama!

In a nod to his moniker, Jonathan wants to challenge the perception that British chefs cannot excel in creating recipes from other countries and cultures. And with the success he’s been having so far, Jonathan is living proof that Italian cuisine can be done expertly by non-Italians as well. Over the years, Jonathan has solidified his presence in the Italian culinary world. He was recently invited to
a reception with the Italian Prime Minister at the Embassy where he was the only British person in the room. Representing his country and forging a relationship between Italy and Britain through food has been one of his biggest achievements and greatest honours. Furthermore, Jonathan has been accepted into the illustrious Italian Culinary Consortium; becoming one of only a handful of British chefs to be accepted into this exclusive club.

With a desire to inspire others to cook, Jonathan is a popular and well-respected food influencer who offers new tips, tricks and money saving ideas for healthier diets. By showcasing the Italian concept of ‘Cucina Povera’ which uses humble ingredients to create delectable meals bursting with flavour, he hopes to bring real Italian cooking to the masses.

Jonathan, whose day job is a fully qualified Arborist-Tree Surgeon, dreams of opening his own restaurant in London called none other than ThePlasticItalian. Watch this space as Jonathan’s influence in the culinary world continues to skyrocket. With an unstoppable enthusiasm for Italian cooking, using the freshest ingredients, Jonathan ultimately wants to share his passion for food to inspire and bring happiness to others.