Success is baked-in for new head man at Valaria
Cousin of elite eatery boss shows culinary success runs in the family
WHEN Mafu Diagne arrived in Scotland less than five years ago, he had never cooked or baked before.
Now, the 27-year-old, originally from Senegal, has been appointed head baker at one of Glasgow’s most talked about venues
– Valaria.
The Byres Road eatery in the city’s West End is owned by Nico Simeone, the renowned chef behind Six By Nico.
Simeone hit the headlines in 2020 when he gifted his original Glasgow restaurant 111 by Nico to its head chef Modou Diagne, formerly a kitchen porter.
In 2019, Modou, who arrived in Scotland with just £200 in his pocket, convinced his cousin Mafu to follow in his footsteps. When he arrived, a job as a kitchen porter at one of Simeone’s venues, the Hebridean, was waiting for him.
Soon after, Modou took his cousin under his wing at 111 By Modou, where he first developed a passion for cookery. But as Simeone prepared to reopen Valaria, he knew the time was right for Mafu to step up to a senior role in the kitchen as reward for his commitment and culinary prowess.
“Modou’s like a brother to me”, said Mafu, who lives with his cousin near 111 By Modou in Kelvindale. “Although, we don’t see much of each other anymore as we’re like ships in the night; I arrive at work around 3am, and he’s not back till after midnight. We can go a week without seeing each other, despite living in the same house.
“He convinced me to come to Scotland and I’m so glad he did. It’s been a journey. He’s taught me so much; from his work ethic and his creativity to specific techniques. He’s always giving me advice and pushing me to improve.”
Simeone said: “I can’t believe how quickly he picks things up. He’s like a sponge, absorbing everything from everyone around him. Within months, he was better than some people who’d been doing it for years. Like Modou, he has incredible focus to make the best product possible.
“We could see the talent was there from very early on. I’m really proud of how he’s stepped into the role and we’re incredibly excited to see where he can take Valaria.”