THEY chose the same career and chased the same girls.

Now floppy-haired Jean-Christophe Novelli and Mark Baumann, who met in the Eighties, have joined forces once again.

Celebrity chef Novelli recently visited Baumann’s Brasserie in Stoneham Street, Coggeshall, to promote his new book, Everyday Novelli.

But the visit was more like a reunion between old school friends.

The duo were once flatmates and in the Eighties they worked together at the Chewton Glen Hotel, Hampshire.

In his thick French accent, Novelli, who lives in Hertfordshire, said: “I remember when Mark walked into the kitchen.

“I thought he was a Frenchman. He had a (Citroen) 2CV.

“We got on like best mates. We were two very strong pillars.

“I think he ended up going out with our landlord’s daughter. We had both been trying to impress her.”

“When he left, the kitchen wasn’t the same. He went his way and I went mine.”

Now Novelli, 48, hopes to visit Baumann’s Brasserie every two months to cook with his friend.

He will also be teaching at Baumann’s cooking academy at Bertazzonis’ showroom in Earls Colne.

Baumann, who has been a guest chef at Novelli’s cooking academy, run from the Frenchman’s 14th century farmhouse, said: “I think Jean-Christophe has a global presence and it does help business.”

Baumann has also notched up a number of TV appearances over the years, with his own ITV Anglia series Baumann Goes to Market, on UKTV’s Great Food Live. He was also challenged to a cook off by BBC Two’s Hairy Biker during their food tour of Britain. Baumann’s popular academy only takes six people per five-hour class, which cost from £95 to £150.

Baumann, 44, who speaks French and lives in Feering, said: “It’s a real passion of mine. It’s like having a day off.”

In fact, it is also a big day out for all the girls and housewives who take part.

He says many of the women dress up and some even arrive in hired sports cars.

During Novelli’s visit to Baumann’s Brasserie, he reflected on his rise to fame and Baumann’s success. He said: “Mark is one of the finest chefs. The only thing that is missing is a bit of television.

“If you put him on Jonathan Ross, bang! It’s crazy.”

Novelli, who has a 22-year-old daughter and 11-month-old son, is currently writing his autobiography.

He has starred on the television show Hell’s Kitchen, but has just turned down a chance to star on Strictly Come Dancing because he is too busy with the two new restaurants he opened this year.