Interview: chef Aldo Zilli
Chef
Favourite restaurant in London? Zuma in Knightsbridge. I only go to Italian restaurants in Italy but I love Oriental food as well - hence Zuma.
What's your comfort food? Penne with fresh tomatoes and chilli.
What would you cook to seduce someone? I wouldn't cook. I'd just get oysters and caviar.
Favourite drink? White wine.
Favourite bar in London? I go to The Groucho, Soho House and The Met Bar. They don't charge me membership because I'm a local.
Best party? The post premiere party for Captain Correlli's Mandolin. I looked after Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz and I was a very happy man.
When did you last stay out all night? In New York with Chris Evans before he married Billie. We ended up drinking in a whisky bar all night, chatting up the staff. As you do when you're pissed.
Your idea of a perfect night out? A night in with my fiancee, Nikki. We've just got engaged.
What are your virtues? Nikki says I'm generous, witty and intelligent.
And your vices? I've just given up smoking. I'm trying to give up alcohol. It's not working.
Words of wisdom? Never look back.
What's the worst thing that's happened in your kitchen? Freddie Mercury's birthday. At about 4am we lost him. He'd gone into the kitchen to make some chips. The kitchen went up in flames.
Who inspires you? Ingredients inspire me to create recipes. I pick up things from TV chefs - Delia is inspiring.
What makes you angry? Ignorance and laziness.
The Zilli Cookbook by Aldo Zilli (Simon & Schuster), £20, is out now.
