Interview with chef Valentine Warner
Valentine Warner
Valentine Warner romped his way onto our screens last autumn, and stole our hearts with his delicious seasonal cooking. With a successful second series and new book ‘What to eat now: More please!’ under his belt, Rebecca Smith talked to him about his inspirations, his love of tradition, and why tripe is the way to a woman’s heart…
Are you pleased with the new series of What to Eat Now?
Yes I am, it seems fuller than the last one and there’s more cooking – I think it’s great!
How was the filming this time around?
I felt a lot more relaxed this time – I learnt a lot from the last one so I wasn’t so worried about getting it right. I realised that sometimes it works out when things don’t go as planned – you often end up with something better than you’d anticipated.
Mexico is a strong theme in the book – what is it about that type of food that inspires you?
As a place I love Mexico, and food-wise it’s just starting to make a name for itself over here. It’s not at all the stodgy beans and Tex-Mex food that people think, it’s fresh and delicious – just incredibly tasty and there’s so much going on with the flavours. I go there mainly to fish, but I love absolutely all of the food.
Old-fashioned dishes are another big theme, is this thanks to your parents’ love of food?
I spent my childhood reading my mother’s huge collection of recipe books and they really left an impression on me – especially all the weirdly coloured 60s photos! I think it’s so important, whatever you decide to cook, to have some kind of grounding in where it’s come from and how the recipe has changed and evolved. And I like all those old recipes. I’m more likely to shy away from all that fussed-around-with poncy food, and go back towards eccles cakes and pies…and things cooked in masses of dripping!
How has your life changed since the first TV series? Are you finding yourself getting recognized more often?
Actually no, not a whole lot has changed. I occasionally get stopped in the street by people who enjoy the show, which is great, but apart from that the only real difference is I have less time for fishing!
Do you have any devoted full-time fans?
Only my mother!
What is the kitchen utensil you couldn’t live without?
Apart from a knife? Hmm. My potato ricer – I love my potato ricer.
What’s always in your fridge?
Pickles and always some kind of cured fish – I’m a real sucker for roll mops – I just absolutely love them.
What’s your best habit in the kitchen?
My chopping skills. I can’t stress enough how much people should learn to use proper chefs’ knives. Trying to cut veg with a tiny paring knife is virtually impossible.
And your worst habit?
Smoking in the kitchen – no don’t print that!…oh go on then. And eating stuff I’ve dropped on the floor, but I think that’s good – it’s given me a hugely strong immune system!
What was the first dish you mastered as a child?
It was scrambled eggs. My parents instilled in me that they should never, ever be made with milk – just butter and seasoning. After several incredibly botched attempts, I think I got the hang of it!
What would you cook for your true love?
Broad beans – they’re my true love so it seems appropriate. Or stewed tripe, with carrots, wine, tomato and parsley. I love it and no one else seems to, so it would be a sort of test. If she could love tripe, I’d know she was the one!
Who would you count as your biggest influences?
Alastair Little should be top of this list. I worked under him and he’s a fantastic chef and tutor. I’m also an enormous fan of St John’s Fergus Henderson, and a long time devotee of Elizabeth David’s writing.
So what’s next for you?
I’m not too sure at the moment. I’m enjoying myself so I’d definitely like to carry on, and maybe do some traveling with the TV series, but we’ll all just have to wait and see!
What to eat now: More Please! is out in all good bookshops now. To order What to Eat Now, More Please by Valentine Warner at the special price of £15.00 please call 01903 828503 and quote the code MB254.
