Simon Shaw

1. What was your first job?

Commis chef at Rowley Manor in Little Weighton, Hull

2. What made you decide that you wanted to be a chef?

It seemed like a good idea

3. What is your favourite restaurant?

Aubergine, London

4. What is your favourite wine and what would you serve it with for that perfect meal?

Clos du Val with chargrilled seafood over an open fire!

5. Are there any foods/ingredients you refuse to eat or cook with? If so, why?

Tripe and chickens' feet

6. What is the worst thing you have had to do as part of your job?

Skin 12 rabbits

7. How do you relax away when you're away from work?

Play the drums, listen to music, go to Mojo (best bar in Leeds)

8. What would you do if you won the lottery?

Enjoy life and look after a few special people

9. What sort of music do you like?

A massive variation - soul and acid jazz, Thomas Lang, funk, Lou Dalgleish, Brian Kennedy

10. Who is your favourite supplier of the moment and why?

Bill Wrae, Whitby, North Yorkshire (01947 811098), for good-quality and service with care

11. What is your favourite prepared food product?

Any noodle dish and HP sauce, brown

12. Who would be in your ultimate "fantasy brigade"?

Dereck Baugh, Gordon Ramsay, Nigel Kennedy, Paul Lazenby, Pat McDonnald and Joanne Guest

13. What would you do if you had more time?

Spend more money shopping

14. What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Being spotted on TV by the old lady who runs our corner shop

15. Describe yourself in five words?

Ambitious, perfectionist, adventurous, demanding, sensitive

16. How would your brigade describe you in five words?

Difficult, demanding, stubborn, amusing, late!