Chef revelations: Dale Osborne
The executive chef at Aqua Shard in London reveals his likes and dislikes
What was your first job?
As part of a chefs' course at 16, I was sent to London to train in the kitchens of the Goring hotel
What do you normally have for breakfast?
What do you do to relax?
I read books - cookery books, sci-fi and fantasy in particular
Which is your favourite restaurant?
It's impossible to say. I always go back to St John Bread and Wine, Brawn and Lyle's
What's your favourite hotel?
The Goring, it's always been a classic, traditional hotel that has stood the test of time
What is your favourite drink?
I do love a good G&T. I've just been to Madrid and I love the giant goblets they serve them in
Describe your ultimate nightmare?
That the lifts in the Shard all break down
What is your favourite food?
A grilled steak and a crisp green salad
Which person in catering have you most admired?
At the moment it is GastÁ³n Acurio for all he has done promoting Peru
Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
A good set of knives to kill, butcher and prep
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Bananas. They are too sweet, too soft and extremely phallic
Are there any foods/ingredients that you refuse to cook with?
I think you need to try everything. I even cook with bananas
Tell us a secret…
My cat Sookie thinks she's a dog. She howls in the mornings and her favourite game is fetch
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Bruce Willis, he's much older, but he does have the hair for it! He is also a massive foody and was a gentleman and all-round cool guy when I cooked for him
What is your favourite prepared product?
The Rib Man's Holy F**k sauce. I always have a bottle in the fridge