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