Chef revelations: Fred Duval
The head chef at the White Onion in Wimbledon village, south London, reveals his likes and pet hates
What was your best subject at school?
Philosophy
What was your first job?
Selling postcards in my parents' bookshop at the seaside
What was your first job in catering?
Kitchen porter
What do you do to relax?
I listen to my vinyl jazz collection
What's your favourite restaurant?
Locally, the French Table in Surbiton; in London, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
What's your favourite hotel?
Hôtel De La Marine, Barneville-Carteret in France
What's your favourite drink?
Pic Saint-Loup
What is your favourite food?
I'm addicted to prawns
What flavour combinations do you detest?
Broccoli and Stilton
Which ingredient do you hate?
Tinned baked beans
Are there any foods that you refuse to cook with?
What do you always carry with you?
A smile
Which person in catering have you most admired?
Alain Ducasse
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
My wife
Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
A live chicken
What daily website do you read?
Yahoo (FR and UK)
If not yourself, who would you rather have been?
William the Conqueror
Describe your ultimate nightmare
No more prawns in the seaâ¦