Chef Revelations – Tom van Zeller
What was your best subject at school?
History, geography and home economics, which my mum taught
What was your first job?
Paper round
What do you normally have for breakfast?
Porridge, with my little daughter Maria
What was your first job in catering?
Washing up at the world famous Bettys' café and tearooms in Harrogate after school and on weekends
What's your favourite restaurant?
I had lunch at Tom Aikens Restaurant recently and thought it was fantastic. I also thought that Pollen Street Social was a really good concept that could work in Leeds, but overall my favourite has to be Pied à Terre.
What's your favourite hotel?
My wife and I had our honeymoon at Le Mas Candille in Provence. It was fantastic. We ate about nine Michelin stars in a week!
Which person in catering have you most admired?
David Moore after he helped me open my own restaurant. I now appreciate what he has been going through for the past 21 years.
What do you do to relax?
Go to the gym in the afternoons
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Broad beans that get picked too early
What flavour combinations do you detest?
Vanilla and fish - leave it alone!
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
My amazing wife Ruth is my greatest inspiration. Van Zeller Restaurant wouldn't exist without her.
What would be your last supper?
Sunday lunch with the family
What daily newspaper/website do you read?
Twitter
If not yourself, who would you rather have been?
A Formula 1 driver
If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you'd be now?
I dread to think
Describe your ultimate nightmare
Working 9-5 in an office environment
What irritates you most about the industry?
Chefs ruining their careers on TV
Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
Fine Champagne Cognac
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Just my mates - we always have a good laugh when we meet up
What's your favourite drink?
Vodka martini
Tom van Zeller, chef-proprietor, Van Zeller restaurant, Harrogate