Revelations: Filippo La Gattuta, executive chef, Big Mamma Group

A Mezcal Negroni – the smokiness, the bitter taste, it's a very sexy drink!

What is your favourite food/cuisine?

Definitely my home cuisine – Italian. However, I also love Lebanese. It's very close to Italian but the spice choices make it different and exciting

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

Aubergine, maybe because I am a bit allergic to it (or so I say)

What flavour combinations do you detest?

I don't like it when spices or condiments overpower the taste of the produce. I like to taste the amazing ingredients that are on the plate

What do you always carry with you?

My Italian smile, it's a must-have

Which person in catering have you most admired?

I really admire Massimo Bottura for bringing Italian cuisine to such a well-respected place in the industry. His work is truly incredible

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

My very first mentor – chef Steffano, a man with a great personality and endless knowledge

Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?

The only thing that's both essential and a luxury – my girlfriend

If not yourself, who would you rather have been?

I have a great passion for bartending, so maybe the bartender Nicola Battafarano

If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you would be now?

I would have enrolled in the army, like my father

Describe your ultimate nightmare?

Tomato sauce in carbonara

What is your favourite prepared product?

Supermarket chocolate mousse