I was quite shy. I found my way, I suppose, with food. It's a confidence builder. How else in life do you get that opportunity for someone to say to you, 'Wow, that's really great'? You put food in front of someone and, 'Ahhh, I really enjoyed that!' It's a lift.
I grew up not being intimidated by the kitchen.
The kitchen is the place you feel relaxed.
I don't just loving cooking in a vacuum, as it were; I love cooking for people, with people, and laughing.
When I worked as a chef I had a happy brigade. I didn't run it with a rod of iron because I didn't need to me. I honestly believe that relaxed happy staff will be reflected in the food.
I'm all about big, bold flavours! Roasts! Cheese! But I do like a neat work surface.
People are frightened of the unknown.
My children are enthusiastic about food, it's great when you see them with girlfriends or boyfriends and they talk about food in a knowledgable way.
One of the nicest things about taking your kids to a restaurant - Thai or Chinese for example - is having all the dishes in the middle of the table so that you can try a little bit of everything.
Cooking is about love, really, and cooking for your children is all about caring for them, building relationships.
In our house caring about food is pretty instinctive.
Every cookbook can be a bit patronising.
I think everyone knows that I'm the type of person who can have a good time without drinking.
I used to take vitamins, but I think diet is the most important thing. If you have a good diet, there's no need for that stuff.
I think what balances me out more than anything is long walks and eating well.
You've got be a good communicator in almost any job nowadays - but if you're enthusiastic and committed in your job, good things will come your way.
In my 20s, I was body surfing in Spain and the current dragged me out. I was waving at my friends who thought I was messing about, but I was drowning. I managed to swim in on my back but it scarred me.
In London, you can visit, in a way, every part of the globe within the span of a few streets. It's truly amazing and, whatever your mood, you're sure to find something to your taste.
My Mum was the main reason why I became a chef. She influenced all of my family to feel free in the kitchen - it was the centre of our home and I have wonderful memories of helping Mum cook and experiencing the love and patience that went into the food.
Food is an integral part of Caribbean life - it's diverse just like Caribbean culture, with flavour influences from India, Europe, China, South America and Africa.
