English chef Ed Baines is the co-owner of Randall & Aubin, one of London’s most popular restaurants.
He began his media career in 1998 in the United Kingdom with the TV series Lunch with Ed Baines. He has since appeared in several TV cookery shows and is well known for his role as a judge on seven seasons of the ITV reality-TV show, Britain's Best Dish. He has also published two books. He lives in Wandsworth in the UK with his wife and two children.
Your last trip to Abu Dhabi was two years ago. What are you looking forward to most during this visit?
It just gets better every time. I’m looking forward to seeing and eating everything that has developed in the past 24 months. It’s a wonder to be able to travel and meet new audiences, create opportunities and see and meet new people.
Why did you become a chef?
I have a complete love of food and everything food related. As a young man, I was inspired by Paul Bocuse.
What is your style of cooking?
I describe my cuisine as classical French-inspired modern cooking. At my restaurant, my signature dishes are my classic fish dishes. But with 30 years’ international experience cooking for an audience, it’s my robust and light dishes that inspire. I’ll be demonstrating some of my new straightforward and delicious recipes at the festival.
What is your favourite meal?
Ossobuco alla Milanese [cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables and broth].
Which cookbooks have you written and where can we get them?
Entertain and Best of British – both are available on Amazon. Slow and Steady is my next book. It will be released next year.
sjohnson@thenational.ae