‘I smile and see the good things in life’
National treasure and TV chef Ainsley Harriott, 63, shares the culinary delights of the stunning Mediterranean…
Tell us about the new series?
I travel through the Mediterranean looking at the diversity of food. It’s about the people, too – and I’m blowing smoke up my bum here, but I’ve got the gift of talking to people and bringing things out of them. I go into their homes and we eat together. What are your highlights?
In one episode I’m in Aqaba – the part of Jordan that’s near to the sea – making date molasses with the locals. We took the stones out and made coffee from them. It felt like I’d gone back a hundred years, but it was wonderful. In Corsica, we met a hunky international rugby player who produced his own olive oil – there was something really romantic about that.
Are you picking up cooking tips? You never stop learning, and sometimes you’re reminded of a classic dish, such as a fish tagine with preserved lemons. People forget how easy these meals are to make. We’re always going out to buy things now, thinking, “Oh, these flatbreads are only £2.50”. Yes, but it’ll cost 90p to make your own, and you’ll have the satisfaction of them being fresh and knowing how they’re made. Do you find the lbs creeping on a bit, doing this series?
I have struggled a bit in that department since doing the Caribbean series... When you’re going into people’s houses with a film crew, inevitably they’re going to bake you a lovely cake!
I think when your favourite trousers or shirt start to feel a bit tight, then you know you need to do something about it!
What sort of reaction do you get from the public?
If I’m shopping on a Sunday, walking around the supermarket after people have just watched the show, I do get some lovely comments – and people start trying to cuddle me. But in these current times, I’m like, ‘Uh oh!’ We can’t cuddle, we supposed to be fist-pumping instead!’
You were awarded an MBE by Prince Charles earlier this month. Congratulations!
I know, yeah! I was pinching myself. I was there at Buckingham Palace with my children for the day and I absolutely loved it. Do I write ‘MBE’ after my name? Only if I’m complaining to the gas board! The actual award is the most wonderful thing – though it’s easy to put it down and forget what you’ve done with it… What’s your secret to looking so youthful?
Oh, I love you! [Laughs] Maybe it’s my attitude to life…? My glass is always half full. I also play tennis and do my Pilates once a week – and I smile. I see the good things in life.
It is a really happy programme…
I hope people do see it like that. Maybe it’s a good time for it to be going out, because we’re all going through this [the coronavirus crisis] and we need something to lighten the load. Do you take anything away with you to remind you of home?
I don’t think I do... My agent takes his own tube of Colman’s Mustard everywhere, and a photograph of how he likes his toast done for when he stays at hotels! My only thing is that I don’t like lemon in water. If I want a finger bowl, I’ll ask for one…