Don’t call me Ramsay, says Gordon’s girl
SHE has one of the most famous surnames in the culinary world.
Yet Gordon Ramsay’s youngest daughter worries her family connections could hamper her dreams of becoming a professional chef.
At only 15, Matilda ‘Tilly’ Ramsay is set to publish her first cookery book, Tilly’s Kitchen Takeover, in May.
And while the new book contains some ‘tips from dad’, the teenager plans to drop the Ramsay name as her career progresses – so as not to live in his shadow.
The acclaimed TV chef, whose restaurants have been awarded a total of 16 Michelin stars, said: ‘Tilly is an amazing young chef. She has an incredible palate. But I do not want the pressure of her having to be Matilda Ramsay because she has already said to me: “Dad, no disrespect, but if I end up being a chef, one thing I am doing is changing my name”.’
The 50-year-old father of four, who became a household name across the world following the success of his Kitchen Nightmares television series, revealed his children also experience his famous straight-talking.
He said: ‘I am not tough, but honest with her, like I am with all my children. As a parent, it is my responsibility to tell them if something is incorrect. ‘Discipline is necessary.’ Ramsay’s other children, Megan, 19, and twins Holly and Jack, 17, have all been encouraged to cook.
‘Today, that is an important life skill,’ he said. ‘It does not have to lead to a career, but it is important, when you go to university or start a family. It is more important than algebra.’
Tilly’s Kitchen Takeover, published by Hodder & Stoughton, follows the teenager’s successful CBBC series, Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch. It promises: ‘Start your day the Tilly way, with a nourishing Smoothie Bowl, followed by some Vitamin Packed Power Balls for a late morning pick-me-up.
‘Cool down mid-afternoon with a Fro-Yo Cooler, followed by some Lean Machine Chicken and Super Light Raspberry Macaroons.
‘Impress all your friends with a Green Goodness Picnic or throw a funfilled Ramsay-style Feast of Pulled Pork and Smokey American Beans, with Surprise Rainbow Cake and Hollywood Raspberry Fizz for dessert!’