LIVE24SEVEN // Interview CAS TAWAY COL L E C T ION – ALDO Z I L L I
Award winning Italian Chef and Restaurateur, Aldo Zilli has graced our TV kitchens for over two decades. One of nine children, Aldo was born in the small seaside town of Alba Adriatica and first learnt how to cook from his mother. Aldo has been at the heart of London’s innovative Italian dining scene for many years as founder and chef-patron of many restaurants including Signor Zilli, Zilli Café and of course not forgetting the Soho institution, Zilli Fish. Aldo decided to hang up his chef’s whites in March 2012 to focus on a whole host of other exciting ventures. Celebrity Columnist Ellie Mainwaring caught up with Aldo ahead of the Best of Italy Festival, for which he is Ambassador.
Where in the world will you choose to be a castaway? Barbados. It holds so many happy memories for me, as it is where I got married and honeymooned. We had a magical time swimming, snorkelling and eating at many of the island’s greatest restaurants. The trip was all the more special as we flew by Concorde.
What accessory would you take? My Apple Watch – I am obsessed with it! I don’t think I could go back to a traditional watch now and having it with me while castaway, would allow me to keep on track with things while I was soaking up the sunshine on the beach.
You can take the entire works of one musician to your desert island, who will it be? This is an easy one – it would have to be Queen! Freddie Mercury was a good friend of mine and a regular visitor to my Soho restaurants. I have treasured memories of him singing in my kitchen!
What animal or pet would you take? My beloved French Bulldog, Romeo. He’s the friendliest of companions and I would hate to be parted from him. No doubt he would love the beach lifestyle too, bounding into the waves and drying off in the sunshine.
Name one possession you would take and one to leave behind for a loved one? I would take with me a tin of Illy coffee because, quite simply, I am addicted to it and start every morning with a large cup to prepare me for the day ahead. I would leave behind my loud, colourful shirts, which are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
What would be your luxury item? Truffle paste. I could put it on anything, no matter how bland, and it would instantly taste amazing.
What would be your last supper before departing for your desert island? A generous helping of ravioli with butter
and fresh sage. The simplest pasta dishes are the best, without question.
You can take one celebrity companion, who will it be? My dear friend Chris Evans. He’s great fun to be around and very entertaining. There would never be a dull moment as we while away the hours in beautiful Barbados.
What’s your most treasured wardrobe item? I have a perfect pair of denim shorts that I had made in Italy. They are just the right length and would be a staple for beach life.
Biggest memory item? My rosary, which was a gift given to me on my wedding day by my brother who is a priest. I take it everywhere with me.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? The ability to walk on water – it would amaze my kids!
Which beauty item would you take? Coconut oil, not only is it a staple for cooking, but also the best thing for your skin after a day in the sun.
Aldo is the UK Ambassador for the Best of Italy Festival, showcasing the very best Italian engineering and supercars this September. For more information, visit
www.bestofitalyrace.com
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