#INSPIREDBY RACHEL RODDY

Rachel Roddy was our Roman tour guide. She took us on the food tour to end all food tours on a summer trip to the city. Aside from that, Rachel is a multi award-winning food writer and author… based in Rome. She runs a cookery school there, whilst also penning a weekly column for Guardian Feast.

What was one of the very first dishes you remember eating? You could also say where you were and who you were dining with, if you’d like too.

Tinned peaches with vanilla ice cream in the garden of our house in Harpenden. I remember it well because my brother fell down the step carrying his bowl, and cut his hand open. I was concerned about his hand, but more so about my rapidly melting ice cream, which I then drank.

Who is your food hero?

I have many. Today, day 63 of lockdown in Rome, I have to say, Marco, my fruit and vegetable man at my local market in Rome. With his father, Marco farms, harvests and brings fresh stuff into Rome each day, I feel fortunate to eat the goodness he grows everyday.

What is your guiltiest food pleasure?

I never feel guilty about food. My greatest food pleasure….Again, there are many, but our Friday night fritti and frizzante is source of great joy.

Which restaurant to you long to return to?

Where to begin? The nearest one, our local trattoria Piatto Romano that is 20 metres from our front door and has now been closed for 62 days. I’ll start with a deep fried artichoke, then have braised rabbit, chicory, olive oil baked potatoes and a litre of house white please.

What would be your last meal?

This is really hard. What am I going to die of? Let’s assume it is in my sleep after a long and happy life and I will have the full Friday night special, the fried things and the frizz, a whole baked fish, potatoes and mayonnaise, a bottle of wine each, really expensive chocolates assorted grappa, and my bed (to die in).

What dish do you cook the most at home? And who shares it with you.

Pasta with either a slutty tomato sauce, or green vegetables with parmesan, always with my partner Vincenzo and our son.

What restaurant T-shirt would you wear?

I would like a plain one signed by the owners of all my favourite places, in London and Rome, the restaurant equivalent of the last day of school T shirt.

Favourite vegetable?

Hard - can I have on from each season please - artichokes, peas, tomatoes and potatoes.

Most-used condiment?

Vinegar.

Most over-rated dish?

My rice pudding - I think it is the best ever (it isn't)

Favourite restaurant not in the UK?

Sakalleo in Scoglitti in Sicily for endless seafood straight from the sea.

Favourite fast food joint?

Our local pizza-by-the-slice in Rome

Quick Fire

Breakfast in bed or Hotel Restaurant?

Restaurant

English Breakfast Tea or Long Black Coffee?

Tea

Martini - Gin or Vodka

Gin

Ketchup or Mayo?

Mayo

Stella or Boli?

Not sure what it is but I will have Boli

London or New York?

London - to see my family

City break or Hideaway?

Right now - up a mountain please (with my family

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