Interview: Gordon Ramsay
With a level of vital acclaim rivalled only by his large commercial success, one might think that Gordon Ramsay, the fiery-tongued host of kitchen Nightmares, The F Word and Hell’s Kitchen, had signed a deal with the Devil himself. currently ranked third in the world by the Michelin star rating for his string of internationally celebrated restaurants including Gordon Ramsay at The London nyc and Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood, Ramsay has authored several best-selling books; his newest volume Gordon Ramsay’s world kitchen (2010 essential Porter) was published in September 2010.
Ramsay, a Scottish-born British transplant, had a professional football profession cut short when an injury forced him to explore other avenues. Eighteen, rudderless and lacking the requirements to join the British royal Navy or the police force, Ramsay enrolled in a local catering college — a decision he describes as a complete accident. several kitchens later, after working under popular chefs such as man Savoy and Marco Pierre White, the talented Ramsay rose to the top. He remains a preferred among the celebrity set, dyed-in-the-wool foodies and reality show fans alike, but his fame and fortune haven’t changed the way he views a good meal: best delighted in at home with his wife, Tana, and their four children.
House & Home: describe what you like many about your home.
Gordon Ramsay: We have an amazing kitchen on the ground floor. It has an oven the size of a automobile with an extractor fan that is so powerful it makes the girls’ hair stand on end.
H&H: how would you describe your sense of style?
GR: When I’m outside the kitchen, it’s jeans and a T-shirt, something comfortable and functional. My home is developed the same way — easy furnishings and decor, but all of it functional, not cluttered with useless objects and figurines. With the children running around the house, those things would never survive.
H&H: describe your ideal getaway getaway.
GR: I recently went on a holiday to Thailand with Tana and the kids. That was a wonderful experience for us all; the people there were so friendly, the scenery was just stunning, and the food was extremely fresh. I’m active each day and always en route somewhere, whether it’s to check in on my restaurants or film a show, so when it concerns a holiday I really just want to unwind with my family.
H&H: What cities and cultures do you find inspiring at the moment?
GR: I’ve always been fascinated and amazed with Asia, and typically incorporate their aesthetic and flavours into my restaurants and dishes. They really know how to present things simply, but perfectly and beautifully. I’m also completely blown away whenever I’m in new York — the pace of the city is unlike any other, and the variety of restaurants is incredible. I’ve also been spending a lot of time in L.A., now that my restaurant at The London West Hollywood has opened — it’s such an energetic, dynamic city.
H&H: What’s your idea of a ideal night out?
GR: surrounded by family and friends, with a wonderful meal and a good bottle of wine. That’s about as close to ideal as it gets.
H&H: What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
GR: Tana just purchased me a Ducati Desmosedici, an amazing bike with 200 HP.
H&H: finish this sentence: “I feel many comfortable when…”
GR: I’m at home in London having Sunday lunch with my family.
H&H: What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
GR: My kids wake me up — they’re all under 10, so there is never any sleeping in, which suits me just fine; I like getting an early start, whether I’m headed off for a busy day of service or spending the day at home.