10 questions with chef Ben Lippett
Ben Lippett (@dinnerbyben) is a chef, food writer, and all round good guy. His unfussy, seasonal approach to food is bang on, making him a must follow on Instagram.
We asked Ben 10 questions, he kindly answered:
1. Here's £10 to eat in London, where are you going and what you getting?
Dinner for one hundred, some lovely people making very, very good pizza in SE. They started up the road from me and just opened a second spot at Bar Story in Peckham, get after it.
2. Favourite TV chef and why?
Jamie. For me, no one has done more for food in the UK than him. Millions of people love, understand and appreciate the value of good food and cookery because of his work - legend!
3. Favourite food destination? And what should we eat there?
Japan. A true eye opener. Eat everything you can get your hands on!
4. What's one ingredient you love cooking with?
Fish. I know it’s not a specific ingredient, but it’s something I’ve fallen in love with cooking over the past couple of years. It’s deceptively simple and I believe anyone can turn a good piece of fish into something stunning. Shout out to my ex head chef Gareth for teaching me so much about the joy of seafood.
5. Most over-rated food?
Chips.
6. Your number 1 cooking tip?
Use recipes as a guide, not gospel.
7. Favourite kitchen gadget/utensil?
My staub cast iron pot. One of the best kitchen investments I’ve made. It will last me forever and you can cook literally anything you like in it. Makes a killer loaf of bread too.
8. Your go-to, easy meal to cook at home?
Tinned sardine puttanesca. Delivers every time.
9. Favourite cookbook, and why?
It changes a lot, but I always find myself reaching for the Trullo cookbook. It’s packed full of fantastic, honest, utterly delicious cooking. Tim’s style is simple in the best way, a way that’s really difficult to pull off. It’s a f*cking good book, and an even better restaurant.
10. And finally...You have to give up one forever: Mayonnaise or Google Maps?
Google maps. Still got my dad’s old A to Z mate.