Antonio Carluccio
What's your earliest holiday memory?My childhood holidays were always in the south of Italy. We lived in the north, where papa was a contractor during wartime. My granny would be my companion on sporadic trips to the sea at Salerno. I have fond memories of playing there as it was really warm – not like the north which was cold.
What was your worst holiday?I try not to have bad holidays but there were bits and pieces. I remember landing in the Seychelles when I was on the way to Silhouette Island, which was reachable only by helicopter. I couldn't get there for three days, as it was pouring rain and very dangerous weather. So I lost three days of my holiday.
What was your best holiday?A super-luxury hotel in Bali. I spent the advance of one book on that. I wanted luxury, and not just for the sake of luxury: I wanted to do absolutely nothing. There was a couple there polishing their skin and putting on Prada in the evening to go to the bar. They were complaining that there was nothing happening, but I said "what else is a holiday?". It was a fantastic real luxury bungalow in the Amankila resort by the sea. It was very expensive but very good.
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?An island with emerald water, a beach to play on, some rocks to dive from, coconut to eat and lovely girls serving wonderful drinks. That is a holiday.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?I used to go on holiday with my last wife. I would choose someone I like very much, though that person is not at hand yet. It's not just the company. I have to like her a lot, otherwise the holiday is spoilt. She has to be the entire package.
What's your favourite place in Ireland?I still have a lot of places in Ireland left to peruse, but people tell me it is wonderful. I've been to Dublin, which is quite an interesting city. But it's a pity that everything is underlined by drink. It seems that the most important activity is drinking.
Your recommended holiday reading?In the Seychelles I read Philip Pullman's His Dark Materialstrilogy in one go. I usually write myself for a couple of hours in the early morning, as you can't be in the sun all of the time.
Where will you go to next?I have no plans yet – but if you put in an advert for someone to come with me I will go! No more than 45 years old, no big mileage, with a lovely body and, more importantly, a lovely mind. But I am returning to Italy in September to do a new television series and book on Italian food.
- Antonio Carluccio is a chef, restaurateur and food writer
In conversation with Genevieve Carbery