cultural life
A person of note tells us what they’re watching, listening to and more…
There is arguably no greater champion of seafood than Rick Stein. As well as presenting a number of television series, the chef and writer has published bestselling cookery books including French Odyssey, Coast to Coast and Far Eastern Odyssey. Stein has always believed in showcasing local fish and farm produce in his restaurants in Padstow, Cornwall, where he also has a cookery school, food shops and a pub in the nearby village of St Merryn. In 2018, he was awarded aCBE for services to the economy. He and his wife and business partner Sarah divide their time between Padstow, London and Australia, where he also has two seafood restaurants. His latest book, Rick Stein’s Simple Suppers, is out now (BBC Books, £28). rickstein.com; @chefrickstein The first record I loved was Not Fade Away by Buddy Holly and The Crickets (3). I was about 10 or 12, and one of my dad’s business chums brought the whole American top 10 over. I remember the syncopation and, to this day, it’s the best version of the song.
I’m currently listening to Lana Del Rey’s Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd (5). I just got a new record player and wanted a goodalbumtoplay. I’velovedher singingforever;
I remember filming in California and Mexico and listening to Summertime Sadness.
The book that influenced me the most in my early twenties was Elizabeth David’s French Provincial Cooking (1). It was an introduction to French, Italian and Mediterranean food, but also the way she wrote. It’s what I try to do in my own books, which is to make them more than a collection of recipes.
I’m currently reading Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (6). It’s about a David Copperfield-type character in Tennessee, and is reminiscent of Victorian London because times are so hard for many people in rural Appalachia. I find it really well-written and atmospheric. My favourite ‘cooking’ film would be Big Night (8). I like the ending, when
