FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Gennaro Contaldo
What are working on at the moment?
I have just finished working on my book, Gennaro’s Italian Bakery, which will be coming out in September. I’ve also worked on an exciting project for Bertolli With Butter, together with my friends at Pasta & Pasta. We’ve created a new pasta shape, the Bertollini, specially tailored to suit the British palate. It looks like a cone and it comes in three flavours – egg, spinach and beetroot. It tastes delicious.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m in the kitchen and I am able to share cooking tips and recipes with young chefs. It’s satisfying to be able to share years of knowledge and even better when these young chefs take my ideas and create something even better!
What is your greatest fear?
The day I won’t be able to work anymore.
What is your earliest memory?
We lived close to the sea, so I would always be running off to the beach by myself. I can still hear my mum yelling, ‘Gennarino!’ When I was little I dreamt about being at sea with the fishermen.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I’m very impatient, I think this comes from many years working in a pressurised kitchen environment.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My family, who always liked to cook, and my father especially – he taught me how to recognise the best in local produce.
What is your most treasured possession?
My children.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Lack of empathy!
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The fact I’m getting older – but that’s life!
What is your favourite book?
Gomorra by Roberto Saviano.
What is your favourite film?
Any war film.
Gomorra, war films, Pavarotti and Sophia Loren are among Gennaro’s favourite things
What is your favourite piece of music?
Anything sung by Pavarotti, especially O Sole Mio.
What is your favourite meal?
Pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans) – it reminds me of home.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Sophia Loren, because I know she loves to cook. It would be an honour to cook for her and talk about good, honest, home cooking.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
I don’t remember – I think it’s best to forget!
Do you believe in aliens?
Not sure, but when I first came to England and didn’t have residency yet, my work permit would be stamped with the word ‘Alien’ on it!
What is your secret vice?
Sweet treats such as baba and zeppole (doughnuts), especially when I return to my home village of Minori – the local cake shops make the best.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes, but by text!
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘So simple, so delicious.’
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Going to the gym more often.
Can you tell us one thing people might not know about you?
I love to whittle sticks during the winter evenings. I give them away as presents.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
My catchphrase: ‘Why am I cooking so good!’
Discover Gennaro’s summertime pasta recipes at www.bertolli.co.uk
I have just finished working on my book, Gennaro’s Italian Bakery, which will be coming out in September. I’ve also worked on an exciting project for Bertolli With Butter, together with my friends at Pasta & Pasta. We’ve created a new pasta shape, the Bertollini, specially tailored to suit the British palate. It looks like a cone and it comes in three flavours – egg, spinach and beetroot. It tastes delicious.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m in the kitchen and I am able to share cooking tips and recipes with young chefs. It’s satisfying to be able to share years of knowledge and even better when these young chefs take my ideas and create something even better!
What is your greatest fear?
The day I won’t be able to work anymore.
What is your earliest memory?
We lived close to the sea, so I would always be running off to the beach by myself. I can still hear my mum yelling, ‘Gennarino!’ When I was little I dreamt about being at sea with the fishermen.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I’m very impatient, I think this comes from many years working in a pressurised kitchen environment.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My family, who always liked to cook, and my father especially – he taught me how to recognise the best in local produce.
What is your most treasured possession?
My children.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Lack of empathy!
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The fact I’m getting older – but that’s life!
What is your favourite book?
Gomorra by Roberto Saviano.
What is your favourite film?
Any war film.
Gomorra, war films, Pavarotti and Sophia Loren are among Gennaro’s favourite thingsWhat is your favourite piece of music?
Anything sung by Pavarotti, especially O Sole Mio.
What is your favourite meal?
Pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans) – it reminds me of home.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Sophia Loren, because I know she loves to cook. It would be an honour to cook for her and talk about good, honest, home cooking.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
I don’t remember – I think it’s best to forget!
Do you believe in aliens?
Not sure, but when I first came to England and didn’t have residency yet, my work permit would be stamped with the word ‘Alien’ on it!
What is your secret vice?
Sweet treats such as baba and zeppole (doughnuts), especially when I return to my home village of Minori – the local cake shops make the best.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes, but by text!
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘So simple, so delicious.’
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Going to the gym more often.
Can you tell us one thing people might not know about you?
I love to whittle sticks during the winter evenings. I give them away as presents.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
My catchphrase: ‘Why am I cooking so good!’
Discover Gennaro’s summertime pasta recipes at www.bertolli.co.uk