FIRST IMPRESSIONS: GINO D’ACAMPO
What are you working on?
A show called Let’s Do Lunch With Gino & Mel, and I’m working on opening my third restaurant, My Pasta Bar. I am also finishing my book, Gino’s Italian Escape.
When are you at your happiest?
When I am by myself with my three kids and my wife.
What is your greatest fear?
For my children ever to say that I was not a good father.
What was your earliest memory?
Breast-feeding – I do remember that when I was a nipper. We all did it, it’s not like it’s not politically correct.
What do you dislike about yourself?
I have been thinking that if I could change something about myself it would probably be to try not to work so hard and not to go in to too many projects.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My wife. She’s definitely, definitely helped me become the man I am today.
What is your most treasured possession?
The house with the children and the family.
What trait do you deplore in others?
I hate it when people are lazy, and when people don’t say things straight – they go around, up and down. Just tell me!
What do you dislike about your appearance?
I have bags under my eyes, all the time. It’s the one thing I would sort out. The rest I am happy with.
What is your favourite book?
I’ve never read a book in my life.
What is your favourite film?
The Godfather, and The Godfather: Part II and Part III. I watch them at least every six months. One day I will be able to act as The Godfather.
And your favourite song?
Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis.
What is your favourite meal?
Anything to do with pasta.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Rod Stewart, because I like his songs; Jesus, because I have a few questions to ask him – I think we all do. My father – I lost him last year so it would be another chance to see him again. And my grandfather… there is one thing that I regret in life – I never had a chance to cook for the man who inspired me to be a chef.
What is the nastiest thing that anyone has ever said to you?
To be honest with you I don’t remember anyone saying a nasty thing. I’m very lucky. I’m sure a lot of nasty things have been said behind my back, but I have never met anyone who has said something nasty to my face.
Do you believe in aliens?
No, no I don’t.
What is your secret vice?
Nutella, Marmite and Wotsits.
Do you write thank-you notes?
No, I write texts or make phone calls. I hate cards.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
It would probably be: ‘Have I made myself clear?’
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
I need six more hours per day, so I need the day to be 30 hours. Whoever designed 24 hours was wrong! They didn’t think about the 21st century. They should have thought about these idiots in 2014, with the jobs and computers – they’re going to need more hours. Thirty is a round number, much easier. Gino for president!
Can you tell us one thing people might not know about you?
I have been playing the guitar since I was eight, but I never play in front of people, even my best friend, or my wife. I own about seven guitars, but I play them for my own pleasure.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Gino D’Acampo:’ my age, and ‘just an average guy who loved cooking’.
Gino’s Italian Escape is on 5 September, ITV at 8pm.
A show called Let’s Do Lunch With Gino & Mel, and I’m working on opening my third restaurant, My Pasta Bar. I am also finishing my book, Gino’s Italian Escape.
When are you at your happiest?
When I am by myself with my three kids and my wife.
What is your greatest fear?
For my children ever to say that I was not a good father.
What was your earliest memory?
Breast-feeding – I do remember that when I was a nipper. We all did it, it’s not like it’s not politically correct.
What do you dislike about yourself?
I have been thinking that if I could change something about myself it would probably be to try not to work so hard and not to go in to too many projects.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My wife. She’s definitely, definitely helped me become the man I am today.
What is your most treasured possession?
The house with the children and the family.
What trait do you deplore in others?
I hate it when people are lazy, and when people don’t say things straight – they go around, up and down. Just tell me!
What do you dislike about your appearance?
I have bags under my eyes, all the time. It’s the one thing I would sort out. The rest I am happy with.
What is your favourite book?
I’ve never read a book in my life.
What is your favourite film?
The Godfather, and The Godfather: Part II and Part III. I watch them at least every six months. One day I will be able to act as The Godfather.
And your favourite song?
Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis.
What is your favourite meal?
Anything to do with pasta.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Rod Stewart, because I like his songs; Jesus, because I have a few questions to ask him – I think we all do. My father – I lost him last year so it would be another chance to see him again. And my grandfather… there is one thing that I regret in life – I never had a chance to cook for the man who inspired me to be a chef.
What is the nastiest thing that anyone has ever said to you?
To be honest with you I don’t remember anyone saying a nasty thing. I’m very lucky. I’m sure a lot of nasty things have been said behind my back, but I have never met anyone who has said something nasty to my face.
Do you believe in aliens?
No, no I don’t.
What is your secret vice?
Nutella, Marmite and Wotsits.
Do you write thank-you notes?
No, I write texts or make phone calls. I hate cards.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
It would probably be: ‘Have I made myself clear?’
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
I need six more hours per day, so I need the day to be 30 hours. Whoever designed 24 hours was wrong! They didn’t think about the 21st century. They should have thought about these idiots in 2014, with the jobs and computers – they’re going to need more hours. Thirty is a round number, much easier. Gino for president!
Can you tell us one thing people might not know about you?
I have been playing the guitar since I was eight, but I never play in front of people, even my best friend, or my wife. I own about seven guitars, but I play them for my own pleasure.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Gino D’Acampo:’ my age, and ‘just an average guy who loved cooking’.
Gino’s Italian Escape is on 5 September, ITV at 8pm.