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I’ve been off the booze for about 5 – 6 years. However then I used to be at Russell Crowe’s farm and he’s had the bar from [2010 film] Robin Hood rebuilt there. It was simply the 2 of us watching rugby league and he mentioned, “Would you like a pint?” I mentioned, “I’m off the booze. I haven’t had a drink for 2 years.” And he went, “However you’re within the Blind Rabbit. You’ve bought to have a Guinness within the Blind Rabbit.” And I used to be like, “Have you learnt what? I can’t argue with that.” So I had half a Guinness, after which just a few different folks turned up and he let me off the hook after that.
Residing in Australia, specifically in Melbourne, we’ve a really robust espresso tradition. Final yr, I found a brand new secret espresso in Melbourne. It’s referred to as a Magic: it’s a double ristretto after which three-quarters scorching milk, somewhat than the remainder of the cup like a flat white. Supposedly that’s the proper mixture of milk to espresso and it’s what baristas used to make for themselves after their shifts. It’s much less milk, stronger espresso, much less bitter, it’s the enterprise.
I lived in Sweden once I was 27, 28, and made a vow I’d attempt each meals that was put in entrance of me. The one factor I couldn’t go at was lutefisk. It’s fish that’s then dipped in nearly ammonia. Locations that promote it within the US needed to get a particular dispensation as a result of, mainly, the chemical compounds you utilize for it are the identical chemical compounds you utilize to dissolve a physique in the event you’ve dedicated a homicide.
I met Scott Hallsworth, who was once head chef at Nobu, at a charity gig for the Royal Flying Physician Service in Australia. We bought alongside, I went to his restaurant and the meals simply blew my thoughts. Then, through the lockdowns, they needed to shut, and my spouse mentioned, “Properly, you’ve bought somewhat bit of cash mendacity round. Why don’t you make investments?” I advised that story to Tom Kerridge once I was on a TV present with him, and he mentioned, “Yeah, that’s an effective way to blow 20 grand in a single day!”
I’m actually only a 12-year-old in a grownup’s physique. In Melbourne, with my spouse and children, we’ve takeout each Tuesday: Thai Tuesday. And I’ll have the identical dish each Tuesday: crispy, honey stir-fried rooster with pineapple. I’ll name up and so they’ll go, “Oh hello Adam. Yep, I do know what you need.” I stay up for it each Tuesday, why would I wish to mess it up and get one thing else?
There’s even a factor in Australia referred to as a barbecue shirt. It’s a short-sleeve collared shirt, buttons down the entrance, and it’ll normally have an nearly tasteful however Hawaiian motif on it. If somebody has a barbecue and also you wish to be barely dressed up, however it’s nonetheless scorching, you place in your barbecue shirt. I’ve bought two. I introduced one in all them with me to London final time I used to be again right here however it simply didn’t look proper. It solely seems proper in Australia.
There’s all the time the Tim Tams v Penguins argument. Which I’ll have none of: look, Penguins are nice, however they aren’t Tim Tams. Not even near Tim Tams.
My nine-year-old daughter likes to invent dishes that I’ve to prepare dinner, like pumpkin soup served in a pumpkin. Or pizza dumplings. We rolled out a pizza base, put toppings within the center, then wrapped it up like a dumpling, then drizzled somewhat cheese and pizza sauce on the surface and baked it within the oven. They have been fairly good, really.
Scott steered a ebook to me referred to as Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, who ran Eleven Madison Park in New York when it grew to become the world’s No 1 restaurant. It’s about going above and past when folks come within the door: paying for his or her parking if the meter’s about to expire. And this ebook has modified the way in which I work on The Final Leg. It made me return and go, “OK, what are the little one-percenters we will change that may make an enormous distinction?”
My weak spot is ribs. Our workplace on The Final Leg was across the nook from a spot in Soho referred to as Bodean’s BBQ. I’d take the writers there on Wednesday and Thursday for lunch. We realised nothing humorous was being written afterwards: we have been in a meat and carbohydrate coma.
I really like going to the Freak Scene [the restaurant Hills is a partner in] and watching folks having fun with the meals. There’s one thing satisfying in figuring out you’ve helped present not only a good evening out for folks – as a result of that’s what occurs whenever you do comedy – however that you simply’ve fed them. I’m simply actually cautious I don’t grow to be Rocky Balboa, wandering round telling folks tales of my previous.
MY FAVOURITE THINGS
Meals
It actually can be ribs. I marinate them in a sauce: tomato sauce, Worcestershire, barbecue sauce and a few Vegemite. Then wrap them up in foil, put them on the barbecue, however not on the direct warmth. Then put them on the grill immediately over the warmth so that they actually crisp up.
Drink
Vietnamese iced espresso: it’s the mix of the sugary goodness of the condensed milk and the double espresso hit. I imply, it may possibly’t be good for you, however it’s like rocket gas.
Place to eat
In London, the Delaunay. Adore it. The meals is simply attractive and the quantity of star-spotting is ridiculous: it may very well be Andrew Lloyd Webber, Brian Cox. As soon as Barry Humphries got here in and sat subsequent to me, and we had a stunning outdated chat.
Dish to make
Tacos. They’re quite simple and it’s such a stunning convivial ambiance, since you’re all reaching over one another, grabbing bits and items. My one addition – one thing I picked up in Hawaii really – is grated apple, particularly on fish tacos.
The Freak Scene, 28 Parsons Inexperienced Lane, London SW6 4HS; freakscenerestaurants.com; The Final Leg is on Channel 4, Fridays, 10pm
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