Life according to... Simon Rimmer: We grill the TV chef on his love of food

TV chef Simon Rimmer fronts Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 alongside Tim Lovejoy.

Here, we find out all about his favourite – and least favourite – dishes….

What would be your death row meal?

Starter: onion bhajis, samosas, fish tikka. Main: old school chicken tikka masala, saag lamb, lamb vindaloo, pilau rice, naan bread, Bombay potatoes. Dessert: ras malai, cheese and biscuits, Montgomery’s cheddar, Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire and some really good chutneys. Start with Champagne for drinks, Kingfisher lager, and finish with a few old-fashioned cocktails… Not that I have thought about that ever.

Is there one dish you’ve yet to master?

I’m not the best breadmaker. I’m competent rather than confident. I’m inconsistent with it, it’s frustrating. I don’t make it very often so when I do, I don’t think I’m experienced enough with it.

Is there a kitchen utensil you couldn’t live without?

One good knife is all that you need. A 9-inch chef’s knife is an absolute essential. And a grater is used all the time. You zest things, you grate chocolate.

What’s your favourite store-cupboard essential?

Rose water. It’s brilliant. Just a drop in tagines or lamb curries. It’s brilliant in desserts, too. If you just put a little bit of rose water on strawberries it makes them taste absolutely incredible. Vinegars are also a good thing for opening your taste buds out in savoury dishes.

What’s your favourite snack?

Cheese and biscuits. I would go cheddar, Jacob’s cream crackers and Branston pickle… I’m in heaven.

What was your favourite childhood dinner?

I used to like roast beef that was boil-in-the-bag with tinned potatoes, frozen carrots and peas. My mum would be horrified because she’s a really great cook and, basically, I had it at my friend’s house. My mum’s lasagne is the best in the world because she uses cottage cheese instead of a white sauce.