Interview: Ten Questions with Curtis Stone

Curtis Stone is hot property.

The Aussie surf-loving chef, who trained under Marco Pierre White in London, is conquering new ground - the US of A - and leaving a trail of fawning female fans in his wake.

After starring in two series of Take Home Chef, Curtis is appearing in the current US season of Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice, alongside fellow contestants Cyndi Lauper, Sharon Osbourne, Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson, Sinbad the comedian and Brett Michaels from Poison.

Apart from his love of food and surfing, what makes Curtis tick? Grab Your Fork asked him ten questions to find out.

Ten Questions with Curtis Stone

1. You've spent much of your career overseas - in London and LA. What's the first thing you want to eat when you come back to Australia?

Definitely seafood – we have some of the best in the world. I'll be home this Easter and we'll probably get some Tasmanian Salmon from Coles.

2. Your grandmother played a significant role in your culinary future by spending a lot of time in the kitchen with you when you were young. What's your fondest memory?

Cooking fudge with Granny – good times!

3. What's the first dish you learned to cook?

My mum was a terrible cook but a great baker! I used to love cooking sticky things like caramel slice with her.

4. You started studying a Bachelor of Business but quit to pursue a career in food. What was the turning point for you?

I’d always had a passion for food and started training as a chef at The Savoy in Melbourne. I then travelled throughout Europe and three months into it ended up in London and broke. That’s when I met legendary Chef Marco Pierre White and offered to work for free in exchange for the opportunity- the rest is history.

5. What do you know or think about food blogs?

The more people discussing food the better – its great there’s such a fervent dialogue now. It can only mean more people will engage with food, learn more about it, and ultimately make more informed and healthier choices.

6. You've just gotten home after a big night out and you're starving. What's your favourite dish to whip up with pantry staples?

I’ve whipped up a fair few burritos for boozy friends in my time – you can use practically anything you’ve got in the fridge. I’ve also have learnt that your body needs a good potassium boost after a big night out on the town so a banana smoothie with plenty of honey and natural yoghurt is great followed by poached eggs (of course!) with crispy prosciutto.

7. What food do you crave when you're sick?

There is nothing better than a good homemade soup when you’re not feeling so well. A good chicken or vegetable soup usually does the trick.

8. Entree and main, or main and dessert?

I would have to say main and dessert. I’m a sweet tooth and a self-confessed chocoholic.

9. Favourite movie?

An all-time favourite is Shawshank Redemption.

10. And finally, what's the ideal breakfast you'd want to wake up to?

There is no better way to start the day than with a freshly squeezed juice. Grab whatever fruit is in season, mix them all together and you really can’t go wrong. I also do a delicious crispy tortilla with ham, chilli, spinach and fried eggs. The chilli adds a great kick and will get you going for the day.


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Ten Questions with Matthew Evans
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Ten Questions with Poh Ling Yeow
Ten Questions with Chubby Hubby