Where did you spend your last holiday?

Touring the Outer Hebrides, a chain of more than 100 islands and skerries about 70km west of Scotland, of which only 15 are inhabited.

What was the best thing you did while there?

Ate loads of amazing seafood, freshly caught langoustines, spider crab and huge scallops - all from the surrounding waters.

Your favourite country abroad, and why?

France, because they are all mad foodies and love giving anyone who speaks English a hard time, often just for the hell of it.

What must a first-time visitor see there?

All the fantastic regional food markets; the attitude towards food and life is so positive its infectious.

What should they not bother with?

Avoid the host of pretentious five-star hotels and rather stay in the much more charming owner-run operations.

What was your best holiday, ever?

It was a short trip down the Rhone from Lyon, exploring the Condrieu AOC wine region and sampling the cuisine. Condrieu produces a delicious white wine, Viognier, and a lovely goat's-milk cheese, rigotte de Condrieu.

What was your worst holiday ever? What happened?

My first honeymoon.

What is the best thing you have been given on holiday?

A chance to cook with Paul Bocuse in his restaurant.

Your favourite SA destination, and why?

It used to be Paternoster, but it has become too trendy and busy. These days I prefer to head off into the Karoo for some peace and quiet and a generous helping of South African country air.

Your favourite restaurant, anywhere?

The Crab Shack, Loch Fyne, Scotland: awesome, remote, unpretentious seafood restaurant with great views over the loch and the ruins of an old abbey nearby.

What is the most exotic dish you have ever eaten on holiday?

As a chef, I've tried more than most. Perhaps the best meal I've eaten on holiday is a more appropriate choice. And that would have to be the whole goose doused in Calvados - with the foie still inside!

One place you want to see before you die?

I'd love to visit Antarctica to see the ice and glaciers. If the global warming doomsayers are to be believed, we soon might not have any ice left.