We quiz Al Bano Carrisi, one of Italy’s most popular and successful singer songwriters. For information on his latest album, Cercami nel cuore della gente, his winery and his boutique hotel, visit: www.albanocarrisi.com
Culinary ID
Name: Al Bano Carrisi
Profession: singer, songwriter, actor
Birthplace: Cellino, San Marco, Puglia
Favourite Food: sushi and sashimi in Japan, cous cous in Marocco, mamma's orecchiette in Italy
Favourite Wine: a good red, like platone, a wine he makes.
Are you a good cook?
You can tell me I can’t sing, but don’t tell me I can’t cook!
What kind of relationship do you have with food?
I have to control food and not the other way round. I avoid huge ‘abbuffate’ – over-the-top meals.
Do you have any particular memories related to food?
The days I remember most are the abbuffate I was talking about before, days like Christmas and Easter when food was scarce, the most incredible spread appeared like an oasis in a desert and we ate until we could eat no more.
What do you eat when no one is looking?
Nothing. Maybe just a fresella with tomato, onion, capers, rocket and olive oil late at night before going to bed when I haven’t had time to have dinner.
Can you seduce someone at the dinner table?
Yes, with a good bottle of wine and intelligent conversation, why not?
Imagine you’re about to eat your last meal: what would you have?
(Laughs) You can’t ask that to an Italian! What a question! Let’s hope my last dinner’s a long way away…
Is food love?
Good food is. It creates a ritual, reinforces bonds.
How do you keep in shape?
By not eating! Let’s say I eat sensibly for the pleasure of the taste and not the quantity.
When you’re working in the recording studio, what do you eat?
When I used to record my albums in Milan or Madrid or London, I was away from home and only had thoughts for work. Now that my son has built me a fantastic recording studio at our home, I admit that thoughts of lunch are more frequent.
Who are your ideal dinner guests? and what music would you play? Intelligent, cultured people who enjoy good company, appreciate good food, and who are interesting to listen to. Some Puccini, Beethoven or Mozart in the background.
Have you ever said anything indiscreet thanks to a few glasses of wine?
No, I don’t drink so much I lose control. I just become allegro and good humoured.
You get some good news – what do you celebrate with?
A bottle of my Platone wine.
If I gave you an avocado, what would you do with it?
I’d halve it and serve filled with prawns, rocket, maybe a little prociutto crudo and a drizzling of extra virgin olive oil.
Is there a food quote that you like?
‘Chi mangia bene, vive meglio’: he who eats well, lives even better.
