Revelations: Dominic Jack, chef owner, Castle Terrace Restaurant, Edinburgh

What was your best subject at school?

 

Like most other chefs, it was home economics

 

What was your first job?

 

Delivering eggs and newspapers in my local town

 

What was your first job in catering?

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

An espresso and an Actimel

 

What do you do to relax?

 

Spend time with my family:my two boys and my wife

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

I don't have a favourite restaurant but more a favourite meal. It was at La Tante Claire more than 20 years ago. The truffle soufflé for dessert was very memorable

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

You can't beat cold, fresh Scottish tap water. I also enjoy a peaty whisky with a touch of water

 

What is your favourite cuisine?

 

I really like the fresh flavours of east Asian cuisine

 

Are there any foods/ingredients that you refuse to cook with?

 

Not that I can think of… I like to think that I would try anything

 

How would you describe your desk?

 

It usually has lots of recipe books spread out on it as inspiration for new dishes

 

Which person in catering have you most admired?

 

Alain Solivérès, who I worked with for eight years. He trained me and after a lot of hard work I became his sous chef

 

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

 

Alain Solivérès

 

Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?

 

My family

 

Describe your ultimate nightmare?

 

Doing interviews like this…

 

What irritates you most about the industry?

 

It has changed a lot in the past few years and it is becoming harder to find chefs with that real passion to learn and progress

 

What's your favourite book?

 

Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

 

What is your favourite prepared product?

 

Cheese

 

Who would be in your "fantasy" brigade?

 

I am happy to work with any keen, enthusiastic and willing chefs to make the dream team