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At work we undertook a major change in the menu structure a couple of months ago to allow us to focus more on seasonality. Thankfully the feedback has been great and we’re all enjoying it as much as our guests do.

On a personal level everything is going just fine. I’m going through a new phase in my life that I’m very proud of and excited about and I am thoroughly enjoying the whole experience.

2. On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you with your life in Hungary, and why?
It’s difficult to give a mark as such. If I’ve managed to stay here for over 5 years, it’s because I’m happy and enjoying it, contrary to what some clueless people may think. For many reasons it wasn’t easy to start with but I’ve learnt to like Hungary and Budapest is now the place I call my home.

3. What’s the best party you’ve been to while in Hungary, and why?
As I get older I tend not to party that much anymore and, to be honest, haven’t been to that many big parties since I’ve lived here. But having said that, there is one that will most probably stay in my mind for a very long time.

I had the chance to watch Jamiroquai live at the Sziget Festival in 2008 from the main stage and was sitting just behind Jay Kay. Seeing 75,000 people going crazy to their music from that viewpoint is something I will surely never forget

4. What’s your favourite drink?
That depends of the time of the day, the place and the people who I’m with. It goes from the obvious morning cup of coffee, to freshly squeezed orange juice, to still water and of course…a well-mixed gin and tonic

5. What hidden talents do you have?
I like to think that I was a pretty good football player when I was younger; unfortunately my compatriot Jose Mourinho never spotted me…

I also used to DJ many years ago and I still have my old huge vinyl collection back home.

Oh, and I have a great sense of direction too. I very rarely get lost.

6. What was the most interesting travel trip you have ever taken?
That’s the easiest question so far. Asia! There are many reasons why I say that, from the cultural aspect to the paradisiacal beaches and the lovely food. But, mainly it’s the way that people approach life and the way they smile without expecting anything in return. It’s a way of living that I think we can all learn from.

7. If you were given a wish that could come true, what would you ask for?
A few more wishes so I could make everybody’s happy and nobody could really complain

8. What’s the last book you read, and movie you watched?
I have to be honest and say that I don’t read that much apart from cooking books. I usually tend to buy easy-reading books that I mainly read while travelling. The last one was probably “Mr Nice” - Howard Marks Biography and the last movie I saw was “Now you see me” by Louis Leterrier

9. If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be?
“From Coast to Costes”

10. What is the perfect pizza toppings combination for you?
I don’t have to think about that one. For me there is only one Pizza and all the others are just pale imitations.

Good ripe tomatoes, mozzarella di buffala and basil – the one and only Margherita

11. If you could trade places with any other person for a week, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
I’m not an envious person and I’m pretty much happy with who I am and what I’ve accomplished so far. But, as travelling and food are two of my big passions I wouldn’t mind swapping lives for a week with someone like Anthony Bourdin for instance

12. Since everybody is different, what would you say is unique about you?
I stick to my instincts, values and beliefs whatever the consequences

13. What’s the best website you’ve ever visited, and why?
Not sure if it’s the best (most probably not), but one that I’ve been using more and more for obvious reasons is called foodpairing.com

14. Who do you admire the most, and why?
I can’t give you just one name. There are so many people I admire in so many different areas.
Everybody who is humble and honest, who works hard to excel in their own field and who “fights” for their dreams has my admiration

15. What do you like best and least about living in Hungary?
I like that fact that you can be in another country by car within two hours. Geographically Hungary is perfect in that as it shares borders with seven different countries so it’s very easy to “escape” for a couple of days. As far as Budapest goes I really like the architecture, the terraces and the outdoor life the city has during the hot months (which unfortunately aren’t too many).

My biggest dislike is not about the country itself but that habit many have here of complaining about everything and not actually doing much to fix anything.

16. What has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
Once again it’s very difficult to name just one person as I feel that I’m very fortunate to have come across so many great people in my life but, if I really have to pick someone that would be my Mother. She’s a person who I really admire for everything she’s accomplished and obviously she is the one who made me the person I am today

17. If you won USD 30 million, what would you do with the money?
Really haven’t got a clue how much money that is but it would surely be useful to help reach the dreams and goals of the ones who are close to me.

And, apart from all the travelling, the holiday home with a beautiful sea view and a big swimming pool, the sports cars and the best wine cellar in the world I’d also like to start a charity back home to teach people (especially children) about the importance of eating healthy, the value of a balanced diet and that cooking can be fun.

18. If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Frank Sinatra’s “My way”

19. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel quite a lot but as they say “there is no place like home” so Portugal will be my final answer…

20. In ten years from now what will you be doing?
Hopefully working a little bit less and enjoying life with my loved ones a little bit more.