'I visit France often.as it's a part of me'

THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Chef and TV personality Marcus Wareing

- ZOE WEST

It was only after filming in France and Majorca over the past two years that I started to reflect on the food that has inspired me. Having worked in restaurants all over the world, it became clear to me what an influence French cookery has been in my life, since I was 16 years old and at catering college. All my cookery books at that time were based on French cuisine - the philosophy, the determination of its chefs for excellence and even the service in the restaurant.

When I arrived at The Savoy as a trainee, all the menus were written in French, the kitchens were run like a French kitchen and you worked with the chef de partie, sous chef and chef de cuisine. You'd even say, 'Oui, Chef,' instead of 'Yes, Chef!'