Today’s guest brings me to an achingly picturesque country pile in Oxfordshire. An enormously celebrated hotel, housing the renowned two Michelin starred restaurant Maison aux quat’saison which has retained its stars for 40 years and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Raymond's infectious passion, drive and attention to detail has seen many a great chef pass through his kitchens and go on to in turn to reach dizzy heights within the world of food.

Landing on British soil in 1972, his 52 years in the industry has seen his aptitude for French gastronomy catapult him to fame. A whopping ten cookery books, numerous television shows, a two star restaurant and a chain of brasseries with over 40 sites across the uk are just some of his achievements! 2008 saw him receive an honorary OBE for his work promoting culinary excellence and raising awareness around the importance of healthy food. He currently resides as President of the sustainable restaurant association, something else he is truly passionate about.

Follow Raymond Blanc OBE HERE

Follow Anna Barnett HERE to see some behind the scenes sandwich making and wine drinking!

Dominic Hamdy started out by whipping up the best scotch egg in town, from market stalls to a wholesale business with the likes of Selfridges and Wholefoods as clients. Scotchtails didn’t in fact continue to scale but instead morphed into something much broader. First a Nordic inspired coffee shop on the Strand which was sold ahead of launching the enormously successful Crispin in Spitalfields. Think small plates, seasonal produce and an epic wine list of low intervention and natural wines. Many a chef collaboration helped cement its popularity and a further three restaurants have followed; Bar Crispin in Soho, Bistro Freddie in Shoreditch and Crispin at Studio Voltaire in Clapham. It's almost impossible to get a table currently. The fashion crowd are big fans as is just about everybody else!

Follow Bistro Freddie HERE

Follow Crispin HERE

Follow Dominic Hamdy HERE

And you can follow me Anna Barnett HERE

Danilo Cortellini is one of my favourite Italian exports. Before landing on British soil over fourteen years ago there were stints at the revered San Domenico near Bologna and Perbellini in Verona, both of which hold two Michelin stars. London saw him throw himself into 3 Michelin starred French restaurant Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, a brave move for an Italian chef!

He carved out a career based on discipline, precision and dedication which put him in good stead to take over the role as head chef at the Italian Embassy, an esteemed position which he held for over 9 years. Catering for and hosting both intimate dinners and galas alike for dignitaries and on plenty of occasions the rich and famous, it was there that he had his first cookery book published ‘4 Grosvenor Square’.

2015 saw him compete on Masterchef The professionals, where he made it to the finals!

The pandemic was the turning point in his career, catapulting this Italian chef towards social media stardom. He went on to amass almost half a million followers across instagram alone. His Italian heritage is firmly at the forefront of everything he does and his dedicated followers wait with bated breath for his every post.

Better Than Nonna is available to pre order now.

Follow Danilo here