Chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White, 47, was born in Leeds and lives in London.
My mother
The most influential figure in my life is my mother, Maria-Rosa. She died when I was 6 from a brain haemorrhage, but I remember hiding under the table in Italy watching her and my nonna preparing vegetables for the minestrone and sitting with her as she turned some old driftwood into a toy crocodile for me. Whenever I have a decision to make, I always ask myself, what would my mother expect of me? Even as a man she guides me.
My father
When he realised I wanted to be a chef after I left school at 16, he gave me 50p, which in the Seventies was enough to get me to Harrogate and back on the bus and buy me a sandwich and a cup of tea. He told me to knock on the back doors of hotels and ask for the chef, to see if there were any vacancies. It was a scary thing to do but my father was brought up a Victorian and I caught the tail end of that, so I did as he told me. I was a very obedient child and I have grown into a disciplined individual – I would never have achieved three Michelin stars if I weren’t.
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My inspirations
One of the four British restaurants with two Michelin stars was down the road from where I was brought up. So I plucked up the courage to walk in, as I had done as a boy, and ask for a job. Mr Long and Mr Reid at the Box Tree restaurant gave me an interview, the longest of my life, and I got the job. To this day I have never walked into an establishment with such a magical feel, and it has influenced me ever since. Mr Long and Mr Reid gave me my dream.
My mentor
I was very fortunate to work with Albert Roux at Le Gavroche, my first job in London. I worked with the great man, I cooked with him and for many years after I left him he supported and guided me. We became great friends and he was a great mentor. I am not saying I always agreed with him, but I never voiced my disagreement – he was my chef and you have to respect your chef.
My assistant
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Mr Ishii and I met 16 years ago; he has been by my side almost every day since and is a loyal friend. Nothing is ever too much trouble and when I thank him at the end of the day for his hard work he always says, “My great pleasure.” He is one of life’s great men.
Marco Pierre White and Nokia are creating the perfect Finnish Christmas for five towns in the UK. Visit nokia.co.uk/christmas to vote for your town