My dream is to make olive oil in Lazio. I prefer the peppery punch of Italian oil to its French equivalent. Italian olive oil has a long story in the mouth. The taste just goes on and on. It’s amazing.
If we have time, Gilles and I might do a bit of exploring. We’re both mad about architecture. On our last trip to Italy we went to the Veneto and saw all the Palladian villas. I got recognised quite a bit and asked for my autograph, which always takes me by surprise. As a child I was very shy – I couldn’t cope with talking to more than four people in a room – but I’ve learnt to be more comfortable with strangers, even if it’s not in my nature.
Gilles and I are both vegans and Italy is fantastic for vegans. You need to plan meals carefully and be adventurous with vegetables and spices but there are so many exciting things to discover. In France it’s not at all normal to be vegetarian, so you can imagine the kind of reaction vegans inspire. Fortunately we’re both very open to other food cultures. Lebanese food is fantastic for vegans and so is Indian and Thai. One day I might relax a bit and eat eggs but only if they’re laid by my own chickens.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/thea … ly.html?fb