Live webchat with new TV chef Rachel Khoo 19 March 1-2pm

I read in the papers over the weekend that you ran your restaurant with only two gas rings - is that right? Is the television show filmed in your real kitchen, or on a set?

How do the French respond to you as a British chef?

How did you learn to cook? Do you think it's possible to cook really impressively without formal training?

Dear Rachel

Making meals for people in your own apartment must be amazing. But do you get on with the people who come? Can you tell us who have been your better clients and who the nightmare ones, and why?
Also, do you discuss beforehand with them what their allergies/dislikes etc are before deciding what to cook, as it is such a personal affair?

The French Mediterranean diet is meant to be much better for you than the UK. Do Parisians eat the same way, lots of colourful vegetables, olive oil & sunshine food?

I tried to buy some cheese in a Paris cheese shop but the assistant wouldn't help me as I didn't speak French. Is this the norm in France?

Hi Rachel,

I've always thought about setting up my own restaurant. Was it difficult? Do you have any tips?

I think I may have missed the boat now, but one can always dream <sigh>.

Hi Rachel,
I lived in Paris as a student over 40 years ago and didn't have the wherewithall to eat out very often - only managed the occasional cous cous on the left bank! Are the 'elf and safety regulations as stringent in France as they are here in the UK? Do you have to have a licence to run the restaurant from your apartement?

Do you think that vegetarian food will ever catch on in France? Have you any suggestions as to what a veggie might choose from a Parisian menu?

Do you agree that the French way of always sitting at a table to eat, and generally only eating at meal times, is much healthier than the 'grazing' that is so common in the English speaking world?

I would love to be able to make a perfect creme brulee, fluffy omelette or tarte tatin, and always like my cooking, but when I go to Normandy and eat their equivalent I realise there is something of a light touch that I haven't yet mastered. Do you know what it is? Is it to do with the capabilities of domestic cookers? Do the French have different techniques?

With the success you are having (reviews, book, TV series) aren't you tempted to have a bigger restaurant?

Hello Rachel,

When you eat out in Paris which is your own favourite restaurant and which dish do you enjoy the most?

Best of luck with your book. Aurelia.

What is your personal favourite recipe and what is so special about it?

We have lived in France for some years and during that time have become increasingly disappointed by the range and quality of food on offer in restaurants. Given that things may be different in Paris and large cities, would you agree that in general French cuisine has got stuck in a time-warp and is more in need of a complete (as the French would say) "re-looking" rather than just updating with a modern twist.

I love tarte tatin

Hello Rachel

I saw your photo on the book jacket. So can you let us in on the secret of how to make tarte tatin that doesn't go straight to your thighs? (if the answer is - don't eat too much of it it may be best just to ignore the question if that's ok)

Hi Rachel

Is good cooking something that can be easily learned or is it an instinctive act of love?

Carol

Hi Rachel,

What do you think of the French stating that their cuisine is superior to any other.

Thanks

Glass