Antonio Carluccio - live webchat Tues 27 Nov 2-3pm

How do you feel about the cloning of our British cities. The same shops, the same cafés, the same fast food chains... and now the same restaurants, however wonderful and good they are- like Carluccio's. I am a great admirer of yours, but I'd rather go to a small independent Italian restaurant, with their own regional recipes, than a chain, as I really do not want all British cities to end up the same. Grazie tante (Odile della Svizzera francese).

I like Carluccio's, too. Their sea bass is unfailingly gorgeous, and their fat olives on the deli counter are addictive. I don't pick up those aggressive vibes that you get from some chains. The local one in the Trafford Centre has friendly staff who treat me and my friends and family as though we are part of their family. They fuss round us and play with the babies.

Antonio, your food is wonderful, your series with Genaro was funny and poignant, and the home cooked meals you showed us would be great to try. Have you bought about putting those traditional rustic meals on your menus?

When my understanding is that Antonio now acts as a consultant for the chain, and is less involved in the day to day things, but I may be wrong.

Antonio , I believe that you have suffered from depression but are now moving forward, how did you manage to do that? My experience of clinical depression is that I find it so hard to motivate myself to accomplish even everyday things, let alone run a business.

Ciao Antonio,

I have met you quite a few times and I know you love telling jokes!

Do you have a good one you'd like to share with us Gransnetters?

Dear Antonio.
All my recipes for spaghetti with a beef and tomato sauce specify using white wine rather than red, why is this?
I do find the addition of a little nutmeg helps as well. What do you think?

My question is have you ever thought of trying to get your restaurants along teh motorway. It would be so ace to be able to have a decent, affordable meal whilst on the road. Is it impossible to out Little Chef?

(By the way I love your website. I buy the wild boar ragu jars in bulk! Link here)

Dear Antonio, I have several of your books and particularly enjoyed The Two Hungry Italians programmes. I wonder if you can tell me how to make gnocchi fritti? We had some once at a ristorante near Modena. They were split open and filled with prosciutto. I have never found a recipe so I could try making them at home.

ooh I am all excited about Antonio Carluccio

I like the fresh tagliatelle you can buy in bags at the supermarket but no matter how I try (and follow the instructions) it always comes out as one big starchy clump. Where am I going wrong?

Which area of Italy do you like best foodwise? They're so very different.

Hi Antonio- is it better to use plum tomatoes or fresh tomatoes for a ragu? Thanks

Huge fan!

Could you please tell us a lovely simple pasta recipe for when you come in from a long day and want to throw a few delicious ingredients together for a quick dinner?

My husband and I cook the same simple dish that we love all the time: chilli, garlic tomatoes and prawns tossed in spaghetti. It's amazing, but I'd love to add another to our repertoire!

Thank you

How do you make a spaghetti Carbonara? I have tried it once and it turned out to be spaghetti with scrambled eggs. It was disgusting! Thankfully my husband eats anything but both me and my daughter ended up with toast for dinner that night.

What did I do wrong? How can I do right?

What's your favourite type of pasta?

Hi Antonio! Lots of restaurants like Ask, Strada, Cafe Rouge have various discounts (2 for 1, 25% off etc) for more affordable eating. Have you thought about offering discounts and money off vouchers (I assume you don't do this already, as I haven't come across any..)?

What is the secret to a great lasagne? I always find I use too much liquid or too little. And do you think it's better to soak the pasta sheets or use the type you don't have to soak?

Hello. Do you consider your restaurants to be family friendly?

What cuisine do you opt for when you eat out? Are there other types of food (Chinese/Indian/Russian etc) you'd love to try out?

Hello Antonio, I LOVED the tv series. Please tell me you are doing more?

Hello Antonio. What's your signature dish?

Oh and another question - I've read that you studied languages - what made you change your career choice?