Meeting Rick Stein

The thing with being a fan of someone or like me having a food hero is that you have expectations and your own relationship with them before you meet them in the flesh. Are they the person you see on TV? Will you still love them after you’ve me them or will meeting them change your feelings?
Earlier this month I went to Cornwall on holiday. I remember clearly one fabulous meal we had in Padstow before I was married. My romantic husband took me to one of Rick Steins restaurants, Rick was on TV doing a series and I have been a fan of his ever since. I love his way with people and food and I wanted to ask him about how he felt after writing his first cookery book and what I should expect.

I have to admit that I really wanted Rick to like me. It’s a funny thing to feel and as waited to catch a moment I caught Rick at the end of his book signing. I was in awe, but I needn’t have worried - he was an utter delight.

I like like him even more now I've met him. Rick really is exactly as he is on TV, professional, warm friendly and engaging. He was such a gentleman - with a seriously packed schedule and just his coffee break spare, he kindly shared the few minutes of free time that he had with me. He got on so well with my son, asking him questions and chatting with such genuine interest that he is now a dedicated Rick Stein fan too – I think that the pictures say it all !

Rick's new book Rick Stein's Spain is coming out on the 9th June. - mine is on pre - order.