When I was a child, w e would gather with all the family members on Sundays for a big Italian traditional lunch at my grandmother's house. My favourite part was watching my grandmother make fresh pasta for us - I was always keen to help!
I would say it's sourcing specific ingredients. Sometimes, there are limited options when it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables.
I don't really have a motto but, when I cook, I always do so
with one purpose - which is to keep my food simple with authentic flavours.
If given the opportunity to cook for a high-profile personality, I would choose His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. I would love to make him a plate of homemade tagliatelle served with white truffle - a very simple but delicious meal.
I don't eat out often, but I am a big fan of breakfasts and, therefore, always like to try new places for pleasant morning meals. I love 21 Grams - Urban Balkan Bistro in Jumeirah. Their Komplet eggs are amazing. For a fine dining experience, I believe nothing is better than a dinner at Zuma.
Good question! Yes, I try cooking every evening but, occasionally, my husband and I enjoy ordering in too.
A dessert, for sure - but perhaps with a fusion of Emirati and Italian flavours!
There are so many famous chefs that I admire, but there is one in particular that I would like to meet because, for two years, his restaurant - L'Osteria Francescana - has been named the best in "The World's 50 Best Restaurants". I hope I'll get the opportunity to visit Modena and experience Massimo Bottura's food one day.
That would be polenta - a boiled cornmeal dish that's typical of a winter meal in northern Italy. It can be served with cheese, mushrooms, meat and melted butter but I prefer it with cold milk.
I just can't eat oysters - it's not the taste, but the texture.
I can't resist Four Cheese Pizza. It's my all-time favourite dish.
Puglia, Italy, because every dish is a special and unique experience - especially seafood. I've tried some of the best sea urchins there.
You can find me around Dubai participating in various fitness activities. At the moment, I'm loving hot yoga!
- Staff reporter