In a revealing interview with Metro's What's Cooking series, television personality and maître d' Fred Sirieix, known for his role on Channel 4's First Dates, opened up about his unique culinary preferences, including a surprising breakfast habit. The 54-year-old French native, originally from Limoges, shared insights from his fridge, cupboard, and freezer, offering a glimpse into his foodie world.
Unhinged Breakfast Delight
When asked about the most unhinged thing he enjoys eating, Sirieix didn't hold back. He admitted that many French dishes, such as snails and frogs, might shock British sensibilities. However, his standout choice is lamb's testicles, which he prepares as a breakfast treat at 8 AM. He explained that his father would source them from an abattoir as a cheaper alternative to sweetbreads, noting their similar texture and mouthfeel.
'It takes 24 hours to prepare them as you have to marinate them, remove the membrane around the testes, and then fry them with garlic, parsley, and loads of butter,' Sirieix said. 'But it's worth the work. At 8 am, it's the best breakfast; they taste very good.'
Childhood Comforts and Fridge Staples
Sirieix's childhood memories are deeply tied to food, with lapin à la moutarde (rabbit with mustard sauce) and French fries being a favorite dish made by his mother. 'My mum makes it all the time, and hers is the best version of the dish I've ever had, better than in all these fancy restaurants with stars,' he recalled.
In his fridge, butter is a constant presence, but surprisingly, it's often Kerrygold rather than French butter. 'I love it because it's very rich, very creamy and very salty. I think it's even saltier than the French butter you can get here,' he noted. His freezer is stocked with frozen croissants, pain au chocolat, and pain au raisin for quick, indulgent breakfasts.
Store Cupboard Essentials and Controversial Opinions
As a brand ambassador for Knorr, Sirieix keeps stock cubes and stock pots in his cupboard, a habit learned from his mother. He praised them as a simple hack for enhancing flavors, even using them to make an easy risotto with minimal ingredients.
When it comes to British food, Sirieix didn't shy away from controversy. He expressed disdain for triple-cooked chips, questioning their necessity and favoring French fries instead. 'I'm not a fan of triple-cooked chips. Why do we need to triple cook them? French fries are so much better,' he stated.
Romantic Meals and Dating Etiquette
Sirieix believes the most romantic meal is one cooked with effort, as it involves sharing a part of oneself. He highlighted Knorr's #ServingSingles campaign, which promotes cooking over dating apps to foster genuine connections. 'Food really is the ultimate way to a person's heart,' he emphasized.
On first dates, he advises avoiding messy foods like spaghetti and stresses the importance of punctuality. 'If you're taking too long to get to the table, I get upset because I've cooked and made the effort, and the food is perfect. It's all about respect for the food,' he explained, reflecting his French upbringing where food rituals are almost religious.
Current Cooking Favorites
Lately, Sirieix has been enjoying roast chicken with roast potatoes or French fries, a dish he cooks whenever time allows. He shared a tip: 'The key is to keep turning the chicken every 10 to 15 minutes during cooking to keep it moist, and baste it with butter on top constantly.' Unlike the traditional British Sunday roast, he grew up with this meal on weekdays, making it a versatile favorite.
This kitchen raid offers a candid look at Fred Sirieix's culinary passions, from unconventional breakfasts to heartfelt food memories, showcasing his deep connection to French and British cuisines.
