FIERY celebrity chef Marco Pierre White celebrated the launch of his latest book at a book signing in Chester this week.
Mr Pierre White spoke to the Leader at a special launcheon at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Hoole on Wednesday, revealing his love for Chester's local produce and family cooking.
He said: "I believe that food enriches people’s lives and I think that it's really important to eat well at home.
“I live a busy life, we all live busy lives and we don't have time to cook a lot of the time and when I say cook I mean making stock, making sauces and I'm the same as all of us really.
“I have a cupboard full of bottles and jars and packets and I thought how could you make food delicious with these things and that is why I made the book."
He added: “My latest book is designed for anyone who loves food but hates aggro.”
Guests were treated to signed copies of his latest book, ‘Marco Made Easy’, and the normally fiery chef looked relaxed as he answered questions as he visited tables at his MPW Steakhouse, Bar and Grill restaurant.
North West MPW brand manager Francis Carroll said: “Marco is extremely busy at the moment with the launch of his new restaurant in Bristol, so we are delighted that he has taken the time to come up to Chester to celebrate the launch of his latest book with us.
“The book fits perfectly with his affordable glamour concept that he has brought to Chester and is set to be a great success.
“It is always a great pleasure to see my good friend Marco, and he delights in visiting his restaurants in the north as this is where his roots are.”
The Leeds-born chef, who counts top chef Gordon Ramsey as his former-pupils, enjoyed a bacon sandwich and a sup of tea before he told the Leader about his love for Cheshire produce.
He said: "You have great produce here – really excellent.
“That is one thing the North West has always had and great producers.
“Around here there are some great ducks and chickens and when you've got great natural produce you don't need to do much to it.
"I always say buy locally because it's very important.
“We always search where the best is in the area.
“Ninety-nine per cent of the time all the produce comes locally to us but anything that we don't buy locally, apart from sea fish, is Scottish beef."
The dad-of-four told the Leader about his important work with Wirral-based hospice Claire House, which cares for children across Chester, the Wirral and Merseyside.
"Each year I dedicate six or seven days to certain charities and I support Claire House.
“They chose me and it's a very special and very lovely place.
“They told me about themselves last year and I just thought it was important to support them.
"There are always the obvious charities to support and they take the lion share and would rather give my time to smaller charities like Claire House."
The Hell's Kitchen star also hosted a charity auction during his visit to Chester with all proceeds going to Claire House Hospice.
For more information on how much was raised or to donate go to www.claire-house.org.uk