The 5-Minute Interview: Antonio Carluccio, Chef and restaurateur

'I believe everyone can make a difference'

Italian-born Antonio Carluccio, 70, is one of Britain's best-loved chefs, with a chain of restaurants and his own BBC television series. This month, he is promoting the Action Against Hunger charity's 'Fight Hunger, Eat Out' campaign. For details, visit www.restaurantsagainst-hunger.org

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be ...

Picking mushrooms and beans. It's my passion.

A common misperception of me is ...

They call me the mushroom man. I don't want to be a mushroom.

I wish people would take more notice of...

The fact children are dying every day. It's unacceptable that one billion people suffer from severe, life-threatening malnutrition. It is a tragedy in this world of plenty.

The most surprising thing that happened to me ...

Was receiving the OBE last year, because I never thought an Italian citizen would be able to.

I am not a politician but ...

I believe every one of us can make a difference, that is why I'm an ambassador for Action Against Hunger.

A phrase I use too often ...

"Bravo" and "you are an angel" – but most are unrepeatable.

I'm good at ...

Listening to complaints and trying to solve problems.

I'm very bad at ...

Remembering birthdays and anniversaries.

The ideal night out is ...

The opera, followed by a good meal.

In weak moments I ...

Like to suck sweet condensed milk from the tin.

My philosophy is ...

Try not to hurt others.

Alice-Azania Jarvis