Feedback with Simon Calder
Posted on 1 Mar 2023 by Noreen Collins
Think of holidays and the first name that used to spring to mind was probably Judith Chalmers. But nowadays this is the man who knows everything about travel, and more - Simon Calder.
He's most likely to have the travel industry quaking in their boots as he takes up the fight on behalf of travellers when services are bad, gives praise when it's good, and roots out the best deals for flights, car hire, train fares and holidays. His first job was a cleaner for British Airways at Gatwick, but he soon swapped his mop and bucket for a pen and notepad and began writing budget travel guidebooks. Always on the move (literally), I managed to snatch a quick call with him while he was on a train and between getting cut off each time he went in a tunnel, found out his food likes and dislikes.
What food always reminds you of your childhood?
Spaghetti Bolognese and tinned sardines - it was the 60's so very different times, and tinned sardines were a staple. I celebrate the fact the the fish I eat nowadays is fresh!
Do you have a current favourite restaurant or type of restaurant?
Japanese, Korean and anything else that’s east Asian. My love of eating raw fish comes from travelling around and although I was reluctant to begin with, it was only when I got to Japan I realised just how delicous it is
What food or ingredient could you not do without?
Porridge! Keeps me fuelled up for the day
Is there a memorable meal you can remember eating?
Filming in a Tokyo sushi bar where, fortunately, I was required to repeat many takes until the Director got what he wanted.
You obviously travel around the world a lot, is there anything you really miss to eat or drink when you are away?
Tea! Everywhere apart from the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand is useless at it (although India is an honourable exception for making its own indigenous version). I like ordinary tea with a splash of milk.
Is there a favourite meal you always have when you come back home?
A Thai dinner at our local cafe, I love the ambience. By day it's a greasy spoon, but then in the evening it turns into a lovely restaurant, the food is fresh and delicious
Is there something particular you always keep in the fridge?
Beer. All kinds: lager, IPA, Guinness, non-alcoholic…
I like beer.
With your extensive travelling, have you ever eaten anything weird?
Yes, grasshoppers in Mexico, tripe in France, and a revolting prehistoric fish in Portugal called a lamprey.
Do you eat airplane food?
Yes, voraciously.
What would be your last supper if literally anything was available to you and where would you eat it?
Raw salmon, in any Japanese restaurant.
Find out more about Simon at www.simoncalder.co.uk and on Twitter @SimonCalder
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