Richard Spataro
Richard Spataro grew up in Kent, studied architecture in Liverpool and is now head chef and manager of Coco Catering in Sheffield, specialising in modern English and Italian food for functions and home delivery.
He lives in Vincent Road with partner Blanche and their cat Tim
Are you a cook?
I'm the head chef for my own company, Coco Catering. I learnt to cook authentic Italian cuisine at home with my father who is from Palermo in Sicily. One of my favourite recipes is arancini, a Sicilian street snack which is basically rice balls with a ragu centre.
Any cooking tips?
Cook everything fresh.
What's your favourite dish?
Lasagne, cooked by my father. Coming in a close second is a classic roast dinner with all the trimmings, cooked by Mamma of course…
And a drink to go with it?
Brothers strawberry and pear cider is beautiful. Might not be the best accompaniment to the above meal but I love it.
Your favourite restaurant in the Sheffield area?
Zeugma's on London Road. Good authentic Turkish food is so hard to find and I'm glad that I did.
And pub?
Bungalows and Bears in Division Street.
What's the worst meal you've ever had?
I was bitterly disappointed by a restaurant in Liverpool two years ago while I was a student. Everything was reheated including spaghetti, which is just criminal. Pasta should always be cooked to order or it has no bite. It wasn't cheap, either, which makes it worse.
And the best?
I enjoyed the meal at my sister's wedding the most. The food was good as well as the atmosphere. I barely remember what I had but I know I enjoyed it all.
Your favourite TV cook?
I admire Gordon Ramsay for not compromising on anything he cooks. Something that is sadly missed in some restaurants.
What do you think of Sheffield as a place to eat out?
I think it's varied. There is a lot of choice for whatever mood you're in. The multicultural nature of the city is reflected in its restaurants.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
