Michael Collins: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times asks molecular cuisine guru and managing director of Bubble Food Michael Collins: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?

Passion and creativity.

“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

“Never put all your eggs in one basket.”

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?

Bad hair.

Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

My mum’s home cooking.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

More money.

Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?

The bubble had to burst at some point. I’m lucky as sticking to my motto meant that it didn’t affect me too much.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

There is not really a phrase or word I loathe but I hate it when people give excuses.

In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

I support various good causes, both personally and through my company. I get very fed up with the street fundraisers with their clipboards who try to stop you every three paces to sign up to their charity.

The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

I’m terrible. I couldn’t live without my phone.

If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

My lovely Bubble team. We would have lots of fun and do some teambuilding at the same time.

If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

I would go to The Ivy and have their amazing chicken korma.

What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

11am: “gin and it” for elevenses.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A martini. We do a great “Pink Peppercorn Martini” at Bubble and for Christmas our head mixologist has created a “Snowing Black Forest Martini” complete with white chocolate snow. It’s delicious.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

My own because they’re full of all my favourite people and Bubble does the food and drinks. As a result, the guests seem to always be happy.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Betty White of Golden Girls fame. I love her.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Bubble’s head chef makes the most divine dessert. It’s a chocolate bubble containing salt toffee mousse, pomegranate and popping candy. Hot yoghurt sauce is poured over the bubble and it kind of implodes. Amazing.  I’ve been told it’s very low in calories though.

If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

An eagle: It’d be serene and soaring high with prey in its talons.

If you were a car, what marque would you be?

A Lamborghini.

Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

Although I’ve been in the events and hospitality sector for over 15 years, I originally studied construction and trained as a chartered surveyor.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

A nude picture of myself from when I first came to live in London.

Michael Collins is the managing director of Bubble Food, one of London’s leading food design and events companies. The company specialises in molecular cuisine and their clients number Helena Bonham-Carter, Bella Freud and Jemima Khan.

For more information about Bubble Food telephone +44 (0) 20 7703 2653 or go to: http://www.bubblefood.com