The Steeple Times asks restaurateur Michele Caggianese: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
My family and my background.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
We don’t know what we don’t know in life.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
Jimmy Savile and the all lot.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
My friends and family from my home town.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
My wealth is my son and my wife and I wouldn’t swap them for anything in the world.
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?
I do not think that we will come out of austerity very quickly. People need to be given a chance and banks should facilitate investment by providing support based on calculated risk.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“I will tell you what to do.”
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I support mainly restaurant industry related charities with the hope that they will make a difference.
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?
A great tool if used with respect for others.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
People that have achieved the goals that they had set for themselves in life, a few politicians and a few sportsman.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
My mamma parmigiana di melanzane “aubergine parmigiana.”
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
It depends of the day, company and situations you are in.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A glass of wine.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
My best friend’s stag do.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My grandmother.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
A meal after work.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A lion: My zodiac symbol.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I like to think a Ferrari but I would probably be a Alfa Romeo.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I do have a degree in electronics but I do not even know how to change a light bulb.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A photo of my village in Italy and of my little boy.
Michele Caggianese is the general manager of The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant at the Jumeriah Carlton Tower. He was voted the Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year at the 2012 Hotel Cateys last month.
The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant, Jumeirah Carlton Tower On Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7858 7250. Website: http://www.theribroom.co.uk