TV chef Ainsley Harriott recalls his travel adventures

This week TV chef Ainsley Harriott checks in to our travel Q&A.

He talks about his earliest holiday memory – eating his first hot dog in New York – being ‘blown away’ by Sydney’s Icebergs restaurant – and more…

Most memorable place?

Petra, Jordan’s ancient city. It takes your breath away.

Do you always fly first class?

When I am flying long-haul, I tend to go business class. I’ve had two hip operations so I can’t sit in economy for more than three hours without starting to get cramp.

What can’t you travel without?

A good toothpick.

Earliest holiday memory?

Eating my first proper hot dog in New York. I could smell the onions 50 yards away.

Favourite hotel?

The Coral Reef Club in Barbados. I’ve been many times, and the staff are so relaxed.

Most unforgettable meal?

I was blown away by a Sydney restaurant called Icebergs. I don’t know what I had. I just remember feeling fantastic there.

What’s your holiday hell?

I hate poor service. Being busy is no excuse. I have high standards.

Ainsley said he was ‘blown away’ by Sydney’s famous Icebergs restaurant in Bondi 

Favourite place in the UK?

My partner lives in Chester and I like popping up there. It’s an old Roman city with great restaurants, bars and delis.

Where next?

I’m planning to go skiing with a couple of mates — probably at Val d’Isere in the French Alps. I’ve absolutely loved skiing ever since I went with school and I was the only black man in the mountains.

• Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook is available to watch online on ITV Hub.