Broadcasting legend Nick Grimshaw and Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, hosts of the Dish from Waitrose podcast, reveal what really makes a great night in
Don’t overcomplicate things…
Angela: Cook something easy! So many people get stressed about it, making it too fancy and acting like they’re on Masterchef. Just stick to something simple. It’s the same for christmas-dinner>Christmas dinner, you don’t need six vegetables – just do the two you’d stick with your Sunday roast. You don’t want to be spending your whole evening in the kitchen.
Nick: I’m guilty of this. I always try to do a recipe I’ve never done before – which is a terrible idea, because I’m then trying to concentrate (is that a teaspoon or a tablespoon?!) when I should be having fun with my friends. You’ve never been to anyone’s house and thought ‘well this better be good’ have you? People are just happy to be cooked for.
Maltesers for pud!
Angela: As a starter I would do something cold – a really easy salad, with something seasonal like a pumpkin or beetroot. For the main, perhaps a one pot wonder chicken, cooked with the rice and spice. I did this recently on the Dish by Waitrose podcast. And then for dessert, a box of Maltesers or some cheese.
Nick: I love crab on toast because the fishmongers do the hard work for you and you just have to add some nice mayonnaise. With some watercress on top. Then chicken in a creamy tarragon sauce, with roast potatoes and a lovely salad. Crumble to finish.
Crowdpleasing cocktails
Nick: I would do a cocktail before dinner – I like a dirty martini. They’re delicious, easy to do, and nothing says ‘it’s night time now’ like a martini. I like Campari spritz too. And wine, of course. A freezing cold, minerally white wine is my jam.
Angela: I’d do a negroni or a gin and tonic. We always have Champagne too, or sparkling wine. And then some red and white.
Don’t forget the music
Angela: Anything I like I Shazam and add to an album, and then they’re all ready in there to be played. I’m really into Lola Young at the moment, and Nick has just got me into Geese. Bobby Womack and the Carpenters too. Do you feel people judge you on the music, if they come over Nick?
Nick: I have a LOT of playlists. I love all sorts. Dub, reggae, I like the Cameron Winter album at the moment, I love the Seventies and a bit of Stevie Wonder.
A good dinner party guest is…
Nick: Someone who is a good talker, is generous with their time and asks questions. Someone who puts their phone away.
Angela: Phones should be banned at the dinner table.
Dream guestlist?
Nick: Cathy Burke, because she’s hilarious. Bob Mortimer because he’s so funny but also so sweet. Grace Jones.
Angela: Sandi Toksvig, she’s brilliant. Prince.
Nick: I don’t know if I’d like Prince to be there…I love Prince too much, I don’t know if I’d like to chat about potatoes with Prince.
Angela: You need people with good table stories… Richard E Grant, Larry David, people who can hold their own at a table. Miriam Margolyes.
Nick: Oh my god yes.
Sharing food is joyous
Angela: Eating is such an important part of socialising. It’s hard these days, a lot of people don’t have much money. But sitting around a table is so important, even if it’s just having a cup of tea. You’re learning what’s going on with each other’s days, and especially as a family it’s crucial catch up time. Restaurants and pubs are so good for the community too. You lose a pub in a tiny village and you’ve lost the place where someone who has perhaps lost their husband or wife or the kids have moved away socialised.
The ultimate comfort food
Nick: A jacket potato – a big one, baked in the oven for ages then spread with a lot of butter and salt. Crispy skin and really strong cheddar cheese grated on it. A few beans, not loads, a sprinkle. And pepper.
Angela: Stews, for me. And mashed potato. Crumble for pudding.
Anything off the menu?
Angela: I’ll give everything a try once. Except coriander… and pineapple on a pizza.
Nick: I’m a dustbin, I eat everything. Except gluten.
Finally, how do you get your guests to leave?
Nick: Hosting morning radio is really good for that!
Angela: I just say it’s time to go. You’ve got to be brutal.
*Dish from Waitrose is available on all podcast providers