This week on ‘Men in the Kitchen’ we have Ishan de Lanerolle, one half of the famous singing duo, 'The De Lanerolle Brothers’ serenading us with his culinary flair.

What does food and cooking mean to you?

Food is something we can't do without. Average life span in Sri Lanka is about 74 years which means if we take the normal 3 meal a day a person would approximately consumed 81,030 meals :) Cooking is something personal. I have cooked only for my parents and brother and my wife and child, and a few very close friends. To be honest I feel quite intimidated with my wife around as her food is known to many with her business Anna's Kitchen

Name one ingredient you can’t do without?

I like spices which I believe makes the great difference between western and Asian cuisine, but I can't do without salt and depending on the dish, green chillie.

What was the first thing you learnt to cook?

I used to cook a cauliflower soup which was taken from a recipe book. This was when I was a schoolboy. However interestingly, to this day I still do not eat cauliflower but my parents used to say it tasted great, and they loved. Hence I continued to make it even without tasting. ;)

Who do you like to cook for the most?

Family and very close friends.

Is there any particular kitchen habit of yours that your loved ones dislike?

Well I am not in the habit of cleaning up, so I cook and leave the kitchen....!

Prepping, the act of cooking or cleaning - out of the three, which do you like the least?   

Cleaning for sure.

Name one ingredient that baffles you?

Again salt.

 Any secret ingredients you keep away from others?

Good one... it’s a secret. :)

Are there any chefs that you look up to or admire?

My wife, Shanaz De Lanerolle, (although she is not a chef!) She is so calm even when she has so many orders, and is also very quick in the kitchen. I wish I had 10% of her energy when it comes to making so many desserts and dishes.  Also Koluu for the fantastic innovative recipes he comes up with. I am a regular customer of Lemon, tasting his cuisine. I also admire Nigella Lawson for the way she conducts her programme on TV which makes anyone who does not cook, want to cook!

Do you have any particular favourite cuisine?

Western, Thai, Chinese but nothing like a typical spicy Sri Lankan rice and curry!

What is the most interesting dish you’ve prepared? How was the response?

It is my signature omelette with green chillie! So far so good... everyone has enjoyed it and I hope to add on more!

By Shabnam Farook

Picture courtesy of Ishan de Lanerolle's FB page