Grown up rule #1 Eat your greens

After 26 years of international culinary discovery, mishaps, experimentation and indulgence my Mother continues to warn me of the ill effects of not eating my greens.

I am quite positive that whether you saute, roast, immerse in £38 Manuka honey and balance them daringly on a bed of Italian male models I will not enjoy eating parsnips. Why I need to be reminded of this golden rule in front of the maitre d' of my favourite local eatery (Bacchus) is still a mystery to me . The withering roll of the eyes from my exasperated Mother met with an understanding look from the old waiter really was the parsnip on the foul tasting cake.