For our fourth Long Lunch at The Park, the series in which we celebrate the joy of a long lunch, we are delighted to be joined by the British photographer and film director, Malcolm Venville, and his guest, Yotam Ottolenghi.
Malcolm Venville is a photographer and director of television and film, including 44 Inch Chest, Henry’s Crime, and the feature documentary And We Go Green. His documentary work also includes Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, and most recently Churchill at War, a four-part Netflix series. He has also published the photography books Layers, Lucha Loco, and The Women of Casa X.
WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL LONG LUNCH?
Time borrowed from something important, food better than you deserve and just enough self-awareness to know it’s a luxury.
WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN A LUNCH COMPANION?
A sense of humour sharp enough to slice through the béarnaise and the ability to toast the day without taking it or themselves too seriously.
WHAT DID YOU EAT / DRINK TODAY?
Steak, fries, rocket salad and a fine glass of red.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE – RESTAURANT OR OTHER – YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
“Eat and drink today for tomorrow I die.” Or, as Cromwell would say, “Clear the table and repent.”
WHAT ARE YOU WORK ON AT THE MOMENT?
I should be making shapes in Ibiza but instead I’m in an edit, cutting a documentary about Iron Maiden.