Teenage dreams and a love of wild places saw Marco hop an aeroplane to “the mother country of surfing” where he fell hard – not for waves but for the girl of his dreams. At Catalina he met Claire, a breakfast date turned into dinner and last February this fire-wielding, car racing chef walked out of the kitchen and down the aisle.  

Tune in below for a chat on a mat with Marco… 

1. What is your first memory of food? Making polpette with my Grandmother for my sister, and pizza dough for me, when I was 7 or 8 years old. 

2. Best meal you've had with friends – what and where? Maison Troisgros in Roanne, France. It’s held 3 Michelin Stars since 1968.

3. Something you’ve cooked for a lover? Everything. 

4. How do you find a sense of flow? Listening to music. Mainly Italian rap and hip hop. God, I listen to everything. Classical, rock, blues, jazz. I’m not a massive fan of any particular band but songs that give me a buzz – that’s it. I feel untouchable.    

5. Favourite project to date? Moving and settling down in Australia. 

6. Dream project? Build my dream home. 

7. Top 3 yoga poses? Crow, Plank, Pigeon.

8. Tell us a song that gets you on the dance floor? Break Ya Neck, Busta Rhymes.

9. Desert island vegetable? What and why? Fuck – no idea. Pizza?  

10. Favourite place to travel and what do you eat when you get there? Italy. Everything that you can't find anywhere else in the world.