Jamie Oliver's 15: A kitchen trainee who succeeded

iVillage: What were you doing before you joined the course?
KD: I was training at Butler's Wharf Chef School, but it closed down. I was a bit disheartened about it because I was really enjoying it there and when it closed I thought, "Maybe this isn't for me". So then I was just doing bits and pieces for a while, helping out a friend part-time in a second hand TV repair shop and things. And then I got the application form for this. I filled it in and sent it off, and here I am!

iVillage: What's the most important lesson you've learned so far from your experiences as a trainee chef?
KD: Always be prepared, like when you're ready to start service for example. Don't be afraid to ask questions about where food comes from, and that sort of stuff. And also try new things - I've eaten things now that I never would have eaten before. I mean when we went to Italy and I ate a whole baby red mullet! I was like, "What? No way!" but I ate it - bones and everything! It's important to try new things, and just to experience them, even if you don't like it, nobody's going to force you to eat it again!

iVillage: How does it make you feel that Fifteen has been shortlisted for Best New Restaurant at the Carlton London Restaurant Awards?
KD: It makes us feel really proud, and not only that, but it's exciting as well because we know how hard it was to open the restaurant and get it done on time. It's a really big achievement for all of us.

iVillage: You had a few run-ins with Jamie - do you get on now?
KD: Aww, he's great. He's like a big brother or best friend to me now.

iVillage: Do you still swear at him?
KD: Hmm, do I still swear at him? Do I have to answer that one? No I don't swear, I'm too scared to - the newspapers might say I'm getting sacked again!

Buy Jamie's Kitchen at Tesco.com