As thoughts turn to romantic Valentine's meals for two we turn to every woman's quintessential dream date: Jean-Christophe Novelli. He's good-looking, French, and of course, he's not too bad in the kitchen. Here's what he has to say about food and love

Are you planning to woo a lady this Valentine's Day?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: Yes, her name is Michelle Kennedy. It probably won't be on the day itself because I have my restaurant to run (The White Horse, Harpenden, Herts), but we'll probably do something the next day. I have lots of bookings and I can't let those people down.

Is your woman not worth it then?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: I can't say she's not worth it! Of course she's worth it! We'll start off with some nice champagne at the White Horse, then cook some nice food. Michelle cooks too.

What's the perfect Valentine's dish?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: It has to be White Chocolate and Kirsch Mousse. Make it a bit in advance so you can give it time to chill before serving. It's delicious and completely irresistible.

Women love chocolate, what do men love?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: I don't think it's a women-only thing. No one, man or woman, could resist my white chocolate ice cream recipe, no one could walk away from it.

Best food for a first date?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: The most important thing is that you're comfortable and that things are easy. You can't rely on one particular thing to make things work. I don't say no to spaghetti or messy food, it's whatever makes you feel comfortable and sets the right mood. Dim the lights and don't try too hard to impress them. Just keep it comfortable and relaxed.

Any aphrodisiacs?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: There is no such thing as an aphrodisiac, I don't believe in them. Food can certainly enhance the mood between two people. I see food as the cable but it's the people that create the electricity. You can feed a plank the best caviar and the finest champagne but it's unlikely to create sparks!

What meal wins you over every time?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: My lovely partner cooks me a sea bass with chorizo and sun dried tomatoes. She stole the recipe from my book actually!

You once told John McCririck he was a pig. Why?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: Because he is a pig! I don't like the way he speaks about his wife. I was watching Richard and Judy I just couldn't believe what was coming out of his mouth! So when he came onto Hell's Kitchen I told him he was a pig. Gary [Rhodes] and I never got on very well, and John tried to play us off against each other - hinting to both of us that he was going to choose us - but in the end it was the one thing that united us: thinking that John was a pig!

Did John have any defence to your attack?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: I don't give a toss about his defence! I wasn't listening to him. I said: 'I'm not going to cook for you' and told him to p*ss off. He thought I was joking, so I had to tell him to p*ss off again. He has no respect for his wife and without her he would be f*cked.

Moving on...has Celebrity X-factor helped your serenading skills?

Jean-Christophe Novelli: X-Factor was an intense experience. I had been in Dubai just before the first recording of the show, and my team had all been in weeks of singing tuition. I was scared of letting them down but we did well, it was a huge surprise! If there's one thing I learnt it was to expect the unexpected. But no, I don't sing to women. I am quite good with music but I would never do that to a woman.

There's a rumour going round that women used to flock to your Clerkenwell restaurant, just to catch a glimpse of you coming out of the kitchen

Jean-Christophe Novelli: Ha-ha! I would love to respond to that but I can't!