Cookbook author, teacher, host of the PBS national television series, Weir Cooking in the City

Upcoming projects: Teaching cooking classes in Europe, filming another PBS series in 2007.

Fun fact: Gary Danko is one of Weir’s best friends – they met years ago while training with acclaimed French chef Madeleine Kamman, and both remain close to her until this day. For Kamman’s 73rd birthday in 2004, Weir and Danko took her to France, where they visited many of the places from her childhood.

Last thing you cooked for yourself?
Incredible leg of lamb – I butterflied it and cooked it on the grill in my fireplace – and Indian raika (yogurt sauce); tomatoes pickled in cumin garlic, chiles, tumeric, and ginger; roasted peppers and grilled potatoes; and a salad of persimmons, figs, muscat grapes, pomegranate, and frisée. Oh, and a pear tart in puff pastry with homemade chestnut ice cream for dessert.

Favorite food from your childhood?
Spaghetti and meatballs, and meatloaf with baked potatoes – my mom’s only!

What is it like working in your own kitchen for your TV show?
It’s the shortest commute I’ve ever had – I got up, got dressed, and walked down the hall for work! In the past, we’ve taped the show in Napa and at the KQED studio, but this was the most comfortable I’ve ever been on television.

Something in your fridge or freezer at home that would surprise people?
Peanut butter? (laughs) I don’t know – I’m such a purist. I really do eat pretty healthfully. Okay, maybe a can of sardines?

A meal or a dish that, as a young chef, was an inspiration or a revelation?
Roast lamb and a salad with extra virgin olive oil, lemon, and garlic at my Lebanese friend’s home – it was exotic and really changed the food I loved.

Last restaurant you ate at?
Le Comptoir in Paris, a five-course dinner that was like an updated Chez Panisse – incredible food.

The dish that will follow you wherever you go?
Gnocchi soufflé with Roquefort cheese – it puffs up and it’s pretty amazing – and my pizzas.

Favorite offal?
Duck liver, just sautéed and finished with a little Marsala wine.

What are your guilty pleasures?
It used to be potato chips, but I can’t say what it is now in a newspaper! (laughs) Actually I met a man and I fell in love. Gary (Danko) loves him, and we’re picky about each other’s mates. His name is Joe and so is mine, so we’re Joe-Jo! He was just in Europe with me for two weeks – we’re head over heels; this is it. He’s an amazing man.

What would your last meal on earth be and where would you have it?
Eating baked eggs with truffles and cream at Osteria dell’Arco in Alba, Italy, and roasted onion fonduta.