An award-winning deli owner has told of the signature dishes that took him from an apprentice cook to working as a private chef to a top Celtic player
Dad-of-two John Traynor, from Glasgow, scooped the Best Deli in Scotland prize at the Italian awards in November, despite having no connection to Italy.
He was inspired to learn to cook by watching Ainsley Harriet on TV - and went on to count Crystal Palace and former Celtic star striker Odsonne Édouard among clients.
After working as a private chef, John opened La Pastina Deli on Byres Road, in the West End, which sells handmade pasta and tiramisu.
John said: “When I was younger I had a hip disorder so I was off school for two years having operations, so I would always watch Ready Steady Cook.
"I became obsessed, wanting to know how to make things."
He began an apprenticeship at the Hilton aged 16, but after becoming disillusioned with long hours in kitchens, became a private chef.
His most high-profile client was the Celtic striker, Odsonne Édouard, who now plays for Crystal Palace.
John said: “He was such a nice guy, he was so laid back.
"I was like a fan boy the first couple of times I cooked for him."
He described matchday meals as "carb-laden dishes" but normally it was a mix of everything.
John was hired to provide Odsonne and his girlfriend with fresh and tasty dinners and lunches, like fresh pasta, and handmade raviolis.
He said: "Burrata and calprese salads were their favourites."
He would sometimes get the inside scoop on the team gossip.
John said: “Once I heard a rumour he was leaving and asked him about it, he laughed and said fake news.
“Odsonne's girlfriend would text in French and I'd translate it on my phone or they'd show me pictures of what they wanted."
By the end of their time in Scotland he had even introduced the couple to some Glaswegian patter.
When La Pastina Deli first opened, Odsonne popped up despite being in the process of moving down south to join Palace.
John said: "I didn't ask him, he just did that himself, he is such a nice guy."
For more information on La Pastina click here.
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