Best coffee in Ireland?
3FE. I like to hit Sussex Terrace or Ranelagh on my way to work. Honourable mention to Foodgame on South Lotts Road.
What are your thoughts on the Irish foodie scene?
It’s class right now. So many places are doing awesome contemporary cooking. I also love how when ‘big international chains’ land to great trumpets and Irish people just don’t embrace them. I love how Irish people respond to real businesses with owner-operators and ‘imported’ viral chains don’t take off.
What’s your favourite thing about cooking?
I just like making things. Whether it’s a lasagna, a pizza oven or a garden shed. I just enjoy making stuff.
What does food — sitting down to a meal with friends, mindfully preparing a meal, nourishment, etc — mean to you?
In the age of AI and more and more things becoming automated and ‘going online’, human interaction is irreplaceable. Good food and even better wine are what I’m here for.
Food for thought — What are some areas for improvement within the Irish food/restaurant/hospitality scene?
I think social media, ‘virality’ and online reviews are distracting some business owners from their work. Make the experience better and focus on the guests in front of you instead of trying to control what they post in a Google Review.
Chef’s kiss — Tell us about one standout foodie experience you’ve had recently.
I was in a friend’s house the other day and they cooked lamb, real lamb, in the bottom of their Aga and it was fabulous. They put it in at 6am for lunch at 1:30. So tender.
Compliments to the chef — Now’s your chance to sing the praises of a talented chef, beloved restaurant or particularly talented foodie family member.
My pals in Scéal bakery. I love everything they do and they’re super folks to top it off.
Secret ingredient — What, in your estimation, makes the perfect dining experience?
Going into every experience as a guest or a host, with authenticity. Everyone wants the same outcome: a great dining experience. It’s not us vs. them. Let’s make it easy on each other.
Dining and Cooking