‘I am very open-minded’

What did your mother make you? She makes beautiful Irish stew with the world’s best mashed potato. Heaven. What is the meal you will always remember? Beef-tripe stew with tomatoes and fresh mint — a game changer! What was your defining food experience? It was a meal of scallop crudo, fried ginger, fresh coconut, pomegranate, shiso cress, coriander cress and Fontodi olive oil at Fifteen restaurant in London. It was so fresh; the smells and tastes were amazing. What’s the first dish you ever cooked? A one-pot wonder of bacon, cabbage, and potatoes. What is your hangover cure? Proper Japanese food: noodles, ramen, sushi — the works. What do you drink? I love a good bourbon or great gins with ice and lime. If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life, what would they be? Smoked chicken; sushi; and tripe. What is the most appetising smell in the world? Fresh herbs. What’s your favourite restaurant in Ireland? Miyazaki, Cork city. And abroad? Barbecoa, London. What’s your sweet treat? Grilled stone fruit, with bourbon brown butter sauce and a ton of vanilla ice cream. I often do this at Holy Smoke. What do you refuse to eat? Fermented shark. I had it once and won’t be going there again, unless I have the right person to teach me how to make it! What is your guilty pleasure? Peanut butter on toast. What’s your signature dish? Cinder-block-pit whole lamb, with smoked harissa, herb salad, and pickle radishes on stone-baked flatbread. When you decide to eat healthily, what’s your regime? Chicken, salad, superfoods, and lots of fruit. I only eat good, natural, fresh food. I am very open-minded and love trying new things. What’s your perfect family meal? Proper vegetable soup, a massive rib-eye steak on the bone, lots of veg, and the mother’s apple pie. John Relihan of Holy Smoke Restaurant, Little Hanover St, Cork, will be headlining at this year’s The Big Grill BBQ Festival in Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, D4, August 11-14. See biggrillfestival.com In conversation with Sophie White