‘You miss the little things, living away’

A taste for life... Rachel Wyse

What did your mother make you?

Mum is a brilliant cook, and she always has something delicious on the table when I come back from London for a visit; my favourite is pumpkin and goat’s cheese risotto.

What is the meal you will always remember?

I went on holidays to the Mandarin Oriental in Turkey two years ago, and they had the most amazing Japanese restaurant, with tapas-style dishes. The sushi and sashimi were the best I’ve eaten.

What’s the first dish you ever cooked?

Spaghetti bolognese — you can’t go wrong.

What is your hangover cure?

Nando’s — delivered to the front door.

What do you drink?

A glass of Whispering Angel rose wine.

If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Potatoes. Baked, chips, fried, boiled — at least I’d have options! Also chicken, and cheese.

What’s your favourite restaurant in Ireland?

I’ve enjoyed Xico the last few times I was in Dublin. The food is great, as is the atmosphere.

What’s your sweet treat?

Apple crumble and cream.

What do you refuse to eat?

Sardines.

What is your guilty pleasure?

A cheeseboard and a glass of red wine.

What’s your signature dish?

An Asian beef dish my mum taught me to cook.

Are you careful about what you eat?

I go through phases, but to be honest, I like to cook something that’s quick, and that you can do easily, with healthy options — such as a piece of salmon and roasted tomatoes with baby potatoes. It takes 20 minutes, max.

Are there any foods you have had to cut out or cut down on that you miss?

You do miss little things, living in another country. An English breakfast is not the same as a full-Irish breakfast. They also don’t have proper brown bread like you get at home.

What’s your perfect family meal?

Christmas Day. I’ve worked almost every Christmas Day in London at Sky Sports News since I moved six years ago, so hopefully this year I will be at home, having Christmas dinner with the family. In conversation with Sophie White Photo by Barry McCall