Danny O’Brien

This Wicklow-born comedian is a self-confessed food-porn aficionado. His tastes run from seven-hour lamb to spice bags — but olives are out

“I made scrambled eggs when I was young. I don’t think the pot was ever used again after!”

What did your mother make you? Sausages, beans and mashed potato was always a staple. What is the meal you will always remember? I spent Christmas in Vietnam a few years back and bought my Christmas dinner from a little old woman. It was a lobster cooked over charcoal, with an amazing spicy dipping sauce and a beer. It was perfect! What was your defining food experience? At 21, I lived in New York, and my housemates were a chef from New Zealand and a foodie from the North of Ireland, both of whom really opened my eyes. I’ve been obsessed with all things food ever since. What’s the first dish you ever cooked? I’m sure it was scrambled eggs on toast when I was really young. I don’t think the pot was ever used again after I was finished with it! What is your comfort food? I love fish pie, or anything that involves gravy and mash. What is your hangover cure? Anything loaded with carbs, bacon and cheese is my go-to! Thai food is great also. I know you’re supposed to eat lettuce and fruit for a hangover, but ain’t nobody got time for that. What do you drink? Beer, Guinness and red wine. Not together — except for at a house party, once. You can only eat three things for the rest of your life, what are they? Cheese; prawns; chicken wings. Are you careful about what you eat? I try to be, but being on the road a lot makes it hard. I try to eat well and cook relatively healthily as much as possible when I’m home. What is the most appetising smell? Frying bacon! What’s always in your fridge? Cheese, and salad I’ve forgotten about for an age but am too scared to touch. You can go anywhere and have anything to eat with any one person. Where, what and who? I’d probably go to the legendary Arzak Restaurant in the Spanish city of San Sebastian, with the equally legendary Anthony Bourdain, and ask him to order. What’s your sweet treat? Probably ice cream. The occasional ice-cream sundae is a glorious thing. What do you refuse to eat? Olives. I just can’t deal. I’ve tried time and time again, but no dice. What is your guilty pleasure? The glorious spice bag — Starry Night, the Chinese and Thai takeaway on Pearse St, do a powerful one. What’s your signature dish? Seven-hour lamb, served with lots of garlicky dauphinoise potatoes and some nice fresh vegetables. It’s the business! Are there any foods you have had to cut down on that you miss? Not really. I exercise mainly so that I can eat what I want! What’s your perfect family meal? Probably one of my granny’s roast dinners. She’s a legend, and is still cranking out great food at the tender age of 80. To follow Danny O’Brien’s live gig updates, see dannyobriencomedy.com, and check out his food-porn snaps on Instagram @dobcomedy In conversation with Sophie White