Suzanne Taylor

This Dublin foodie took a leap of faith when she left her life in London to retrain at Ballymaloe. She talks pizza, love and pavlova blunders

What did your mother make you? I was lucky, growing up, to have two parents who were passionate about food, and grew fruit and veg in the garden. I remember rhubarb season, when it seemed to be in absolutely everything! Most memorable meal ever? I met my partner on a blind date in a Japanese Peruvian restaurant called Chotto Matte in London. Now that’s a meal I’ll never forget! What was your defining food experience? Food has always been a big part of my life. Deciding to quit my job in London and go do the Ballymaloe course was a defining moment. First dish you ever cooked? Probably a quiche — I went through a phase of making quiches when I was younger. No idea why! What’s your hangover cure? You can’t beat a wood-fired pizza! What do you drink? I love a glass of red wine or a hot whiskey. You can only eat three things for the rest of your life, what are they? Sourdough pizza; spicy chicken jalfrezi; and my parents’ roast lamb. What’s always in your kitchen? Good olive oil and tons of Caputo flour — the gold standard for pizza dough! You can go anywhere and have anything to eat with any one person. Where, what and who? I would love to go to Tulum in Mexico and eat at Hartwood with my partner. I met the couple who own it at a cookery demonstration during the Ballymaloe Litfest. Their food and restaurant concept seem absolutely incredible. Favorite restaurant in Ireland? I am a huge fan of 777 on George’s St — it’s hard to beat good Mexican and margaritas! I have been to Forest Avenue twice, and both times I’ve been so impressed. For brunch, it has to be Bibi’s in Portobello. And abroad? That’s such a tough one. I recently ate in La Balette in Collioure in France with my family. We sat overlooking the water; the food was amazing, and getting to spend quality time with my sisters, who live abroad, made it extra special. What’s your sweet treat? I’m more of a savoury person, but I do love a good chocolate brownie. Worst meal ever? Not too long ago, I had some friends in for dinner. I made a pavlova, and I got distracted when whipping the cream and turned it into butter. A few glasses of wine were had, but it turns out it’s pretty obvious when you serve pavlova with butter! I haven’t lived it down since! What’s your signature dish? I’m always trying new dishes, but a firm favourite right now is a goat’s cheese, rosemary and honey pizza. Are you careful about what you eat? I try not to eat too much processed food, but I don’t really have restrictions on food I do or don’t eat. My partner is a veggie, so I don’t eat as much meat as I used to. What’s your perfect family meal? Anything shareable — I’m a fan of sharing, as I suffer from severe food envy! Rogue Pizza, Pembroke Lane, D2, specialises in artisan, Nepalese-style sourdough pizzas. Open Friday 12pm-3pm, and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 6pm-11pm. BYOB (€5 corkage), email roguepizzadublin@gmail.com In conversation with Sophie White

“I made a pavlova and I got distracted when whipping the cream and turned it into butter”