Jane Swarbrigg

Travel gave this cosmetic brand director a taste for Thai food, and though she’s always on the go, you’ll never catch her eating fast food

What did your mother make you?

The thing that stands out is Rice Krispie birthday cakes — my brother Peter and I always celebrated our birthdays together in the summer, and she made big cakes for our parties, which we all loved.

The meal you will always remember?

My dad’s speciality spaghetti bolognese. I used to hang around the kitchen and help him, nibbling away at all the mushrooms and red peppers on the chopping board.

What was your defining food experience?

The food in Thailand. I first went in 2007, and I’ve been there three times now.

What’s the first dish you ever cooked?

I’d imagine it was a fry to cure a hangover, sometime in my late teens.

“I run the opposite way when I spot a patisserie so I don’t end up buying croissants”

What is your comfort food?

Something chocolatey and a cup of tea.

What is your hangover cure?

Tons of water, tea and a monster sambo on white bread.

What do you drink?

I’ve jumped on the gin bandwagon. I drink it with sparkling water — and I’m fond of a glass of Prosecco, too.

You can only eat three things for the rest of your life, what are they?

Chocolate; stir-fries; and apples.

The tastiest smell in the world?

The smell of a patisserie always gets me

— that warm, fresh bread! I usually run the opposite way when I spot one, so I don’t end up buying croissants.

What’s always in your fridge?

Veg, fruit, chicken, turkey burgers and, of course, chocolate — balance is key!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Lindt Milk Chocolate Truffles.

How important is food to you?

Very. I try to eat well, as I work hard and exercise a lot. I usually cook and prepare my food each evening, and I do my best to eat clean throughout the week.

Favourite restaurant in Ireland?

I love Scotch Bonnet in Malahide. It’s a really quirky place that does hearty meals and amazing seafood. My favourite dish is the prawn and mussel pot. Abroad? I love Scott’s in Mayfair, London; they specialise in seafood — it’s just

phenomenal.

What’s your sweet treat?

A latte from Butlers — that little free chocolate you get just seems so special. I love the hazelnut truffles.

What do you refuse to eat?

I’m not a fan of fast food.

Worst meal ever?

Most likely some fast food!

What’s your signature dish?

I go through obsessions. At the moment, it’s a chicken and cashew nut stir-fry.

Are you careful about what you eat?

Yes. I don’t count calories, but as I travel so much with work, I do plan and prepare healthy meals so I’m not snacking in garages on my trips.

You can go anywhere and have anything to eat with any one person. Where, what and who?

The Abama Kabuki Restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Abama Resort in Tenerife with my family. We discovered it a few years ago, and we try to visit as often as we can.