Ireland’s best...

From Bagel Bites to chilled Kinder Buenos, a childhood straddling the Atlantic Ocean gave this Irish artist, writer and DJ some exotic tastes

...summer salad

“I don’t think I could ever eat an animal, though I hear they taste good”

What did your mother make you?

Growing up vegetarian in Ireland was difficult, but mum and dad had spent a lot of time in India, so there were a lot of deliciously exotic meals being cooked in our little home in Cabinteely. A lot of spuds, too — it wouldn’t be an Irish dinner without a spud on the plate somewhere.

The meal you will always remember?

Making Bagel Bites with my sister in LA — we moved there when I was six. You had to microwave them for 90 seconds, so we would race around the kitchen island to see how many laps we could do before they were done. I suppose it was more the bonding experience than the meal itself !

First dish you ever cooked?

Do Koka Noodles count?

What is your comfort food?

A big bowl of penne

arrabiata, with half a block of grated

parmigiano on top. Eaten alone, with no judgment.

What is your hangover cure?

I don’t understand people who ‘can’t’ eat when they are hungover. I need everything to cure me. It is usually something spicy, like Mexican or Indian food.

What do you drink?

G&T. Ireland has upped its gin game. I’m always pleasantly surprised when handed a fishbowl of gin in cosy old-man pubs.

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

I would start with the rhubarb-glazed cruffin [croissant-muffin hybrid] from Sceal Bakery [which attends a selection of Dublin markets]. Sprout & Co’s Paprika Chica [Manor Farm chicken, sweet potato, spinach, spring onion, red chilli & paprika dressing] sans chica, so that I get my greens in; and last, but not least, the

chana bhatura [spicy chickpeas and fried bread] from Pickle on Camden Street — with a side of bhindi masala [okra with dried mango powder & fresh ginger].

How important is food to you?

I love food, but most days I forget to eat and over-indulge at dinner time. Coffee is my first love.

What’s always in your kitchen?

Hot sauce — multiple bottles, multiple brands, with multiple heat levels. Hot sauce on everything.

Your favourite restaurant?

China Sichuan in Sandyford. My family have been going since I was small. It’s the most delicious food.

Abroad?

Bagelsmith in Brooklyn. Order the Everything Bagel with jalapeno cream cheese. It’s open 24 hours, for when you’re stumbling home at unreasonable hours of the morning.

Your sweet treat?

A refrigerated Kinder Bueno.

What do you refuse to eat?

Meat. I don’t think I could ever eat an animal, though I hear they taste good.

Worst Meal Ever?

Dad’s lentil surprise — a shocking concoction my father invented.

Are you careful about what you eat?

I am trying to eat more vegetables. My dad has Alzheimer’s, so I incorporate a lot of things I hear are good for the brain, but ultimately I eat whatever I want.

What’s your perfect family meal?

Since my dad got sick, restaurants have become difficult, so the ideal family meal would be in my mum’s cosy house with dad and my sister, India. It doesn’t matter what we are eating once we are together, and the dogs are begging for scraps at our feet. Ice cream is necessary, though. Domino Whisker’s textile work is available in Brown Thomas, Grafton St, as part of the Create exhibition 2018. For more information, see dominowhisker.com In conversation with Sophie White