Nadia Forde’s other half Dominic Day
The retired rugby player, who married model Nadia Forde last year, tells us about his love for an IPA and how he refuses to eat spicy foods
“I was nervous before my wedding, cried during it while doing my speech, then got very drunk after it”
What was your favourite childhood meal? A Chinese. We all felt very exotic holding the chopsticks and sneakily having the fork for back-up. What is the meal you will always remember? My wedding dinner [Dom married model Nadia Forde in Italy last summer] I was nervous before it, cried during it while doing my speech, then got very drunk after it. The food was the least memorable part of the meal, but it was good!
What was your defining food experience?
Living in Japan and eating local food was something of an eye-opener for me, but it is still some of the best food I have ever eaten.
What’s the first dish you ever cooked?
We used to fish for sea bass when I was growing up. We would then barbecue it with butter, lemon and black pepper.
What’s your comfort food?
Pringles — I don’t care which flavour; chocolate eclairs; and those small red Lindor chocolate balls.
What’s your hangover cure?
Now it’s fourfivecbd [a supplement]. In the past, it was a bacon sambo and freshly squeezed orange juice.
What do you drink?
I drink way too much coffee, but aside from that, I drink lots of water. If I am on a night out, I am a sucker for an IPA.
If you could eat three things for the rest of your life what would they be?
Rib-eye steak; chocolate croissants; and Pringles. What is the most appetising smell in the world? We used to live beside a bakery when I was a kid, and I was tasked with picking the bread in the morning. I still love the smell of freshly baked bread
How important is food to you?
When I played professional rugby, food was fuel. Nothing more or less. I enjoy good food, but it’s always best enjoyed with your family and friends. That’s why I love Italy so much, because they are passionate about food and spend hours chatting and eating.
You can go anywhere and have anything to eat with one person where, what, who?
I’d go to Puglia in Italy, and eat seafood spaghetti with my wife.
What’s always in your kitchen?
Wine and beer.
What’s your favourite restaurant in Ireland?
Brother Hubbard is my new favourite eatery it does wholesome food and good portions.
And abroad
Purely for the views, combined with the food, I have to say Nobu in Malibu, California it’s a great spot, and great for people-watching, too.
What do you refuse to eat?
Spicy food. it doesn’t love me and I don’t love it. Dominic is co-founder of fourfivecbd, which launches this month in Ireland, and is available in selected stores nationwide as well as online at fourfivecbd.co.uk In conversation with Chloe Brennan