A Taste for LIFE

The Kildare model spills on her love of coddle, hangover cures and a recent egg-piphany that has overhauled her breakfast game

Model Kelly Horrigan on her life in food

What did your mother make you?

My mam is a Dublin girl, so coddle was a regular dinner in our house growing up. None of my friends knew what it was and always thought it sounded a bit strange, but it’s definitely a dish you can’t knock until you’ve tried it.

The meal you’ll always remember?

Myself and my boyfriend went to Hawksmoor, in London, for the first time a year ago and I will never forget the experience. It was, without a doubt, the nicest meal I’ve ever had.

What was your defining food experience?

Regrettably, I only started eating eggs a couple of weeks ago. It’s been such a turning point in my life! There’s so much you can do with them, and so many options on breakfast menus now.

First dish you ever cooked?

I was actually more of a baker as a kid. I used to make scones all the time.

What is your hangover cure?

A McDonald’s. A double cheeseburger meal with a side of nuggets and, if I’m really hungover, you’ll probably find me with an apple pie as well.

What do you drink?

If I’m out-out, I’m on the gin. If it’s more of a relaxing setting, I love a glass of red.

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

Sweet potatoes; chicken wings; and cheeseburgers from Five Guys.

The nicest smell in the world?

Anything with a barbecue flavour.

How important is food to you?

Apart from the that fact that food keeps me alive and kicking, it’s what keeps my life fun and interesting. Food is the basis of my social life!

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

Rudy’s in Manchester, eating a Romagnola pizza with my boyfriend, Steve. Throw a bottle of red in there, too.

What’s always in your kitchen?

Bananas. There’s so much you can do with them — eat them on their own, put them in porridge, on rice cakes, eat them with some Nutella or peanut butter. The possibilities are endless.

Favourite restaurant in Ireland?

When I’m at home, I really love eating in Hartes of Kildare. The food is gorgeous, and there’s a lovely homely vibe. If you take a trip, try the braised beef. If I’m in town [Dublin], I love 777.

“I refuse to eat olives. They taste like what I’d imagine Sudocrem tastes like…”

Abroad?

I love Uno Con Carne in Mykonos.

What’s your sweet treat?

Strawberries dipped in white chocolate.

What do you refuse to eat?

Olives. They taste like what I’d imagine Sudocrem tastes like…

Are you careful about what you eat?

I go through phases. I try to keep on the straight and narrow during the week, and on the weekends I let go a little more. It’s all about balance. I don’t believe in cutting out foods. Of course, I don’t eat bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but I don’t feel the need to cut it out all together.

What’s your perfect family meal?

Stone-baked pizzas and wine. I love a night in, just catching up with my family.