Holly White

My life in food

What’s the meal you’ll always remember? Our wedding dinner. The best food and the best people, all in the one place! Your defining food experience? When I was 27, I spent six months in LA doing the audition circuit. I was first exposed to really good vegan food there, and it opened my mind to a whole realm of possibilities outside of my then-traditional diet. What is your comfort food? Vegan mac ‘n’ cheese, or pasta and pesto; quick, comforting and filled with flavour. What do you drink? Red wine, or gin and tonic. You can only eat three things for the rest of your life, what are they? Sourdough bread, roasted vegetables and black olives — all together, drizzled with some olive oil. What’s the nicest smell in the world? Truffle oil. How important is food to you? Fundamental. Since becoming vegan over four years ago, I’ve had to re-educate myself entirely on cooking and eating. It’s opened up a whole world or tastes and flavours, and I enjoy food more than ever. Most people assume I’ve given something up, whereas I feel I’ve gained, and I eat a much wider variety of foods now. You can go anywhere and have anything to eat with any one person. Where, what and who? My dad has the most incredible appreciation of food. He’s someone who really enjoys the whole experience. We’d go to the Garden Room in The Merrion; it’s a beautiful setting — a hidden gem right in the centre of town. Favourite restaurant in Ireland? I love Sova Vegan Butcher, off Camden Street. It has elevated people’s perceptions of vegan food. And abroad? Thailand has incredible vegan food. LA is also spectacular; Gracias Madre is a vegan Mexican restaurant with lots of buzz. What’s your sweet treat? I’m going through a phase of making raw chocolate at home. At the moment, I’m making a lot with freeze-dried raspberry and cinnamon, which is delicious. What do you refuse to eat? Meat, eggs, dairy, fish, or anything with a face. What’s your signature dish? The vegan shepherd’s pie from my cookbook. I adore it. Especially now when it’s cold outside, I have this stocked up in my freezer, and it’s so comforting. Are there any foods you have had to cut out that you miss? To be honest, I don’t miss anything, which seems to surprise people. Vegan food is vast, and there’s nothing I miss in terms of flavour. That said, I do miss the convenience of there being lots of options on a menu. I find most places will do something, but it’s been a long time since I had a full menu to choose from! What’s your perfect family meal? My dad’s birthday last year. I made a huge brunch, with fresh fruit, granola, coconut yogurt, lots of juices, piping hot coffee and family all around the table. It was lovely. I think, although food is the focus, it’s the feelings evoked and the company that make something memorable. Holly White’s ‘Vegan-ish: A Gentle Introduction to a Plant-Based Diet’, Gill Books, €22.99, is available in bookshops and online

“I don’t miss anything, which surprises people. Vegan food is vast, there’s nothing I miss in terms of flavour”