Celia Holman-Lee

The Limerick-based model and TV presenter on comfort food, fab feasts with family, giving up coffee and her new life as a ‘tea-totaller’

Your favourite childhood meal?

I used to go to my grandmother’s house an awful lot when I was a child. They had a garden out the back where cabbage, potatoes, beetroot, onions and turnips were grown. That, with a diet of bacon, chicken, kippers and spare ribs — it was the plainest of food, but for me as a child, it was the best of food.

Your defining food experience?

I think when I visited Thailand, it was my first time experiencing authentic Thai food at its best. I didn’t know your taste buds could be stimulated in such a way, as the salty, sweet, and sour spicy bitterness was all balanced in a mixture of food.

First dish you ever cooked?

I’m not a great cook; my husband would tell you I’m disastrous! But when my kids were young, I loved baking Christmas cakes and puddings.

What’s your comfort food?

To sit down with a cup of tea in a nice china cup, a fancy teapot filled with beautiful Barry’s tea, and maybe a home-made scone with a nice dollop of Kerrygold Irish butter.

What is your hangover cure?

I try not to have too many of those these days, but in my heyday I experienced quite a few of the mother of all hangovers, so it was whatever was in the fridge — which was usually a mixture of scrambled eggs, sausages, and everything in between.

What do you drink?

I gave up coffee six years ago. I found it nearly impossible, as I drank coffee until it nearly came out my ears. Now, I’m a ‘tea-totaller’ and I’m loving the variety of teas available, but my great love is a glass of red wine in a beautiful wine glass.

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

Dark chocolate; cheese; and salmon.

What’s always in your kitchen?

There’s always lots of fresh fruit as my beautiful five grandchildren eat lots of it, so I always make sure to have plenty. You’ll also find cheese, and a piece of dark chocolate.

Favourite restaurant?

In Limerick, there is such an array, it’s hard for me to choose. Some of my regulars would be the Cornstore on Thomas Street, and Alex Findlater on O’Connell Street. I also love the fab Carriage House at Adare Manor.

Abroad?

It’d have to be Georges; it’s just off the Rue d’Antibes, in Cannes.

“I’m not a great cook; my husband would tell you I’m disastrous!”

What is your signature dish?

I love salmon, brown rice and lots of fresh veg, pan-fried in a wok. I’d have it with a glass of red.

Are you careful about what you eat?

Yes. I do believe the body can rejuvenate itself, and I do believe I have done that. I came from microwaving and convenience foods; nowadays, if it’s not from the ground or the sea to the table and fresh, I won’t eat it, and I have never felt better. I’m quite disciplined with myself, but if I get a craving for something I’ve missed — which is rare — I’ll treat myself, but then I won’t go there again for a few weeks.

What’s your perfect family meal?

My perfect family meal for me at this stage in my life is when my beautiful five grandchildren, my husband, my two children and their spouses are around the table or out at the barbecue. It really can be a mixture of everything and anything, as we all have different palates.