Natasha Rocca Devine on eating the Italian way

The award-winning interior design specialist on how her Italian heritage influenced her love of eating ‘all the carbs’

What was your favourite childhood meal?

Italian, particularly pasta. My mum’s family is Irish-Italian, so dishes such as spaghetti remind me of her and our big family gatherings.

What is the meal you will always remember?

I have two: pasta cooked by my grandmother Maureen [Rocca] and a roast cooked by my grandmother Eileen [Devine]. They were such important figures in my life that their signature meals remind me of happy times of all the family gathering together.

What was your defining food experience?

Travel has broadened my experience of food. I love authentic food from all around the world, and unique experiences such as teppanyaki, where you can cook your own meal. In Ireland, I love Taste at The Bonsai by Dylan McGrath, where you can cook your own meal in teppanyaki style. Sweet things — I eat cake or treats every day. Diep, Camden Rotisserie or pizza from Paulie’s. I like vodka, cocktails and wine. Champagne hits the spot, too!

If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life what would they be?

Fish; potatoes; and chocolate cake.

What is the most appetising smell in the world?

As a designer working on a lot of homes, I am very sensitive to smell. Every house you walk into has a particular smell! I love the smell of freshly baked cakes, or croissants in the oven.

How important is food to you?

Food is very important to me because it offers a way to connect in a beautiful setting, enjoy a personal experience and bond with someone over a beautiful dish, or share the excitement of going to a new restaurant. I also love sharing delicious dishes with someone dear to me.

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

I would go to Rome with my boyfriend, and eat pasta or pizza — all of the carbs! Then we’d enjoy the desserts and wine on repeat!

What is always in your kitchen?

Italian-food staples, Asian sauces and veg for stir fries, and baked goods for my sweet tooth.

What’s your favourite restaurant in Ireland?

Ireland has the tastiest, most wholesome food in the world. There are so many options now, but I have always enjoyed going to Sole Seafood and Grill on South William Street for fresh seafood. It’s one of the most enjoyable food experiences I’ve had in Dublin since I moved home from America a few years ago. I’ve always loved Nobu. There is a great Nobu on the seafront in Malibu. When I lived in LA, I loved going there. It is different to anything we have in Ireland. Warm sun, the coastal setting, waves crashing, and eating the Asian fusion food with friends and family over cocktails — magical. Natasha Rocca Devine is an award-winning interior design specialist. She offers interior design staging, styling and project management services direct to estate agents, and residential and commercial clients in Ireland and the UK. See theinteriorsnrd.com