What are your earliest memories of food?
Food and family go hand in hand for me. Every summer, I visited my grandparents in Fanad, Donegal. My grandmother greeted us with warm, freshly baked soda bread or treacle loaf. The sight of black treacle dripping from the shiny Tate & Lyles tin still makes my mouth water.
My grandfather and uncles fished crab, and we often feasted on Irish brown crab. It was always served with a hint of mayonnaise and lemon on soft, white bread. Those meals were special, filled with love and laughter.
How would you describe your relationship with food?
Food is a powerful way to show we care. It connects us, nourishing both body and soul. Sharing a meal has an ancient charm that brings people together, just like music. You don’t need to read a manual to appreciate good food or a great song; they appeal to our senses.
Every culture has its unique food traditions, yet we can find common threads that unite us. If you ever need a conversation starter, just ask someone about their favorite dish. I’ve created a video series exploring food culture in Ireland, meeting talented individuals who showcase how food can bring us together and connect us to our roots.
What was the first meal you learned to cook?
The first dish I mastered was the classic Irish fry. It takes me back to Sunday mornings in Ireland. Even as a child, I wanted to cook just like my mother. Although I’ve worked in fine dining, I always remember the joy of simple, honest meals.
How did food become a part of your career?
My journey has always been about travel. I spent ten years as a musician and worked as a photojournalist, collaborating with names like Lonely Planet and BBC. Everywhere I went, I explored local cuisine, which deepened my love for food.
When the pandemic hit, I turned to cooking as a creative outlet. I launched my website, Leviathan Food, to share my own recipes. I decided to take my passion further and enrolled in culinary school. Now, I’m fortunate enough to blend all my loves into one.
I also host unique long-table dinner parties called The Dining Club at Whitestown House, a stunning country estate in The Naul. Each event celebrates a different theme with a changing menu. Additionally, I continue my storytelling through a nine-part video series about Ireland’s food culture, where I interview people about their food passions while enjoying music alongside them.
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