Here, we catch up with Blathnaid Treacy Moon to chat about everything from her earliest memories of food to her favourite flavours and culinary inspirations.
An ambassador for SuperValu’s new Dinner Time Well Spent campaign, TV and radio presenter Blathnaid Treacy Moon is a big advocate for spending time together around the dinner table. Encouraging families to take back dinnertime by removing distractions and sitting down for a meal in the evening, it’s something Blathnaid tries to do as much as possible in her own life too.
Here, she shares her life in food…
What are your earliest memories of food?
Big bowls of stew cooked by my mum – so tasty and comforting, especially after a winter’s afternoon playing outside. It’s those moments that really stick with me, and they remind me how important it is to create those family mealtime traditions.
How would you describe your relationship with food?
Love hate – I love to eat but I’m not great at cooking! I’m always trying to improve, especially now that I have my daughter. It’s important to have a balanced diet and to introduce her to lots of different tastes. She loves broccoli so I think that’s a great start!
What was the first meal you learned to cook?
Fajitas! They’re quick and simple, which is great for busy days. It’s still a go-to for me because it’s perfect for a casual family dinner where everyone can sit together and share.
How did food become a part of your career/business/personal brand?
Food plays a huge role in my personal life. I always make an effort to bring family and friends together over a meal, which ties into the ethos of the Dinner Time Well Spent campaign. Whether it’s through my work or home life, food is the glue that holds those meaningful moments around the table together.
What’s your go-to breakfast?
Porridge with all the trimmings – almond flakes, coconut flakes, berries, peanut butter and honey. So healthy, filling and tasty!
If you’re impressing friends and family at a dinner party, what are you serving up?
I have a go-to vegetarian tagine that I make. It’s an old Happy Pear recipe and always goes down a treat.
Who is your culinary inspiration?
My mum and my friends. I’m always trying to get inspired by new meals when I visit someone else’s house – mealtimes are such a shared experience and I love learning from others to keep it fresh and exciting at home.
What would your last meal on earth be?
It would have to be a roast dinner. I just love roast chicken, gravy, potatoes… my mouth is already watering!
What’s your go-to comfort food?
I love a toastie with ham, cheese, tomato, Ballymaloe relish and red onions, served with tomato soup and a cup of tea. It’s like getting a big hug.
What’s the go-to quick meal you cook when you’re tired and hungry?
An avocado salad with whatever else is in the fridge – steamed sweet potatoes and salmon darnes. It’s healthy, quick, and perfect for those evenings when you just want to wind down after a long day.
What is one food or flavour you cannot stand?
Coriander – it tastes like soap!
Hangover cure?
A big fry-up is your only man!
Sweet or savoury?
Sweet all day every day. I add honey to everything!
Fine dining or pub grub?
Pub grub 100%. Always generous portions and really hearty.
Favourite restaurant in Ireland?
Grano. It’s a beautiful Italian restaurant down the road from us in Stoneybatter.
Best coffee in Ireland?
Joli in Stoneybatter – oat flat white and an almond croissant every morning! Pure heaven.
Go-to beverage accompaniment?
White wine. I love a fruity crisp white wine with a meal!
What are your thoughts on the Irish foodie scene?
It’s fantastic, you can get anything you want. We have such an array of restaurants with food from all over the world.
What’s your favourite thing about cooking?
Honestly, the eating! I love sitting down, especially with my family, once it’s made and lighting a candle and catching up with Charlie. We’re both so busy so it’s really nice to take that time for ourselves. It’s what the Dinner Time Well Spent campaign is all about – making time to be present around the table.
What does food — sitting down to a meal with friends, mindfully preparing a meal, nourishment, etc — mean to you?
It’s dedicating your time to something special, putting your energy into preparing a delicious meal to enjoy with people you love. It’s so important to spend your time wisely because life is for living and enjoying yourself. We have a pizza oven out the back and love having friends over in the summer once Nancy is in bed, and enjoying a homemade pizza with friends and just catching up!
Chef’s kiss — Tell us about one standout foodie experience you’ve had recently.
For our wedding anniversary, Charlie brought me to Matsukawa in Dublin 7. It’s really hard to get a reservation. Our Japanese friend told us about it and it was the most amazing experience watching our sushi being meticulously prepared with the freshest ingredients. There are only 12 seats in the place so it’s very intimate. I’d love to go back again!
Compliments to the chef — Now’s your chance to sing the praises of a talented chef, beloved restaurant or particularly talented foodie family member.
The chef in Matsukawa – absolutely amazing!
Secret ingredient — What, in your estimation, makes the perfect dining experience?
The setting – set the mood with a candle and the rest will fall into place!
As part of their Dinner Time Well Spent campaign, SuperValu conducted in-depth research that explores evolving dinnertime rituals in Irish households. The study, conducted among 1,000 adults nationwide, revealed some interesting insights into how modern life is affecting family meals. For example, 1 in 3 households allow laptops at the dinner table, underscoring how work is increasingly spilling over into mealtimes. Two-thirds of the nation now eat dinner on the couch in front of the TV and more than 1 in 5 do this five times a week.
Also Read
