Table talk: Kevin Dundon, celebrity chef

SMART EATING: Kevin Dundon says the secret of good eating is to eat in season and to eat in moderation.

CELEBRITY chef Kevin Dundon is among the judges involved in this year’s Easy Food Home-Cook Hero Awards run by food magazine Easy Food.

“I’m delighted to be involved in anything that gets people cooking at home,” says Kevin, 45, of Dunbrody Country House Hotel in Co Wexford.

Married to Catherine, the couple have three children – Emily, 12, Sophie, nine, and Tom, four – and family dinners are very important.

“We sit down every evening at 5pm and have a proper dinner. We always cook at home for special occasions like Communion and Confirmation. It’s the way Catherine and I were brought up — home was very integrated in our lives.”

Both Kevin’s daughters are into home-baking and Emily recently cooked the family pasta for the first time.

“All three children are mad into GAA too. We spend our lives up at the GAA pitch. We’ve always encouraged activity and sport — it keeps them healthy and away from street corners.”

¦ Entries for the Easy Food Home Cook Hero Awards are open at www.homecookhero.ie. Closing date for entries is Sept 28.

What shape are you in?

I’m in good shape. I do a bit of running and a lot of walking.

Do you have any health concerns?

High cholesterol runs in my family and I’ve got it. It’s hereditary as opposed to diet-related. When I was 21 I had high cholesterol and it hasn’t moved since then. Even at the height of my fitness it was still the same. Now, I am on Lipitor. Apart from that, I recently went for a medical scan and everything was perfect.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. I love vegetables and always have. If I have a plate of them in front of me, I’m happy. I think the secret of good eating is to eat in season and to eat in moderation.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I love a biscuit, which I dunk in my tea.

What would keep you awake at night?

Worrying about Dunbrody, about my business — just making sure that everyone is happy. I’m always thinking of it. But I’m a good sleeper. I sleep eight hours every night.

How do you relax?

Sitting down to read a book or watch TV. I always relax at the dinner table, chatting with my family and children. I also switch off by going to watch the children practice hurling or camogie.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

My wife, my parents, Nelson Mandela, Mary McAleese — she’s a remarkable woman.

What’s your favourite smell?

The cutting of fresh grass. It always reminds me of summer.

What would you change about your appearance?

Nothing.

When did you last cry?

I’m a big softie at the movies. The last time I had a tear in my eye was watching an episode of Reeling In The Years. They were doing Italia 1994, when we scored that goal against England. It just brought back the fantastic promise of that time.

What trait do you least like in others?

Dishonesty.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’d like to be more patient. If I ask for something to be done, I want it done straightaway. But everybody has limitations so maybe I should compromise a bit more.

Do you pray?

Yes, but I wouldn’t go to Mass every Sunday.

What would cheer up your day?

A smile on my kids’ faces.