The Shape I'm In - Clodagh McKenna

WHEN superfit Clodagh McKenna started spinning classes in a Manhattan high-octane studio she was floored by the speed.

“I thought I’d never do it again,” says the top Irish chef. “I was mortified. I was trying to hide because I couldn’t do it to the tempo. But I kept going back and back and after about six classes I was able to do it.”

She now does high-intensity spinning classes whenever she’s working in New York — “I put my bags in the hotel and go straight to a class” — or London. She has yet to find a class with a similar intense tempo in Dublin, her home city.

Whether it’s fitness or work, her default setting seems to be fast forward. These days she is jetting over and back across the Atlantic, appearing on TV shows in the US and Canada. She is also working on her sixth book and is about to start filming a new television show for Irish and American viewers but is “not allowed to talk about it”.

To her credit, she is chipper about her workload. “I’m aware that my career is really fun. It’s not a hardship. And it’s not very stressful. I’m very lucky. A big part of my work is extremely enjoyable.”

Born in Blackrock, Cork, most of her relatives still live in the city or in Cobh.

When I say that there is little or no trace of the Cork lilt in her accent, she says it’s because she left 23 years ago when she was 17 years old, returning to study at Ballymaloe Cookery School.

- Clodagh McKenna appears as a guest critic in the second episode of The Restaurant airing on February 17 at 9pm on TV3.

What shape are you in?

I think I’m in good shape. I do spinning classes about three or four times a week. I find the spinning classes the best for me. I’ve tried all kinds of exercises.

I used to run a lot but I could feel the damage it was doing to me. And then I used to train in a gym and I found it just a little bit boring.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I cook whenever I can at home. I try not to eat fried foods. I don’t really eat fast food at all. I just don’t like it. I love, fresh clean and seasonal food.

Usually, when I go out I try to have two starters as opposed to a starter and a main course. And if there are fresh oysters on the menu I‘ll always have the oysters.

They are so incredibly good for us and so full of iron.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Ice-cream and chocolate. Whenever I finish dinner I always want ice-cream. I’d be quite well stocked up. I quite like a beautiful vanilla ice-cream with a little bit of espresso on top.

What would keep you awake at night?

I sleep really well. It’s the best gift I’ve ever given. I’d sleep 12 hours if I didn’t have an alarm clock. And I never wake in the middle of the night. I’ve been like this ever since I was a baby.

How do you relax?

I love getting in after a long day and cooking for myself as opposed to cooking for other people all the time I also love cooking for my friends. I love going to the theatre. I love going to the cinema. And I love [fly] fishing. I’ve been doing a lot of it recently.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Alice Waters, a chef in America; Stephen Fry — I had lunch with him once and it was fantastic; Hozier; Al Pacino, I love him, he’s my crush; and Bob Geldof.

Al Pacino

What’s your favourite smell?

Lemon. I use lemons for everything. Usually in the morning, I start with a cup of lukewarm water and the juice of half a lemon. It’s really good for your skin.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I’d love not to have to highlight my hair all the time. It costs me a fortune. I wish I had gorgeously naturally blonde hair.

When is the last time you cried?

My dad’s anniversary a couple of weeks ago. He died two years ago.

What traits do you least like in others?

Insincerity.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

If you asked me that five years ago I’d have had a list as long as your arm. Now I just accept myself. But this doesn’t mean that I love everything about myself.

Do you pray?

Sometimes. We all tend to pray when we need something.

What would cheer up your day?

Spending time with my mum.