Motors and me: Paul Flynn, chef and restaurant owner

What are you currently driving?

Mini Country Man Cooper D — automatic four-wheel drive. It’s fantastic. I live at the top of a hill and the icy conditions a few years ago made getting up and down impossible without that extra va va voom!

Love at first sight, or just a means to get from A to B?

It was love at first sight, I love the mini brand, I had a smaller one for a couple of years but the school run was not very practical so I had to upgrade. Children don’t get smaller.

What’s under the bonnet?

It’s a 1600 diesel engine. , that’s a much as I know I’m an on off switch type of guy. But I do know where the oil goes, just about.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

I’m neither but can get frustrated by both.

What was your first car?

I was very lucky my first car was a brand new Renault 5. I discovered the joys of higher purchase — cough cough in London in 1986. Not necessarily the best move but I looked good with my go faster strips, which helped to pull the ladies.

What else do/did you own?

I drove a Mitsubishi Pajero commercial jeep happily for some years. My one abiding memory was driving a snooty mate of mine out to the Cliff House Hotel for a glamorous lunch wedged in between bin bags in the back. He was disgusted; the rest of us just laughed a lot.

Dream drive in dream location?

To repeat our honeymoon drive from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe via the Napa Valley and Lake Mendocino. I’ll never forget that experience.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

My wife Máire

Passenger you’d least like?

A curry enthusiast with a flatulence problem.

What’s on your playlist?

The National, plus ‘Future Islands’ and then the ‘Boys of Summer’ from Don Henley for the Missus.

* Paul Flynn is the chief mentor on RTÉ's new TV series The Taste of Success, offering €100,000 in prize money. Closing date for applicants June 11. For details go to www.rte.ie/food