Michael O’Brien

Family and friends inspire me to continue to express my love through food. Cooking and baking had always been a way for me to escape from the daily grind of my 9-5 working life. Over the last year of many hurdles in life, it helped to bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, especially to see the happiness and joy that the food I cooked brought to their lives. It is through their support and encouragement that I continue to challenge myself in my cookery.

Any dish that can be shared family style at the dinner table. Whether it’s a quick and easy pasta with an Amatriciana sauce or a low and slow pot roast, it’s the dishes that bring people together and share on the experiences that are my favorite. Allowing friends and family to share in the experience and disconnect from the chaos of life that surrounds us gives me the greatest sense of pride.

Winning this prize would allow me to take a step into exploring what I can make of this passion I have for food and cooking. It would be the starting point I need in order to really dive ideas I have around bringing my food and cookery to more than just those close around me.