with Clair Kenny

Café Co-ordinator at Outhouse

Hey Clair! For starters, tell us who your queer icon is and why?

It would have to be Jeanette Winterson. I read The Passion at a very young and impressionable age in my hometown of Dundalk, which was a bit of a gay wilderness in the 80’s and early 90’s. The book left a lasting impression on me; I loved the mystery and queerness of Venice, and her writing in general.

Who would be at your ideal party of five, living or dead, and why?

Stephen Fry and Germaine Greer for the intellectual conversation (although I’d probably be completely intimidated). Lou Reed and Janis Joplin (I could get overexcited by this), and the Pink Panther, in case we need some light relief.

What would be on the menu?

A big Mediterranean mezze platter that we can dip in and out of, and lots of lovely bubbles and wine.

Your favourite place to eat, other than Outhouse, in Dublin?

I’m really into Japanese and Vietnamese food. I love the fresh ingredients, the bit of heat and that general umami you get from Asian cooking. So I keep going back to places like Pho Viet on Parnell Street for their salads and pancakes, and Aoboba on Capel Street for their amazing noodle soups.

What, who or where is rocking your world in food right now?

I love Diana Henry, a food writer from Northern Ireland. Her passion for food really comes through in her books and she seems to have a genuine respect for individual ingredients. I heard her talk on a food podcast once and I was blown away by her eloquence.

If they were making a film of your life, what would it be called and who would star in it?

‘Betty Beige (nee Blue)’ I’m in my 40’s now! I might let Tilda Swinton play me.

What’s your new year’s resolution?

I never make them.

The newly refurbished Outhouse Café, with its great new menu, is open at 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1 Monday to Fridays, 1pm to 9.30pm and Saturdays, 1pm to 5.30pm, www.outhouse.ie