Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Imen McDonnell and I am a cook, author & farmer.
What drew you to the world of food?
10 years ago, I married a 7th generation farmer from County Limerick and went from a busy life in broadcast production in NY and LA to a quiet rustic life in very traditional part rural Ireland. From there I learned to really grow, cook and bake for my family and started writing about my adventures online.
Describe your audience
Most of my audience are Americans living in major cities in the USA looking for an armchair journey into rural Irish farm life. In Ireland, I have a following of country-siders as I used to have a weekly column in the Farmers’ Journal, Country Living magazine and I think they mostly get a laugh out of my trials and tribulations out here on the farm and in the kitchen!
What’s your media diet?
Instagram and Pinterest for aesthetic inspiration, and Facebook for friends and family updates overseas. Starting to get on the Snapchat wagon, but not quite there, it’s hard to fit everything in!
Three people you respect?
Donal Skehan, who encouraged me to start food blogging, Aoife Carrigy, food editor and an incredible force in Irish food who stays somewhat behind the scenes, but is quietly making some very serious waves in putting real Irish food on the world’s map. Pat Whelan, Irish Butcher, incredible champion for Irish food and the savviest business person in food that I’ve encountered since I moved here, real inspiration.
What excites you right now and why?
I am super excited about Lens & Larder, a series of creative food workshops that I co-founded with Cliodhna Prendergast. We are working with top class international food photographers and stylists, collaborating with Ireland’s most luxurious hotels and country houses.
Proudest post? Finest moment to date? Most embarrassing moment to date?
Having my blogpost on Hay Ice Cream written up in the NY Times a few years ago. And, now having my book reviewed in media across the USA, Ireland and the UK most recently Martha Stewart Living June issue (hurrah!!!!) Embarrassing moment, at Litfest last week! I left the mixer to whip cream while talking to the audience and it turned to butter! Good thing it was a Kerrygold demo!
What social channels are your favourite and why?
I love Insta and Pinterest. Kind of gone off Twitter! But, now that they are bringing in new rules, I might rekindle that love =)
Tell us a secret - something we should know about you?
I am also a drummer. Or, I’m American, but my ancestry is Swedish-Moroccan?
What’s the master plan?
To find a real balance between living here in Ireland and in the USA…..also, to bring my production experience more into my current endeavours. Am currently in (very preliminary) talks with a production company in Los Angeles on an exciting Irish food film.
Where do we find you?
@modernfarmette everywhere except Facebook which is Farmette by Imen McDonnell.
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