Each week on RTÉ LifeStyle we meet bloggers who are entertaining, informing and getting lots of attention for being pretty good at what they do. This week we're chatting to Michael of The Hungry Culchie.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
We are The Hungry Culchie, aka Alan and Michael, two brothers from Roscrea, Co. Tipperary who promote, review and market Ireland's very best eateries, watering holes and produce.
2. Why do you do what you do?
We're extremely proud to be Irish and believe that Ireland has some of the best produce in the world. We started The Hungry Culchie to make people aware of the fantastic Irish produce available to them and where they can find it. We're also extremely passionate about supporting small local producers and businesses as well as promoting the concept of buying local.
3. Describe your audience!
Our audience is currently 17,000 strong and consists of Irish food enthusiasts & producers, restaurant goers, bar hoppers, food entrepreneurs and the odd spam account that asks us for our bank details.
4. What’s your media diet (your go to three sources every morning)?
- Thetaste.ie for the latest news and undiscovered gems in the world of Irish food.
- RTÉ Food for our daily recipe inspirations.
- Bordbia’s social media channels for the latest Irish start-ups.
5. Three people you respect?
- Our Mam: There was always good quality food on the table which is where the passion for The Hungry Culchie all started.
- Bobby Kerr: Like us, Bobby is keen to promote Irish businesses so we always ensure to tune in to see what's in store.
- Neven Maguire: A family man who runs a family restaurant. Sources his produce locally and promotes buying quality Irish produce.
6. What excites you right now and why?
Our current journey with The Hungry Culchie and the way Irish produce is developing. In a very short space of time, we've gone from The Hungry Culchie being a hobby to working with some of Ireland's biggest producers, restaurants and bars. We've come a long way as a nation than the 'meat and three veg' many of us were raised on and we now have thousands of new and exciting products to call our own.
It's very exciting to be able to work at something we're so passionate about and even more exciting that we get to do it as brothers. Going forward, we're extremely excited about collaborating with new brands, exploring new & exciting Irish produce, places & working with Irish companies.
7. Proudest post? Finest moment to date?
Having some of Ireland's best-known chefs engage with the recipes we produce is always a proud moment. We've followed some of these chefs for years via cookbooks, television shows etc. so to get their input on some of the recipes is just fantastic!
8. Most embarrassing moment to date?
I came across one of Ireland's best-known chefs in a country pub at the end of last year. I was admittedly eavesdropping to see what he'd order and was surprised to hear him order the chicken nuggets and chips. "Not exactly fois gras is it?", I said. He didn't see the funny side as much as I did. I laughed at my own joke and he devoured his nuggets. I guess we all need a cheat meal from time to time.
9. What channels are your fav and why?
We're on all of the major channels, each with their own benefit. Facebook, of course, is the most popular so it's perfect for marketing what we do. Instagram is ideal for sharing the more visual side of food and we use Twitter to engage directly with like-minded individuals. At the minute, we're focusing on our recipe videos and will be posting regularly via our YouTube and Vimeo channels.
10. Tell us a secret - something we should know about you?
We both lead pretty hectic lifestyles which sometimes prevents us from looking after ourselves in the correct manner. When the belly starts to fill out, we crack out our novelty aprons complete with a fully fledged 6-pack! They do wonders for our self-esteem!
Food-wise, we're both healthy eaters, absolutely! But like everyone, we like to cheat every now and again! The ultimate cheat meal for us has got to be fish and chips. Irish fish, chips made from Irish potatoes, smothered in salt & vinegar. Is there anything better? O'Shea's chipper in Dunmore East is a prime example. Irish chips accompanied by the catch of the day. As fresh as they come!
11. What’s the master plan?
To be the best resource for Irish food start-ups, restaurants and bars to get their brand noticed.
12. All time favourite recipe?
Irish Shepherd's Pie. Simple, but oh so effective! Irish beef, widely considered as one of the world's best, Irish vegetables straight from The Hungry Culchie garden and Irish potatoes, the king of all spuds. It's healthy, inexpensive to make, simple to cook and ideal for large groups.
13. Best foodie destination in Ireland and abroad?
The Hungry Culchie Kitchen - HQ and birthplace of 99% of our inventions. This is where we do what we love most.
Thailand - I lived in Thailand for two years and developed a real love for the cuisine throughout that time. Everything is fresh, absolutely everything! Unlike our culture, all the food on the table is passed around and shared. The spices, the flavours, the sheer love of food. It's amazing!
Likewise, I was also blown away by the food in east Africa where I spent three months. Although Africa isn't widely considered as an adventurous destination for foodies, I can assure you it's quite the opposite. In the morning, I'd wake to find the local villagers uproot their vegetables for the day and take the livestock for slaughtering. By that evening, you had the freshest possible food in front of you; zero preservatives, artificial additives or colouring. Just fresh, wholesome food.
Where do we find you?
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or email us at hungryculchie@gmail.com. Our website will be launching in the near future!
