Interview with Pat Kane, the founder of REUZI
It was great to sit down with Pat Kane, the award-winning writer, speaker, content creator.
Any food memories, fond or otherwise?
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, a city known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches.
Growing up, I had the privilege of being raised in a family of incredibly strong and
entrepreneurial women. This environment played a significant role in shaping who I am
today.
From a young age, I was exposed to the resilience and determination of the women in my
family. They were not only nurturing and supportive but also fiercely independent and driven.
Their entrepreneurial spirit inspired me to pursue my own dreams and ambitions.
Living by the beach in Rio de Janeiro provided a unique backdrop to my upbringing. I
developed a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors, spending countless hours
playing in the sand and enjoying the ocean. The beach became a place of solace and
relaxation, offering a sense of tranquillity in the midst of the bustling city.
My upbringing instilled in me a sense of curiosity, resilience, and a love for adventure – so
much so that at age 23 I left Rio to live in Kingston, Jamaica, working for an Irish telco
business called Digicel... and that’s where my love affair with Ireland began!
What was your favourite food/dish growing up?
Probably a bowl of my mom’s black beans stew with white rice, a very common dish in
Brazil. I adore beans and mom’s a wonderful chef, she absolutely adores cooking for the
family!
Was there anything you disliked?
Anything ‘pork’ – pigs are incredibly intelligent animals, I just can’t cope with the idea of
eating them!
Any food memories, fond or otherwise?
Back in 2019, we travelled to Japan and as a massive fan of the Japanese cuisine, I wanted
to try it all! I was particularly impressed by this tiny local restaurant that I wish I could
remember the name... They were serving small bites and I fell in love with this type of
shimeji mushroom dumplings that melted in your mouth…
What’s your favourite meal now? To cook? To eat?
I love poke bowls with sushi rice, wakame seaweed, avocado, tomatoes, beets and a
generous dash of Ponzu dressing… could it that every single day of my life!
What would your death row meal be?
My last meal would undoubtedly be a hearty and delicious serving of feijoada. Feijoada is a
beloved traditional Brazilian dish that consists of black beans cooked with smoked meat (I’m
skipping that part!), all seasoned to perfection. I learned how to used smoked tofu and
smoked paprika and this combo does the job just fine, sans meat! Feijoada is typically
served with rice, collard greens, orange slices, and farofa (toasted cassava flour).
What’s the kitchen appliance you wouldn’t be without?
My toaster – I am constantly running from one place to another so a good toastie sambo
comes in super handy when I am eating on-the-go.
The one ingredient you wouldn’t be without.
Sorry, but I will have to say 3: Peanut butter, tahini and soy sauce!
Three ingredients, one dish. What is it?
Mashed bananas, coconut milk and melted dark chocolate – Mix it all together until well
combined. Divide the mixture between a few espresso cups or similar, and chill in the fridge
for 2 to 3 hours or until set. You are welcome!
Do you prefer to cook or to be cooked for?
To be cooked for, always.
Who cooks in your house?
Mostly, me but my husband isn’t a bad chef at all – it’s like that Irish saying “An rud is
annamh is iontach” AKA what’s seldom is wonderful!
Do your children cook, bake?
Our eldest, Thomas, is a very keen cook – he loves baking, and he has created a fabulous
banana bread – don’t ask me how! He’s been asking me for a YouTube channel where he
would share his creations but he’s only 9 and I think social media can wait…
Do you use a meal planner? Sponsored by MamaBear. (Meal planners are now
available through our website….)
I do and I love it – we are constantly trying to reduce food waste and we find that by planning
our weekly meals, we only buy what we really need versus what looks good on the shelves
but will probably never get to be cooked. Thanks, MamaBear! :)
What is your go- to family meal?
Spaghetti al Pomodoro – easy, super tasty and always a success with my hungry boys.
Have you any tips to make life easier?
If you have time, chop your veggies and store them in different containers. I am a sucker for
chopped salads and having my veggies ready to be mixed in one big bowl makes a huge
difference.
Do you have any tips to make food tastier?
Add garlic to everything! I am truly obsessed with garlic so I will fry some before making
pretty much any savoury dish…
Healthier?
Start your meals with a salad – dark green leaves are my favourite. I Cavolo Nero with sea
salt and a dash of really good olive oil.
To save on food waste?
Plan your meals and shop less but more often - #teambasket all the way! When you pack an
entire trolley for the week, you will invariably end up with stuff that won’t get to be used so
only buy what you need for the next fews days and then pay the shops a visit again
whenever you feel like you need some extra bits.
What is your embarrassing food secret/indulgence?
I am a divil for Curry Chips – I could eat a whole bowl all by myself! – and of course,
chocolate. When it comes to the latter, I am absolutely obsessed, it’s not pretty! I adore
Tony’s Chocolonely and our very own homegrown brand, Grá Chocolates.