Favorite Book
Paul Lynch won the Booker Prize in 2023 for The Prophet's Song. This book is an emotional work, and the story stands out as a brave and powerful triumph. The Prophet's Song is a stunningly vivid portrayal of the social and political anxieties of our time. The Irish Booker Prize winner is Anna Burns, and Milkman was not an easy read, but it allowed me to experience all of Belfast and connect with the characters. This book has a deep place in my heart.
Favorite Song
I love a really wide variety of music: Mr Blue Sky by ELO, Zombie by The Cranberries, Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen, Proud Mary by Tina Turner, anything by Meat Loaf, anything by ABBA, Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O'Connor, the list goes on and on! My absolute favourite is Belfast Child by Simple Minds and I'm so thrilled that the Big Belfast Choir will be singing it at our 40th Anniversary Gala at the City Hall on the 6th June.
Film director Christopher Nolan
Favorite Movies
I like inspirational movies like Billy Elliot, Priscilla, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman. They are all moving and have strong endings. Provocative movies like Steve McQueen's The Hunger and Schindler's List also left an indelible impression on me. Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer was an epic drama based on a true story that drew me in from the beginning and created a tense atmosphere.
Favorite Place
Anywhere in Italy would be nice, but especially Rome. I remember traveling there when I was 40 and being blown away by its beauty and architecture. I remember sitting outside a cafe one morning and realising it would have been a tragedy if I hadn't visited Rome and experienced its charm. But it's always a pleasure to come home from a trip. Nothing beats Belfast.
Favorite food
I like all kinds of food, savory and sweet, but there are some special meals that stand out, such as a traditional Sunday roast. And nothing beats a really good seafood chowder. I love eating out and I love the atmosphere at Fika, a new restaurant in East Belfast. It has a variety of European flavours and is very unique. Two of my favourite dishes, created by the talented chef Chris Haydon, are the charred scallops with buttermilk, chives and hazelnuts, and the deep-fried chicken with caviar. It's a new food for me but it explodes in your mouth.
Belfast Exposed will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala night celebrating artistic and creative talent at City Hall on Thursday 6 June. Tickets and more information can be found at www.belfastexposed.org.
