Eunice Power’s book launch: A night of joy, grief and food

There is some sense of a Mandela effect when it comes to Eunice Power’s debut cookbook, ‘My Irish Kitchen Table’. Most people cannot believe that the culinary legend has not published a book until now.

Indeed, Eunice Power has been a household name first in Waterford and then in the rest of the country for the guts of the last two decades. First as a renowned caterer (she made the food for Graham Norton’s wedding), then as a restaurateur (she runs an upscale fish and chip shop called And Chips in Dungarvan) and finally as a celebrity chef (Eunice told the Waterford News & Star that fans of her segments on the Today show are “so, so lovely”).

Now, Eunice is embarking on yet another adventure with her new cookbook. She has described it as "a GP of a book". Meaning it covers everything from simple weekday meals to special occasions. Filled with fuss-free comforting recipes, the book is designed to be ‘dog-eared’ and the recipes should be ‘shared with your friends and family’.

The kitchen table is at the centre of Irish life – a place we gather in good times and bad, to find comfort, nourishment and good conversation. Eunice Power’s My Irish Kitchen Table is a celebration of that space, and the role of food in it

I am always so jealous of people who know how to throw a good party, and Eunice Power’s book launch was just that; a great party.

With over two hundred people in attendance, CMAT playing through the speakers, and plenty of food and drink, the launch was a classy yet relaxed affair.

No detail was forgotten. The hors d’oeuvres were mini versions of recipes from the book. I was particularly taken with the pea and spinach arancini balls, but the mini Yorkshire puddings were also scrumptious.

The darkness and coldness outside could not have contrasted more with the warmth that radiated throughout the room. People mingled, bought books and raised glasses to a much-loved figure in Dungarvan. 

Anyone who is anyone in Dungarvan showed up to Cass & Co. to support Eunice. Cllr. Damien Geoghegan confided in me that he uses Eunice’s recipes “all the time”.

Blackwater Gin sponsored complimentary cocktails for attendees.

Paul Flynn, chef and owner of the Tannery in Dungarvan, gave a speech at the event.

He said: “To be invited to Eunice’s house on a cold winter’s evening was something my family always treasured. At Eunice’s, it was always a masterclass in entertaining.” 

Eunice’s mother Eithne, a former home economics teacher and by all accounts a fantastic cook, also said a few words.

“Eunice has always been full of surprises. Even as a child, I learned not to be amazed by the things she did or suggested because she usually managed to pull it off.” 

Eunice herself said, “The recipes in this book are sturdy. They’re like me, they’re tried and tested.” 

She also paid tribute to her son, Jerome. She spoke about how glad she was that he happened to be in the house the day the photographs were taken for the book. He passed away the following weekend.

Speaking to RTÉ's Miriam O'Callaghan, Eunice said: "We're lost without him. He was a brilliant character. He was mad into horses. He was ingenious about finding ways to get to places and to go to things." 

However, Eunice explained that although finishing the book was difficult, she felt she owed it to her son. 

"I try to stay pragmatic and try to put one foot in front of the other.

"To me it was so important to finish the book because he was so proud of it.

“He’s very much part of the book. I really wanted to finish it. I felt his hands were all over it.”

Eunice thanked her editor from Gill for all her support. 

"She came down to my house, sat beside me, and went through it with me line by line."

Although there was a sadness in the air, it was also a joyful event. 

Eunice thanked her two sons for being there, saying, “They both continue to eat everything I make…and criticise it!” 

This got a hearty chuckle from the audience.

And so, on the night continued. Full of joy, grief and food.

'My Irish Kitchen Table' (€24.99) is sold in all good bookshops.