I’m Ricky Robinson, I’m a self-taught home cook, and throwing a dinner party is one of my favourite things. I was born and raised in Belfast, where the kitchen held a special place in our home.
But it was during my teenage years that my true love for cooking blossomed when I stumbled upon Nigella Lawson’s “How to Eat” book and instantly felt a connection. It became my culinary bible, guiding me through hours of practice and expanding my collection of cookbooks. Now living in Tyrone, you’ll most likely find me planning my next dinner party or looking after my rescue animals.
I recently had the incredible honour of winning season two of BBC Farm to Feast, Best Menu Wins, which has really energized my passion for cooking. This opportunity has opened several doors for me and has led to cooking demos and classes, popup restaurant and private hire events, and coverage in newspapers and radio.
My BBC Farm to Feast TV show experience was fantastic. The programme, hosted by Eamonn Holmes and judged by Michelin starred chef Danni Barry and food critic Joris Minne was set in Crom Castle near Enniskillen, and pitted seven amateur cooks against each other. The competition culminated in a dinner party hosted in the grand dining room of Crom Castle for guests including the Earl of Erne and was an amazing showcase for some of the best produce Northern Ireland has to offer. Coming out on top in the competition felt very special indeed, and I’m very grateful to have taken part in such an enjoyable production.
Since appearing on the programme, I have had the opportunity to explore more of the culinary landscape. My recipe website has been a fun writing outlet, and I have continued to regularly post my favourite dishes to my Instagram account, Tantrums and Saucepans.
I have had my recipes published in newspapers including the Belfast Telegraph and the Irish News, I have been featured on BBC Radio Ulster and have shared a cooking demonstration stage with popular chef, Paula McIntyre.
Never afraid to try new things, earlier this year I had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Libraries NI for a series of online cookery demonstrations. Held live on Zoom, these sessions attracted a diverse audience eager to expand their culinary skills, with the focus firmly on cost effective and simple cooking. The interactive nature of the sessions allowed participants to ask questions in real-time, and the sessions ran for 5 weeks.
I have held my own popup restaurant events in collaboration with a popular mid-Ulster venue with the aim of bringing the dinner party experience to life. There was a fixed menu, you were seated randomly, and guests were greeted with a cocktail… just like you’d get when you come to my house!
These events were hugely successful selling out in minutes. It was my first step into a professional kitchen and I did love the excitement of the night, although I think my heart will always be in the home kitchen. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with great feedback received.
Explore my collection of recipes, each designed to simplify the cooking process while still delivering exciting flavours, and let the delightful aroma and delicious tastes fill your kitchen, creating unforgettable moments shared with loved ones.
