Hello, it’s Jane Gleeson here. I'm currently in Berlin, where International Women’s Day isn't just a media campaign but has evolved into a literal public holiday, marked by peaceful protests that advocate for the rights of those who identify as women. While I may not be able to spark a movement to launch another bank holiday in Ireland, each issue of Guzzle strives for parity by championing diverse voices. Below, I'm sharing a summary of editorials authored by our female contributors as featured in Guzzle issue two.
'I Regret Not Eating That Cake' tells the story of a woman who rebelled against the classic grandmother stereotype. Although the writer, Ophelia Keane, expresses regret for not fully appreciating her grandmother Katie during childhood, the piece symbolises her admiration by recognising that not all women need to cook well and not all food memories need to be saccharine sweet. Ophelia closes by sharing her version of Katie's ideal recipe: “Go to the shop. Buy a cake. Eat it all. Live your life”.
South African writer Robyn Paterson reflects on her time living in Dublin during her Master's degree, recounting the challenges of communal living and cooking for one. In ‘Single Serving’, she describes the struggle of adapting to limited space and resources, with witty anecdotes like drinking Pinot Grigio in a sauerkraut jar to stumbling upon her housemates building a fort in the kitchen.
At the launch of Guzzle issue two, Sian Conway did a heartfelt reading of 'Delicious Irony', celebrating survival and regaining a love of food after battling an eating disorder since teens. Sian bravely explores her relationship with eating, gradually navigating the lingering effects of the disorder. As someone deeply ingrained in the food industry, Sian crafts a poignant personal essay infused with humour.
In Molly Garvey’s piece, 'Dinner Parties, Silence and my Granny', the writer toasts the concept of silence during meals while listing her granny's tips for successful hosting, from keeping the room at the perfect temperature to avidly avoiding guests who don't engage in conversation while eating. Despite their differences, Molly presents a witty interpretation of transitioning from 1970s dinners to today's more modern approach.
Butter, a staple in nearly every Irish household, occupies a significant role in Rose Madders' family kitchen, where its absence never goes unnoticed. In her piece 'For The Love Of Butter,' Rose describes butter’s comeback tour, citing contemporary references such as chef Thomas Straker’s All Things Butter series, along with the origin story of Ireland's iconic Kerrygold, which initially launched in the UK and even has a German town named after it.
Coincidentally, Mother’s Day is approaching, and it’s worth highlighting the courage involved in motherhood. In ‘Breastfeeding for Survival’, Caroline Hennessy offers a candid look into the physical and emotional tolls linked with childbirth. Despite these obstacles, she embarks on a host of adventures with ‘Little Missy’ breastfeeding in tow.
The pandemic forced many of us to reassess our life paths, with Maeve Scully prompted to pivot from a career in the corporate world to pursuing life as a baker. However, career shifts are rarely straightforward. In 'Rising Above', Maeve describes the challenges she faced training in bakeries abroad but has since found her stride at the newest iteration of Scéal.
'My Community, Mo Chroí' expands on Laoise Dempsey’s Hidden Spaces Instagram account by detailing her meanderings through the streets of Dublin to cherished spots like Simon's Place (RIP) and Catherine's Bakery in the Liberties. Eschewing modern menus and minimalist aesthetics, these eateries may seem basic but are essential to Irish culture and community.
Stacy Miyoung Kim reflects on a journey of self-acceptance in ‘My Body Loved Me Before I Could Accept It’. After a decade of relative stability, sudden physical changes shake the writer’s sense of self, revealing trauma that had long been suppressed. By prioritising self-care and reconnecting with her favourite foods, Stacy learns to once again care for her body by embracing its resilience.
Last but definitely not least, heartbreak goes hand in hand with love. Chef and gastronomy student, Áine Budds’ poem ‘Scenes From A Breakup’ employs vivid imagery and evocative prose to capture the bittersweet nature of romantic relationships, from the separation of shared crockery to soup that eases the soul.
Pick up a copy of our second issue, The Intimacy of Eating, here.
And in more recent news: I had the opportunity of being featured in the latest issue of Image Magazine alongside a league of women making waves in the Irish food industry, with words by Ali Dunworth and photography by Mel Mullan.
