Behind Every Face, There’s Another Discovery.

Brenda Flannery

Brenda runs Thyme Out Café and Delicatessen in Dingle.

What is the first thing that you notice about a person?

The first thing I notice about people is usually their smile.

What are some challenges you think the next generation will face?

I think some of the challenges the next generation will face, will be replacing old outdated ways of doing things, production of products, reliance on plastic, environmental issues, of course these issues aren't just for future generations they are challenges for all of us, from this now point of time and I feel things are evolving and changing for the better, we will see a lot of changes in our own lifetime, hopefully!

What three habits will improve your life?

Hmm..three habits that can improve my life?! Well, daily practice of meditation, yoga and focus on the positives in life are always my best guiding habits.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

I am most grateful in this life for my family, living and in spirit, it's a cliche however it is true! Oh and of course my dog - Cher!

If you could have lunch with one person alive or dead, who would it be?

This is a difficult question but in honouring my teenage self I would have to say Prince the purple genius, yip think we could natter the night away over a veggie dinner!

If you could write one new law that everyone had to obey, what law would you create?

If I could write a new law it would be that Everything and Everyone has to live and buy things that are ecologically friendly. Even when you want to support an eco ideology shops are full of stuff packaged in plastic, common food have palm oil and so on..

What do you usually follow when making decisions, your head or your heart?

I usually make decisions following my heart but it is also wise to hear out what the head thinks!

What is the best to start the day?

The best start to my day, especially when the sun is shining and getting a walk in with my dog, or hitting the beach before work.

What is something that seemed like a good idea at the time?

When I was a child I was obsessed with Monchhichi Monkeys! Every year i asked Santa for a monchhichi monkey and a surprise. Actually have to admit i still love them, there are a fair few surviving monkeys and one relatively new one, my nephew got me a couple of years ago, LOL!

What movie can you watch over and over again?

One of my all time favourite movies is the cult classic "Whitnail & I" have watched it a thousand times over the years! Richard E. Grant is brilliant and during these lockdown times, he has been posting a daily video with a quote from Withnail on Instagram, if you're a fan it's well worth a look, lighthearted viewing.

What makes you feel young?

I feel young spending time on the beach and swimming in the sea and ideally sharing food and a beer later with friends, simple happiness.

If I asked you at 5 what you wanted to be when you grow up what would you say?

The five year old Brenda wanted to be an astronaut when she grew up.

How did you decide on the name of your restaurant?

There was a lot of brain storming trying to come up with a name for the café last year, some great suggestions but then i just thought i would go with a healing herb and Thyme was was the one that popped out and when i said it to my sister Irene she just said out! So Thyme Out Café and Delicatessen was born, i loved it and liked the implication to just take a break from it all, come into us and eat well, all plant-based foods and just chill for a little while in a relaxed place.

When did you get into cooking?

I got into cooking from an early age, being second youngest of seven kids, it was a busy (mad) house! There were always plenty jobs to be done and I guess I gravitated to the kitchen, my mother is a wonderful cook and very knowledgeable, so I learned from her as she learned from her mother in her childhood in Donegal. We are all foodie people in my family though, pot luck dinners and gathering en masse together sharing food and a few drinks, with someone singing and a guitar going round and plenty good banter, sure whats not to love!