Eamonn Coghlan:"In my favourite Mexican restaurant in New York City - Mi Nidito (my little place) - at 852 8th Avenue at 51st Street.
It's not a very fancy place. If you were to take a look through the window while passing by, you might not consider it, but once inside, the authentic Mexican decor makes it truly cosy. The waiters are always friendly, cheerful and most welcoming. My wife Yvonne and I always go there straight off the plane. From the nachos chips, dipped in the restaurant's homemade salsa and guacamole, to the best chimichangas and enchiladas in the world, the food is mouth-watering. If you don't like refried beans, believe me, you'll devour them here. You can hide away from the rest of the world, tucked away in a little corner at the rear of the small bar area, or you can 'people watch' from the table in the front window. To wash the food down, you can enjoy the best frozen Margaritas anywhere on the planet. I'm getting hungry thinking about it! And, it's great value."
BUT I'M NOT IN NEW YORK, SO..."Tonight I will help Yvonne to prepare one of her many speciality meals . . . chicken Parmigiana. I like to go out to restaurants, but I have to admit that staying home and enjoying dinner with the family gives me a lot more pleasure. My little contribution is limited to slicing the chicken, grating the mozzarella cheese or mixing the tomato sauce with her secret seasonings. Oh, and opening a bottle of wine or two."
Eamonn Coghlan is Grand Marshal of Monday's St Patrick's Festival Parade and race director for tomorrow's KBC St Patrick's Festival 5k Road Race. Enter online at www.msb5k.com or in the Mansion House on Dawson Street before 9.30am tomorrow.
In conversation with Marie-Claire Digby