Gráinne O’Keefe is chef/patron of the Michelin Guide-listed Mae Restaurant, and has recently been appointed as brand ambassador of the new premium Irish meat brand, Francis St. maerestaurant.ie
Are you a saver or a spender?
I’m both. As much as I love to spend, I also always save.
Do you shop around for better value?
Of course, although I’m impatient, so only for so long.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
My wine glasses for my restaurant Mae. They are handblown Austrian glasses. I used the last of my savings just before I opened the restaurant to buy them and hoped that they would be worth it, which it was. They cost me a few thousand.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
A good mattress. Chefs notoriously stand for very long periods of time and a few years ago I started experiencing back pain. I tried physio and a chiropractor but, in the end, a foam mattress completely fixed it. It cost a lot less in the long run.
[ ‘A coffee in the sun by the sea with a friend will always be my top purchase’Opens in new window ]
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
Local. It was a way to get out and go for a few walks during the day. I’m not big on online shopping.
Do you haggle over prices?
It depends. If it’s buying an item in a store such as clothes, or the like, then no. However, if I’m buying a large quantity of something for, say, the restaurant, then possibly.
How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?
During Covid, I was barely spending any money as most restaurants were shut and I was dipping into my savings to pay rent, and so on. There isn’t one thing that I stopped buying, but I naturally started spending less even when I returned to working full-time.
Do you invest in shares?
I do, indeed. I invest in both cryptocurrency and shares.
Cash or card?
Card, but on my phone using Apple Pay. At this rate, I can barely remember my PIN code.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A bottle of sparkling water. And, yes, it’s the first thing I drink when I wake up every morning.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I have. I’m currently saving for a mortgage although, with the current housing market, I may be retired by the time I can afford it!
Have you ever lost money?
No. I rarely lose things. I prefer to not use a purse to carry all my cards and/or money – if you lose it, you lose everything. Carrying items in separate places gives me a little extra security.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I’m not a big gambler but I like to make small bets now and again, especially at big race meets like Cheltenham. My biggest win on a horse was around €1,500.
Is money important to you?
Yes. Without money, I wouldn’t have a place to live, a business and be able to afford all of those pesky oat lattes that are stopping me from saving for a house.
How much money do you have on you now?
I’m at home right now and don’t ever have much cash, but I do have a little trinket box full of change on one of my dressers, so maybe about €50?
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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