Nico Reynolds is a renowned chef known for his unique fusion of Caribbean flavors and Irish produce, complemented by his expertise in asado charcoal grilling. He has gained recognition through his appearance on the popular TV show, All Fired Up on RTÉ One, with the highly anticipated second series set to premiere on June 15. In addition to his TV career, Nico previously owned a catering company and a small restaurant in Buenos Aires, and he successfully ran a pop-up restaurant in Rathmines under his brand, Lil Portie. Currently, Nico is hosting outdoor pop-ups this summer, having recently completed a wood-fired dining experience at The Fiery restaurant at the Wicklow Escape.
Nico’s early experiences with money revolved around his family’s strategic and clever approach to finances. Growing up in a two-bed apartment in Sandymount, his father made wise choices like opting for a bus instead of a taxi for airport transfers. The family rarely ate out or ordered takeaways, which instilled in Nico a passion for cooking. Even now, his father’s frugality remains evident as he insists on packing Nico a humble mayonnaise and roast chicken sandwich for his travels.
The closure of the hospitality industry during the pandemic had a significant impact on Nico’s financial well-being. He found himself without income for about a year and a half, leading him to move back home. It felt like a regression, as all the possessions he had at the age of 15 filled his room once again. However, he considers himself fortunate to have avoided a potentially detrimental investment. Nico had planned to open a restaurant in Dublin with two partners, but their plans were quickly dashed when the pandemic hit. Reflecting on the situation, he expresses relief for not proceeding with the venture.
Due to the spike in the cost of living, Nico has made adjustments to his lifestyle. When expenses become overwhelming, he chooses to quit drinking, a decision he made when he moved back home with limited funds. Last year, he even observed Lent and abstained from alcohol, emphasizing the importance of delayed gratification, especially for the younger generation. Fortunately, Nico’s minimal costs, such as not owning a car, having a partner, or raising a child, allow him to navigate the effects of inflation differently. Additionally, living in London proves more affordable for him, as there is a wider range of affordable housing options compared to Dublin, where finding an affordable one-bedroom apartment is a challenging feat.
Reflecting on his career journey, Nico explains how he initially struggled to find work in Ireland. It was only after someone shared a reel of his work with someone in the UK that he gained traction and opportunities. As a result, he signed up with a London agency and saw his career flourish. The experience highlights the challenges faced by professionals in the industry in terms of gaining recognition and job opportunities.
When it comes to expensive travels, Nico recalls a holiday in the luxurious destination of St. Tropez. He vividly remembers spending a whopping €25 on a glass of orange juice, an indulgence that served as a reminder of the extravagance of certain places.
Considering the current state of the property market, Nico expresses openness to buying Irish property but advises against Dublin due to its high prices. He maintains a balance between his pragmatic and romantic sides and envisions investing in a beautiful location like West Cork or the Wicklow Mountains. While he occasionally explores property listings, he has no immediate plans to purchase this year.
Reflecting on his career, Nico considers his most lucrative gig to be his involvement in the RTÉ show last year. However, he dispels the notion that being on TV automatically equates to immense wealth. Alongside filming the show, Nico also had to dedicate time to promotional work, extensive voiceovers, recipe writing, and enduring long hours of smiling. These additional responsibilities highlight the demanding nature of his profession beyond what viewers see on the screen.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
