Corinna Hardgrave was widely known for her work as a food writer and restaurant critic for The Irish Times. Over the years, her writing brought readers into restaurants across Ireland, offering thoughtful opinions about food, dining and the people behind the industry.
Away from her professional life, Corinna shared a long family life with her husband, Steve Hardgrave. He was not only her husband but also someone who shared her strong interest in food. Their relationship had a natural connection to the world that became such an important part of Corinna’s career.
Following Corinna’s death at the age of 64 after an illness, Steve shared a moving tribute to his wife and reflected on how much her work meant to her.
Who Was Steve Hardgrave?
Steve Hardgrave was Corinna Hardgrave’s husband and a familiar companion during many of her food-related outings.
He shared Corinna’s enthusiasm for restaurants and cooking, making him more than just a supportive partner at home. He often joined her when she visited restaurants, giving her someone with whom she could discuss the dishes and experiences that later became part of her reviews.
His own interest in food helped make him a natural sounding board for Corinna.
Their shared passion meant that dining was not simply an occasional activity for the couple. Food was something they could enjoy together and discuss in detail.
A Shared Love of Food
Corinna’s career required her to spend a considerable amount of time visiting restaurants and evaluating meals. Having a partner who understood that world could be especially valuable.
Steve was an avid food lover and an accomplished cook himself. He could discuss dishes with Corinna and offer another perspective when they ate together.
For a restaurant critic, having someone close who understands food can make everyday conversations more interesting. In Corinna’s case, Steve was reportedly someone she could turn to when considering what she had experienced at a restaurant.
Their relationship therefore blended personal companionship with a shared appreciation for cooking and dining.
Her Dream Job
Corinna’s role as a restaurant critic was much more than employment. According to Steve’s tribute following her death, it was her dream job.
He described the position as the culmination of her writing and eating, reflecting how naturally the career brought together two of her major interests.
Her work at The Irish Times allowed her to turn her passion for food into journalism. Through her reviews, she became a recognizable voice in Irish food writing.
Steve’s comments offered an intimate perspective on just how much the work meant to her.
Their Two Daughters
Corinna and Steve Hardgrave shared two daughters, Katherine and Isabelle.
The family largely remained outside the spotlight, despite Corinna’s public career. Her professional work was widely read, but details about her home life were generally kept more private.
Having two daughters gave Corinna and Steve a family life beyond the restaurants and food events that became part of Corinna’s working world.
The family connection is also an important part of remembering Corinna as more than a writer and critic.
Corinna’s Passing
Corinna Hardgrave died at the age of 64 following an illness, with news of her death announced on October 5, 2026.
Her death prompted tributes from people connected to journalism, restaurants and the wider Irish hospitality community.
For readers who had followed her work, the news marked the loss of a familiar voice in Irish food journalism.
For Steve and their daughters, however, the loss was deeply personal.
Steve’s Tribute to His Wife
Following Corinna’s death, Steve paid tribute to her and reflected on the importance of her career.
His description of her restaurant critic role as her dream job captured something essential about Corinna’s professional life. She had found a position that brought together her love of writing and her fascination with food.
The tribute also offered a glimpse into the relationship behind the public career. Steve had seen firsthand how much energy and passion she brought to her work.
His words showed that her career was not simply a title or position. It was something she genuinely loved.
A Life Built Around Food and Family
Corinna’s public identity was closely associated with restaurants, reviews and food writing. Yet her life with Steve shows another side of the person readers knew through her work.
She had a husband who shared her enthusiasm for food and two daughters who were part of her family life.
Steve’s willingness to accompany her to restaurants also meant that some of Corinna’s professional experiences became shared experiences for the couple.
That connection makes their relationship particularly fitting for someone whose career revolved around meals and the people who create them.
Remembering Corinna Hardgrave
Corinna Hardgrave leaves behind a body of food writing that helped shape conversations about restaurants and dining in Ireland.
Her death at 64 brought an end to a career that had become closely connected with The Irish Times. But for her family, her memory extends far beyond her published reviews.
Steve Hardgrave was her husband, food companion and trusted sounding board. Together they shared an appreciation for cooking, restaurants and the simple pleasure of discovering good food.
They also built a family with their daughters, Katherine and Isabelle.
While Corinna will be remembered publicly for her writing and criticism, the tribute from Steve highlights the personal side of her story. Behind the restaurant reviews was a woman who loved what she did, shared that passion with her husband and built a family life away from the public eye.