Faces of Galway 19/100

Meet Martin from Barna

Martin has been cooking since the age of 14. He grew up in Barna where his mum was the cook for the local nursing home. He helped his grandparents collect, dry, and bag seaweed to sell at the Galway market. It makes sense that he would now be the head chef in Barna's award wining restaurant West at the Twelve Hotel. 

Martin is a creative chef and has the freedom and support to develop his menus daily based on what his local suppliers offer him. He will completely adapt his menu to suit what is in season for his farmers or what his fisherman has caught on that day. Martin still forages for seaweed locally and collects wild garlic for two months of the year, when it is in season. Martin feels that getting such fresh and varied local produce allows him to create dishes which get him awards such as the two AA Rosettes for Culinary excellence. 

Speaking with Martin and listening to his passion for his job is refreshing. Here is a guy who genuinely loves what he does! If you fancy seeing Martin in action why don't you book the chef's table and get a close view of what it's like being a chef in a fine dining restaurant.