Internationally renowned Chef back on home turf!

At the age of 21 newly qualified chef Adrian O’ Herlihy graduated from Dublin College of Catering in Cathal Brugha Street, armed with a freshly pressed set of whites and a toque ready to take on the culinary world.

In a highly impressive career spanning thirty three years and nearly as many countries O’ Herlihy has returned home to Ireland.  You could be forgiven for asking why an award-winning Executive Chef who has worked in the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in the world, including the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa and the Park Plaza Beijing is returning to Ireland.

According to O’ Herlihy Ireland is experiencing a resurgent food movement and he is looking forward to being part of it. “The Ireland I left behind in 1982 is very different from the Ireland of today.  The food and hospitality sector is rightfully reclaiming its place as one of the world’s leading food tourism destinations.”

“It’s an exciting time for Irish chefs and for the Irish hospitality sector, in general.  The economy is on the up, VAT is stable at a favourable 9% and the investment in great chefs, great suppliers and great producers is creating a food tourism economy that’s the envy of many countries.”

On March 19^th, Adrian will also showcase indigenous producers to a small gathering at Bellissimo. The Waterford restaurant, under the helm of renowned Head Chef Paul Power, has been championing local producers for almost 15 years.

According to Tony McMahon, proprietor of Bellissimo Restaurant the idea came about when he met Adrian on his return to Ireland. “From the outset it was obvious that we both shared the same vision and passion about good food.  There is a growing movement in Waterford of people passionate about promoting a great dining experience.  Many restaurants and hotels in the city are working in tandem, to create a quality, enjoyable and accessible dining culture.”

“By having someone of Adrian’s exceptional calibre, who brings a myriad of international experience, working alongside local producers is energizing and will certainly put the spotlight on the wonderful array of raw materials and resources that Waterford has to offer.”

Adrian will merge the characteristic styles of African, Asian and Eastern cooking with local ingredients from local producers.

Hailing from Tallow, Co. Waterford O’ Herlihy is no stranger to plaudits.  Following graduation from Dublin College of Catering, his career began its stellar trajectory and he has worked in the U.S.A, U.K., Germany, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, China, Africa and Japan. He has cooked for Royalty, Presidents, Heads of State, international diplomats, celebrities and has received personal commendations from many including Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and HSH Prince Bisadej of Thailand.  He also cooked for President Michael D. Higgins on his working visit to Africa last November.

For more about Bellissimo Restaurant check out www.bellissimo-waterford.com or visit www.adrianwohelihy.com to find out more about Adrian’s international career.