How I got started in the Food Business

I always had an interest in cooking my mom was a fantastic cook and I got a lot of inspiration from her. After school I went to UCC and while here I got a part time job in a hotel. That really piqued my love of the hospitality industry so I decided to change career direction and enrolled in a cookery course almost 22 years ago. Travel is my second love and with my qualifications I have been able to travel the world working as a chef . As a career it really offers fantastic opportunity to travel and work so my career change is something I will never regret. After travelling the food business gave me the opportunity to become my own boss and in 2013 I opened The Thatch and Thyme in kildorrery.

What I love most about my work is…

The people. I am a real people person and love the interaction with both customers and staff that my job affords. The Thatch and Thyme has an open kitchen so customers have a full view of where it all happens, likewise I can see customers and their reaction to our food ,which gives a real sense of satisfaction. I am really lucky to have a fantastic staff most of whom have been with me since I opened almost 11 years ago. I am so fortunate to have such a great bunch of likeminded individuals working for me that share the same pride and passion for what we do here.

What I least enjoy about my work is…

Being at a computer. Unfortunately part of my job involves office work, something that is a huge weakness of mine and I loathe. As we speak i’m typing with one finger! The kitchen is my happy place and luckily we are very busy so I don’t often get a chance to escape. This means often office work is left until last minute and tends to pile up.

I’m really good at…

Talking. Anyone that knows me will confirm the fact that I have the gift of the gab. I definitely get that from my Dad we are not really the silent type so if I’m not talking you know you are in trouble!

But I’m very bad at…

Waiting . My husband Declan will let you know as will any dentist , doctor etc I have ever been to. As soon as I get a present I have to open it ,the minute new clothes arrive the tags are off and my driving style was once described as “aggressive!” !

My ideal way to relax is…

Ideally on holidays with my husband and our boy Shay. Free time is scarce when you run a restaurant so I really treasure the time we can spend together as a family.

The most important thing is…

Pride. Pride in your work , your ethos and how you behave towards others. Something we are very proud of here is the consistency in our food and service and our ethos is to provide the best of what our region has to offer.