Head Chef at The Morrison Room Adam Nevin shares his life in food

Head chef at Ireland’s newly Michelin-starred restaurant, The Morrison Room at Carton House, Adam Nevin has certainly achieved a lot in his 30 years. According to the Guide, the cooking at The Morrison Room is “rooted in the chefs’ strong classical technique, but some wildcard flavour combinations work wonders thanks to their fine judgement.”

His imaginative, thoughtful and skilful seasonal menus draw on fine Irish local and foraged ingredients to showcase some of Kildare, and the country’s most talented and dedicated artisan producers.

Here, he shares his life in food.

If you’re impressing friends and family at a dinner party, what are you serving up?

I would probably cook a chicken and mushroom pie with mash, buttered cabbage and a nice bottle of wine.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

I really like the Allen Family in Ballymaloe.

What would your last meal on earth be?

Starter would be Jamon croquettes, main course would be bacon and cabbage and dessert my mam’s cheesecake.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Chinese.

What’s the go-to quick meal you cook when you’re tired and hungry?

Tomato pasta with parmesan.

What is one food or flavour you cannot stand?

Liver.

Hangover cure?

Bottle of Lucozade Original and a jambon.

Sweet or savoury?

Savoury.

Fine dining or pub grub?

Fine dining.

Food for thought — What are some areas for improvement within the Irish food/restaurant/hospitality scene?

People understanding where their food comes from and appreciating it more.

Chef’s kiss — Tell us about one standout foodie experience you’ve had recently.

I went to Ka Pao in Glasgow. It was delicious.

Compliments to the chef — Now’s your chance to sing the praises of a talented chef, beloved restaurant or particularly talented foodie family member.

I would like to thank my team for all their hard work over the last year and a half at The Morrison Room. They are a great bunch and I’m very grateful for them.

Secret ingredient — What, in your estimation, makes the perfect dining experience?

Friendly happy staff make the perfect dining experience for me.