There's no doubt food is one of humanity's most significant connectors. It can be a bridge to get us close to our ancestors, to people from different regions, countries, and cultures. Food, and especially cooking, is about sharing, exchanging flavors and sensations. We gather to eat and celebrate, and we cook for those who are down, trying to lift their mood with a homemade meal. Someone said that food is like a tree; the roots are grounded and attached to our past and ancestors. The trunk is also linked to the roots, yet connected with the present, generating branches that expand into the future; new flavors, smells, and recipes. 

In this episode, I'm joined by Chef Declan Horgan, one of the most talented chefs in the culinary scene. He studied culinary innovation at the DIT School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology in Dublin. Declan became a Chef De Partie at Michelin-Star Peacock Alley, one of Dublin's most renowned restaurants in the early 2000s, where he perfected his cooking skill set. In 2015, Declan moved to the US; he participated in The Food Network's - Guy‘s Grocery Games and Hell's Kitchen, season 19. He was also featured as the Swagger Magazine Cover for its March 2021 edition. 

Declan's culinary journey started at age 7 when he cooked for his aunt, copying a Delia Smith recipe he saw on TV. His talent and curiosity flourished in his household, where everyone enjoyed cooking typical Irish dishes. His father, being an avid fisherman and hunter, would provide a wide variety of proteins prepared with well-prepared accompaniments. 

Tune in to Just Black Talking and learn about Irish culinary, Declan's transition and adjustment into the US, his future projects, and much more. 

Some Questions I Ask:

• How old were you when you started cooking? (1:46)
• What was your transition to the US like? (17:56)
• There are challenges of being an immigrant. What are the challenges in cooking that you see? And is there anything that's going on in cooking that might put you off of it? (22:32)
• One other thing I want to cover is Irish diplomacy. The art of telling someone to go to hell and having them look forward to the trip. Could you talk to us about it? (49:15)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The experience of serving fish & chips to Michelle Obama (12:02)
• Having a pint and a crack and forget about everything else (14:40)
• Experimenting at home, consistency, and perfection at work (19:56)
• Declan's most prominent challenges of cooking Irish food in the US (23:02)
• The difference between black and white pudding (29:01)

Resources:

• Chef Declan Horgan website
• Ramiro Productions Instagram

Connect with Chef Declan:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• YouTube

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