Gary O’Hanlon from Ramelton is the chef in charge of started in the hit TV3 show ‘The Restaurant’ in which celebrities must create a menu that will impress the judging panel.
A busy man, Gary is also the Head Chef at Viewmount House in Longford which won the Georgina Campbell Award for Restaurant of the Year 2014 and has been named Celtic Cook Off Champion!
Gary has cooked for people all around the world, and has fused the skills he has learned from travelling with traditional Irish cooking, making him one of the most well esteemed chefs in recent years.
This is Gary’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Ramelton closely followed by Downings. Ramelton is home and Downings a home from home. I’ve great memories of growing up in Ramelton and playing ball in Molly’s field with our great neighbours. The best of times.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
Years ago I would have said the mindset of people in the hospitality industry. I always felt there was an ‘every man for himself attitude’.
Working as a collective will always benefit everyone in the long run and I do believe that over the past few years, with the introduction of the Donegal Food Coast initiative, that has changed for the better. Eve-Anne Mc Carron, Danny, Ursula & Michael Tunney from the LEO with help from DCC have made massive strides in making Donegal stand out as a food destination. Long may it last.
(3) Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
My parents & family. I never wanted for anything growing up & always had a good dinner to come home to. My mother gave up a great career in the civil service to rear us all. Very admirable. Everyone in my family is a hard worker, a great reflection on my parents.
(4) Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
Packie, although Daniel is an incredible ambassador. I’ve done some TV work with Packie and as I’m football mad he shades it.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
The most recent would be seeing one of Ramelton’s own lift the Scottish Cup with Hibs after beating Rangers, Conrad Logan. A great talent.
(6) What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
The recent deaths of the young family in Buncrana. Heartbreaking.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Magee Tweed. Simply next level fashion & design. I never pass them when picking a suit for a big meeting or event.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
I’d have to say Daniel O Donnell on this one. He oozes class and is very proud of his home county. Top man.
(9) Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Mr. Frank Casey from the Rosapenna in Downings. From starting washing pots in the old Rosapenna to having one of the finest hotels in the country and some of the world’s best golf courses he is someone I’ve admired my whole working lfe. A great example of where hard work can bring you.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
James Cullen, a.k.a. The Pink Panther. He was a legend of the tarmac. I couldn’t believe it when him and his wife attended one of my cookery demos a few years back at The Taste of Donegal. He came up to meet me. Now, I’ve met some proper famous people in my time but that was a great day for me. I told him so too. He was a tad shocked but I loved watching his battles over the years in the Donegal International with poor auld Bertie Fisher. Legend.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
The Bridge Bar Restaurant Ramelton. Chef, the original Ramelton Chef, Gerald McFadden owns and runs it. He has a lovely touch and made me the best risotto I’ve ever had many moons ago. A class act.
(12) Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Golden Eagles all the way.
(13) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
“Cop yoursel on sir”
(14) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Getting a rail network. Honestly, a rail network would utterly transform Donegal in my honest opinion. People still feel we’re too far away. That’s utter nonsense but a good rail system would really benefit industry & tourism.
(15) What is your favourite Donegal food?
McGettigan’s Sausages from Ernan McGettigan in Donegal Town. Clean lethal.
(16) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Not a thing.
(17) Do you have a favourite local band?
Keltic Kaos. They played every Thursday when I was a student in Killybegs. Unbelieveable nights. I’ll never forget them. I’d love another proper session with my old crew listening to them. Brilliant.
Keltic Kaos in action
(18) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
I’d put it towards the development of the Hotel/square in Ramelton. It’s been an eyesore for way too long.
(19) What is your favourite thing about the culinary arts?
Making people smile through the enjoyment of stuffing their faces with my grub. Never tire of it.
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I’m proud of each & every man, woman & child from our great county. Donegal/Ramelton & proud.
To keep up with Gary you can follow him on Twitter or to see him in action you can catch him on TV3’s next series of ‘The Restaurant’.
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