Nick needs therapist to beat kitchen stress

Ellen Coyne

TOP restaurateur Nick Munier visits a therapist once a week as a way of beating stress, he has revealed.

The MasterChef Ireland judge has provided some food for thought when admitting that he visits a therapist weekly in order to relax.

"It's a great way of relaxing. Obviously, I have a very stressful profession. I like to take an hour out of my day when I can to go and talk to somebody," he told the Herald.

"It can be just anything that's happened during the week. I think it's good for men to talk about mental health."

The culinary star, who is the patron of Aspen Counselling in Lucan, explained to the Herald that mental health isn't a gender-specific issue.

He suggested that all Irish people consider speaking to a professional about their problems and combating the stigma of mental health head on.

"There's a huge rate of suicide in this country and it's important that people are able to talk to about their problems and feelings with someone who understands them."

He believes it can often help to speak to somebody impartial, as opposed to a friend or family member.

"I just think it helps to talk to someone who is neutral and won't judge you," he told the Herald.

Answers

"It's okay to talk to your immediate friends and family, but they always give you different answers based on how they know you."

Nick, who owns well-known restaurant Pichet in Dublin's city centre, revealed that he uses therapy as a way to relax after a stressful week in the service industry.

He told the Herald that he highly recommends it and stressed the importance of simply talking.

"I would completely recommend it," he said.

"Talking is important. It's okay to have a chat in the pub with mates, but it's not really the right place to address proper issues."

The affable businessman's controversial kitchen rules recently hit headlines.

The former Hell's Kitchen maitre d' imposed a ban on children and babies in trendy eatery Pichet, which he co-owns with chef pal Stephen Gibson.

However, the dad-of-four seemed to be after more of a youthful flavour this week after expressing hope to the Herald that a Junior Masterchef might be on the table.

"It would be brilliant viewing and personally I think it would be better than the professionals," he said.

"I've said it to RTE before and expressed my excitement about it, so we'll see what happens."

hnews@herald.ie