Top chef Oliver pays visit to Mater Hospital kitchen

The culinary expert was in the Mater in recent days to see how its busy kitchen operates.

The Michelin-starred chef, who is on a mission to improve hospital food nationwide, said he was impressed by the state of-the-art kitchen.

Last December he met Health Minister Leo Varadkar and an HSE representative about his plans to improve hospital menus.

He had been waiting to see which hospitals would let him into their kitchens.

Mr Dunne wanted to get a first-hand understanding of life in a hospital kitchen and reported to the Herald following his look around the Mater facility.

"They showed me around the place, and how it is all done. It was fascinating I have to say," Mr Dunne said.

"It was absolutely state-of-the-art equipment they have. It is an amazing set-up.

"I had a tour of the kitchen and they explained the operation. They are a lovely team, a really passionate team who really care about what they are doing."

He added that the kitchen was absolutely spotless.

"It was good to see the effort that goes into everything," he said.

It was another step in his campaign to make hospital menus better. He said that Mr Varadkar's office has been proactive in making sure it proceeded to this stage.

"Next we are going to chat about taking it to the next step and getting involved and trying to make some positive changes. It all seems promising," Mr Dunne added.

Billboard

It has been a busy time for the Glasnevin native. His image appeared on a billboard in Times Square, New York this week as part of a promotion for an event he is cooking for in Boston on St Patrick's Day

"I have been invited over by the Met Restaurant Group to cook, so we are doing an Irish-inspired four-course meal. My head chef is going over with me, so we are going over on March 15, so we will be prepping for a couple of days," he said.

The event will take place in the Met Back Bay restaurant on St Patrick's night.

fdillon@herald.ie

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