Wilde's at The Lodge, Ashford Castle: A Menu Rooted in the West of Ireland
In partnership with Ashford Estate.
Here, award-winning Executive Chef Jonathan Keane, described as “one of the country’s most exciting chefs”, shares his love of foraging, favourite dishes and how his relationship with the kitchen garden inspires the menu.
You've been at The Lodge over a decade – how has your cooking style evolved over that time?
The menus in the beginning were driven by creative ambition, flair and a desire to push boundaries with the food. As I have developed as a chef, this has been replaced with a deep respect for our producers, love of food’s simplicity and a sense of place.
As a lover of foraging, what's growing wild on the Ashford estate right now that you're most excited about using?
Wild garlic is abundant this time of year and features on all menus across the estate.
There's also wood sorrel, which is fresh and full of flavour, nettles are lovely in soups and risottos and Woodruff is a favourite of mine for desserts.
You mention wild foods as a prominent part of your menus. Is there a dish you've developed around a foraged ingredient that you're particularly proud of?
Woodruff panna cotta with poached rhubarb and ginger crumble.
How closely do you work with Alex Lavarde in the kitchen garden — does the garden shape the menu, or does the menu shape what gets grown?
Sustainability, simplicity and a love of nature lead the way
Working with Alex and his team has completely changed the outlook on the food here at the Lodge. Sustainability, simplicity and a love of nature lead the way and Alex is certainly producing really special food for us.
What are some of your favourite West of Ireland ingredients and produce to work with?
We are so lucky here in the West to have lots of superb producers. I love working with Kylemore Cheese from Teresa Roche, sheep milk yoghurt from Velvet Cloud, DK Connemara Oysters from Letterfrack and Sean Kelly, the famous butcher from Newport, is a real master of his craft.
What have diners told you they love about eating at Wilde’s at The Lodge?
Originality, imagination and generosity are the words we hear a lot. We like our guests to leave with full bellies and happy memories!
What makes Wilde’s at The Lodge a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion?
Wildes is designed in a manner that we can cater an intimate special birthday or wedding anniversary for two, large group celebrations, or a night out with friends. The service is friendly and unintrusive, the food is fun and the view is magnificent.
Discover more about Wilde’s at The Lodge at Ashford Castle and book your table here.
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