A Culinary Maestro: Spotlight on Rory Nolan at FoodSpace
From engineering to the kitchen, Rory Nolan’s path to becoming a chef was anything but traditional. After spending some time bartending and working in hotels before making the leap into the culinary world. Today, as a chef at FoodSpace, Rory brings his creativity, passion for local ingredients, and commitment to sustainability to every dish he creates.
Celebrating Irish Cuisine
For Rory, Irish cuisine stands out for its exceptional beef, dairy, and fresh produce. “Ireland is very strong in beef, dairy, cheese, and milk. I want to showcase this more and stick to our strengths,” he explains. He takes pride in sourcing high-quality, local ingredients like Riverfield Organic Farm vegetables and Irish meats, ensuring that each dish is a true reflection of Ireland’s rich food heritage.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of Rory’s approach to cooking. He embraces our FoodSpace zero-waste philosophy, ensuring that every part of an ingredient is put to good use. “Instead of just using chicken breast, I use the whole chicken—thighs, drumsticks, making pies or jerk chicken, and the bones for broth,” he says. This mindset not only eliminates waste but also enhances the depth of flavour in his dishes.
A Day in the Kitchen
Rory’s workday starts early with deliveries, fridge checks, and team coordination. As lunch prep begins, he moves seamlessly between tasks—assisting with breakfast service, managing admin work, planning menus, and placing orders for the following day. His organised approach keeps the kitchen running smoothly and ensures that every meal meets the high standards of our FoodSpace offerings.
Creativity Through Cooking
One of Rory’s favourite parts of the job is turning leftovers into something new and exciting. “If there’s stew left over, I turn it into a pie the next day. Sausages? I’ll make a spicy rigatoni,” he shares. His creativity shines through in these transformations, making sure nothing goes to waste while continuously innovating the menu.
Inspiration and Influence
Rory finds inspiration in Middle Eastern cuisine, incorporating flavours like tahini, sesame, hummus, and pickled vegetables into his dishes. He also keeps up with food trends through social media, to stay ahead of the curve.
Looking back on his career, one of Rory’s most memorable experiences was making the jump from regular restaurants to a Michelin-starred kitchen in Dublin. “All the chefs above me taught me so much. That experience shaped me into the chef I am today,” he says.
A Love for Food and Family
Outside the kitchen, Rory enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. If he had to pick one dish to eat for the rest of his life, it would be steak with eggs and his own spin on chimichurri—“Everything is protein, healthy, locally sourced, and premium quality,” he says.
With his passion for Irish ingredients, sustainability, and creative cooking, Rory Nolan continues to make a lasting impact at FoodSpace—one delicious dish at a time.
Thank you, Rory!
