A Culinary Adventure: Spotlight on Irene at FoodSpace
As Sous Chef at our FoodSpace restaurant in clonmel, Irene brings creativity and precision to every dish she prepares. From her early experiences in the kitchen to her current role, Irene’s journey is one of hard work and enthusiasm for the culinary arts.
A Warm Welcome to FoodSpace
When Bobby Carrigan spotted Irene’s top-notch work ethic, he knew she’d be a perfect fit for FoodSpace. With a promise of a great team, Irene joined the team in November 2023—and he wasn’t wrong! Since then, Irene has been thriving, bringing her skills and energy to a kitchen that’s all about teamwork, good vibes, and seriously good food.
A Day in the Life
Starting her day at 6 AM, Irene dives into a fast-paced kitchen routine. Her responsibilities include preparing fresh salads, traybakes, and fulfilling hospitality orders. She assists across various kitchen stations, ensuring smooth service and maintaining high hygiene standards through HACCP checks and thorough cleaning.
Irene enjoys being active and outdoors whenever possible. She has a passion for swimming, cycling, and badminton. Gardening also gives her a sense of relaxation, and she takes great pleasure in trying new dishes, baking cakes, and going on road trips to explore new beaches and restaurants.
Inspiration and Motivation Irene Finds Inspiration in the “Grow, Cook, Serve” Philosophy
Two culinary figures who have influenced her journey are Neven Maguire and Darina Allen. Their recipes provided her with a strong foundation, and over time, she developed the confidence to add her unique touch to every dish. Traveling also fuels her passion for cooking, exposing her to diverse cuisines and techniques.
Sustainability is a key lesson Irene has embraced during her time at FoodSpace. One of her proudest achievements was leading Culture Day, where she successfully prepared an array of bite-sized traybakes representing six different countries. Despite time constraints and a limited workspace, her exceptional time management skills and teamwork ensured a successful event.
If Irene were to describe FoodSpace’s work culture in three words, they would be leadership, values, and customer service.
Advice for New Team Members
For those looking to succeed in her role, Irene emphasises the importance of being reliable, enthusiastic, willing to learn, and a team player. These qualities ensure long-term growth and a fulfilling culinary career.
A Personal Motto: “It tastes as good as it looks.”
Her passion for food, and ability to inspire others makes Irene a vital part of the FoodSpace team, crafting memorable dining experiences every day.
Thank You, Irene!
