BY SEÁN P. FEENY

FOOD lovers across the globe are eagerly following the culinary expertise of Donegal's latest celebrity chef, Emmanuel Cohergne.

At only 24 years old, the French native, Emmanuel is fast making a name for himself in the culinary corner. A weekly contributor for the Donegal News Monday edition, Emmanuel is the head chef at the four star Castle Grove Country Hotel and Restaurant which is often booked out weeks in advance.

International media interest, offers of DVD's and book deals are in the pipe line for the up-and-coming star.

"I was contacted by my local newspaper in France, Le Maine Libre, and I was so surprised to hear from them and to be honest I don't know how they knew I was working as a head chef in Ireland," said Emmanuel.

"When the article in my hometown of Le Mans, I received a lot of phone calls and emails from friends who saw the piece and rang and wrote to congratulate me.

"It is nice to be recognised in your home, in particular my first boss contacted me to say that he was very proud of my achievements."

Having a French chef working in the county is also a good way to promote and put Donegal on the map as a tourist attraction for tourists from mainland Europe.

"Recently, we had two French journalists working for Fáilte Ireland and travelling around the country visiting us at Castle Grove," said the 24-year-old chef.

"After seeing my name on the menu and realising that I was also French, we got talking and they told me that they were very impressed with our food and by my young age," he laughed.

"They will now be writing up an article about the Castle Grove and its location in Donegal for a tourist information booklet to be distributed around French travel agencies."

Emmanuel will be applying to compete in the upcoming IFEX International Food and Drink Exhibition in Belfast which takes place at the King's Hall next April to May.

"I am hoping to be accepted for the ChefSkill competition where chefs from around the country will be able to put their skills on display at the exhibition. It's important to take part in these type of competitions as if you win you not only boost your own reputation but also the establishment you are working in," said Emmanuel.

Business at the Castle Grove Hotel just keeps getting busier with each month, Emmanuel said. "Sunday lunches have become particularly popular since the re-opening on February 17, and we are getting a lot of requests for weddings and other special occasions.

"Preferences of international food guides are changing," said Emmanuel. "They want to clearly taste each ingredient on the plate and no more than three or four different flavours.

"The food guides are also supporting restaurants to take advantage of local produce and to be inventive with them.

"That is why we will be looking to work closely with local suppliers to come up with a unique Donegal inspired menu that our guests can look forward to in the very near future."

However, the young chef said no matter how good your menu is you need the staff: "It is tough to find staff and we are always looking for young local talent that are as passionate about food as we are here at the Castle Grove Hotel."

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