Standish913.com has been blessed to do an interview with...
"DECLAN HORGAN"!
STANDISH - Tell the readers about growing up in Ireland...
DECLAN - I started in an all Irish school so it was a training camp to be come a warrior. Lunch time was hardcore battle royals lol. I lived at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains so lived in the forests doing what ever we wanted and most of the time it was mischief. It was a case of hiking at first then mountain biking and some times we would make proper bivouacs to hangout in.
STANDISH - Why is Irish butter better than regular?
DECLAN - Irish butter is now on the throne of best butter according to New York Time! It's because of the milk and the fat content of Irish milk from the lush green grass that Irish cows graze on. KerryGold is the bomb salted obviously but the unsalted one is banging as well for pastry and baking.
STANDISH - Can you tell us what 'fancy mustard' is?
DECLAN - For me a fancy mustard is a small batch artisanal mustard that has a depth and texture to it with a proper mustard heat like any of the “Lakeshore” mustards or another one top on my list is Irish “Dalkey Mustard!” they are fancy mustards.
STANDISH - What competition was more difficult for you? Guy's Grocery Games or Hell's Kitchen?
DECLAN - Oh Hell’s Kitchen by far because the length of time plus the amount of contestants to BATTLE against (But really most were just cannon fodder for screen time!"
STANDISH - Who was more intimidating to you... Guy or Gordon?
DECLAN - Neither of them were intimidating for me as I have come up through Michelin Starred kitchens In Ireland and Paris France , plus have you seen how big I am and least we not forget I am Irish.
STANDISH - Tell me the thoughts you had in your head when you served Michelle Bernstein her most famous dish in Hell's Kitchen?
DECLAN - Give me the win, give me the win ! give me high points . It was awesome to hear here talking about the similarities but mine was better!
STANDISH - What was your dream as a child, was it to be a chef?
DECLAN - Nah it was to train attack dogs in the military like Mutt and Junkyard from Gi-Joe which was my jam growing up butt Star Wars was my unicorn.
STANDISH - What's a famous ingredient used for Irish cooking, and what dish would you make with it?
DECLAN - Ballymaloe relish (Irish Ketchup) I would make my famous Steak sandwich which consists of a roasted onion ciabatta toasted, marinated skirt steak cooked med rare medium rare, sautéed onions and mushrooms , ballymaloe relish, French's mustard or my fancy mustard choices and some beautiful crispy arugula
STANDISH - What is your favorite risotto?
DECLAN - My favorite risotto is a either a saffron risotto with langoustines and langoustine sauce , or a wild mushroom and truffle risotto.
STANDISH - Worst injury in the kitchen?
DECLAN - Sliced my palm through a gravity slice like sliced ham or removing the tip “Just the tip of my index finger with one of my Kikuichi Japanese Chef knives I am an ambassador for. It sliced right through it and didn't even feel it they are so sharp. But dried it off and cleaned it stuck it back on with super glue and back to business. It looked dead for weeks before it eventually came back to life.
STANDISH - Tell me the ups and downs you felt with placing third in your season…
DECLAN - It was heart breaking but I wouldn't change a thing as I am the most well known contestant to Gordon or Chef Christina , also it wasn't my time probably.
STANDISH - Tell the readers about your viral phrase!
DECLAN - LET'S HEAR IT! “YOU CAN EITHER LEAD L, FOLLOW OR FUCK OFF!’ I just thought it was the most appropriate thing to say to Mark at that time.
STANDISH - What's a challenge you faced while being in Hell's Kitchen?
DECLAN - Sore feet or missing a chance to have a Guinness.
STANDISH - Who is your inspiration?
DECLAN - I take inspiration from alot of places but I also look at what my family members have achieved in their lifetime. My father and my mother and also my younger sister who I am delighted to say is safe and healthy now.
STANDISH - Who are three people you'd like to cook for, dead or alive?
DECLAN - Anthony Bourdain and get wrecked with him, Elvis would also be cool , and also Jim Morrison from the DOORs or Darth Vader.
STANDISH - Anything else you'd like to include?
DECLAN - Watch out for more shows and also some of the brands that I will be launching in the new year.
STANDISH - What are your socials?
@chefdeclanhorgan for insta / tik tok / @DeclanHorgan3024 on Youtube.
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Thanks so much for your time!
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