This month, as we continue our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we had a word with our very own, Executive Head Chef, Stefan Matz. Stefan has been with us since the start of the year and already he’s been a huge addition to the Delphi Team.
Stefan Matz in front of Mweelrea, Delphi Adventure Resort 2015
Name: Stefan Matz
Position: Executive Head Chef of Delphi Adventure Resort
Background: Born in Germany, but living and working in Connemara for 25 years.
I did my training in Germany and Switzerland working in Restaurant Chesery in Gstaad. In 1989 I came to Ballyconneely in Co. Galway where I was the co-owner and Head Chef of Erriseask House for 12 years (For which he was the first Chef in the West of Ireland to receive a Michelin Star in 2000 and 2001). While I worked in Dublin for a few years I left in 2003 and Connemara has been home ever since.
Favourite Part of Connemara: The hills and the seaside around Ballyconneely, stunning views of the natural surroundings and rugged landscape.
What’s your favourite food to eat/cook?: Pasta!
What’s it like cooking on the Wild Atlantic Way?: It’s a fantastic opportunity to use some of the world’s best ingredients. The resort is a celebration of Ireland’s finest beauty where the outdoors along with good quality food and enjoyment are all central to the guest experience. I am loving working with local farmers and suppliers to weave their produce throughout our menus.
When you’re not cooking what do you like to do?: When I’m not at work I like to spend time with my family. I love to travel and go on holidays, especially skiing!
Offical launch of The Chef’s Table at Delphi Adventure Resort – signature restaurant by Stefan Matz. Pictured from L/R are John Mulroy (Castlebar), Brian Quinn (Failte ireland) and Chef Stefan Matz. Pic: Michael McLaughlin
May saw the official launch of The Chef’s Table by Stefan Matz. The new 34-seater stand-alone restaurant brings a completely new dining experience to the Resort offering a unique interactive dining experience, featuring an “Open Kitchen”, allowing for engagement and interaction with Stefan while he cooks up a gourmet feast! So far the restaurant has proved a great success receiving fabulous reviews.
Later this week you’ll have to chance to actually meet Stefan in the flesh as he takes to the stage at the Westport Food Festival. Stefan will be speaking at the Food Forum on Friday the 4th in Hotel Westport at 8pm. Here he will demo a dish that is synonymous with the theme of locally produced and ‘Sustainability along the Wild Atlantic Way‘. But before that we caught up with him to get a sneak peak of what it’s like working with food in the West of Ireland.
If you’d like to meet Stefan Matz at the Westport Food Forum please note this event is FREE of charge however pre-booking is strongly advised. Bookings can be made by emailing foodfestwestport@gmail.com.
Delphi Resort 