A chef and a front-of-house manager, back in West Cork after years in and around Kinsale.
Rob grew up in the heart of West Cork. At 11 he begged his mum to let him spend the summer holidays in a hotel kitchen, and his career began.
He has headed kitchens in and around Kinsale and, by his own account on the restaurant’s website, was head chef at The Steakhouse for five years, taking it to number one on Tripadvisor in Kinsale and in Co. Cork. He travelled and cooked in Greece, Spain and Morocco.
Simona has years of experience as a waitress, supervisor and manager in a well-known Kinsale hotel. She is the face that greets you and manages the front of house at WILD. Reservations are taken by her.
Why “WILD”?
The word has many meanings: unusual, excellent, special, independent, natural beauty. The restaurant sits on the rugged edge of the Atlantic, on the Wild Atlantic Way, and hopes to reflect some of that in its food and in its rooms.
Knowing where the ingredients come from is the heart of Rob’s cooking. These are some of the producers and suppliers the restaurant names.
The saffron comes directly from growers in Morocco, where it is organically grown, hand-picked and dried by locals.
The restaurant supports local artists and craftworkers. Water is the theme on the ground floor; metal, wood and fire upstairs. Most pieces on show are for sale: ask a member of staff.
Photos are from the restaurant’s own website and are used only for this design concept.
WILD is on Main Street in Ballinspittle, the first village on the Wild Atlantic Way after Kinsale. The village has recently had a facelift, and the restaurant now has a smart new parking area in front.
WILD, Main Street, Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Ireland, P17 YH95
Open 7 days in July and August from 5.30pm. Open Sunday from 1pm. See the Facebook page for up-to-date hours.
Reservations: call, text or WhatsApp 083 1829 303