1 Michelin Star Chefs: Rob Krawczyk, Chef Owner, Restaurant Chestnut

The Staff Canteen

Rob Krawczyk is chef owner at Michelin-starred Restaurant Chestnut in Ballydehob, West Cork.

Born in County Cork, Michelin-starred chef Rob Krawczyk grew up in Schull and his childhood revolved around the kitchen.

Restaurant Chestnut

Restaurant Chestnut

The Chestnut Tree, Staball Hill, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, P81 X681, Ireland

Telephone: +353 28 25766

Website: 

www.restaurantchestnutwestcork.ie

Chef: Rob Krawczyk

Twitter: @ChestnutWCork

Instagram: @thechestnutwestcork

Facebook: 

@RestaurantChestnutWestCork

Biography

Rob is now a member of Eurotoques and JRE Ireland & UK and he recognises that he was influenced by his parents who had a strong culinary and artistic heritage.  

rob and elaine credit mckennas guides

Rob and Elaine

credit: mckennas guides

Rob moved away but was drawn back to  West Corks’ ‘spectacular rich larder’ to open up a Restaurant in the heart of this beautiful area with his partner Elaine. Restaurant Chestnut is a 18 seater restaurant set in a former pub in Ballydehob.

The menu, inspired by nature, is an ever evolving menu designed around the best of the seasons ingredients. It opened its doors in March 2018 and in October 2018, Restaurant Chestnut was awarded its first Michelin Star.

Rob originally went to art college, but his parents were always into food. They opened a small restaurant in Schull for 15 people. His dad Frank Krawczyk would cook one menu, while his mum Anne looked after front of house.

Brill%2C Courgette and Dill
Brill, Courgette and Dill - Restaurant Chestnut

Approach to food

He has a simple approach to food using quite humble ingredients. He told Image: “I'm not really into cooking foie gras or stuff like that. I much prefer taking something like a beetroot and making something from that, whether it's a sorbet or even served shaved raw. I think in our younger days, we can overcomplicate things. Over time, you start to realise, less is more.”

What the guides say

Michelin Guide

Restaurant James Sommerin, Michelin star restaurants, Michelin Guide 2018

He says his dad Frank has been a huge influence in his work, particularly in terms of charcuterie. He says he taught him everything he knows. He learned from his mistakes and both of his parents taught him to appreciate good food.

Restaurant Chestnut

The concept for Restaurant Chestnut was a small restaurant that used the amazing product from around the area. Originally, the couple were looking to do something in Dublin, before an old pub in Ballydehob became available.

Rob has since wowed visitors with an ever-evolving menu inspired by the seasons.

Videos with Rob Krawczyk:

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 31st October 2018

1 Michelin Star Chefs: Rob Krawczyk, Chef Owner, Restaurant Chestnut