My Weekend: 'Being in hospitality, you learn to live without weekends'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work?

I am from Chennai, southern India. I work as a chef in Rare 1784 Kinsale. Being a chef is one thing I’ve always wanted to do, as I love cooking. I live here in Cork with my wife, Revathy, and our two-year-old son Revaan. We love living in Ireland.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Most of my Friday nights are spent in my restaurant cooking for the guests. When we are closed or while I am on holiday, I’d prefer to go for a meal, or walk around town, and often going to the movies.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

I’m a late-riser when I can be. My best ideas usually come to me after midnight, so I’ve learned to embrace that rhythm rather than fighting it.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Being in hospitality, you learn to live without weekends. We are always busy on weekends. I get most Sundays off work, so Sunday morning breakfast or brunch is a big thing in our house. We always look forward to that.

If money was no object, where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

My wife and I would go to Copenhagen purely because of the food. We love food hopping.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

Inchydoney Beach is a great spot, or Scilly walk in Kinsale, for long walks and to neutralise my energy.

Do you like to catch up with family and friends at the weekend?

Yes, I love inviting friends over and cooking for the occasion.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

Cricket — I am a massive fan. I also am a big collector of cookbooks, watches, and shoes.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter, do you have a signature dish?

I do have a signature dish — it’s a dessert made from chocolate that comes from Chennai, the same city I come from.

It’s a dark chocolate delice, creme fraiche, and saffron mousse, cardamom ice cream, coffee and 100% cocoa sauce.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork. Where are your go-to spots for coffee, lunch, or a special meal?

Good Day Deli, Izz Cafe, Goldie, Glass Curtain, Dede for a special meal, St Francis Provisions in Kinsale, and OHK Cafe in Kinsale.

Sunday night comes around too fast ... how do you normally spend it?

Sunday nights are always spent at home, with good food and a great movie.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

I don’t have an alarm set for Monday, as it’s one of my days off, a good way to start the week. Interesting fact — I have no alarm set for any day, unless I have to catch a flight.

Anything else you are up to right now...

Right now, the restaurant is closed for two weeks ... thinking should I do a cookbook.

• Michelin Guide-recognised chefs Meeran Manzoor (Rare) and Takashi Miyazaki (Ichigo Ichie) will come together later this month to create a special seven-course tasting menu with a unique focus on the fusion of Japanese and Indian flavours, designed to showcase the very best of Cork’s food producers and local suppliers.
  The evening promises to be an immersive storytelling experience, where each dish represents a stop along a journey, a whisper of cultural memory, and a fusion of culinary philosophies.
• The event, at Rare at the Blue Haven in Kinsale, takes place on Sunday, January 25. Tickets are €150 per person, with optional wine pairings. Sittings are at 5pm and 8pm, with bookings made online at rare1784.ie or by calling 021 4772 209.