Recently U.S. President Barack Obama visited his tiny ancestral home, Moneygall, where he drank Guinness, and warmed the hearts of Irish people who flocked to the town. A short distance away is Mountrath, Jim Tynan’s hometown. His interest in food began at an early age and it was here that his skills first became apparent, fired by the exceptional cooking skills of his mother and grand mother.
In 1982 Jim opened a restaurant, which soon became a landmark for his high standards, in nearby Portlaoise. His straightforward style, sensible approach and traditional use of tried and trusted fresh, in-season ingredients, have earned him such accolades as the ‘Cafe Restaurant of the Year’ Good Food Ireland as well as ‘The Best Casual Dining in Laois’ Restaurants Association of Ireland. Indeed in 2007, he was named as the Laois Person of the Year at a ceremony in Portlaoise.
Jim received his training at the celebrated Rockwell Hotel and Catering School in Cashel. Here he won the highest medal available, and stayed on as a trainer. Later he worked at the renowned Claridges Hotel in London. He has served fine food to many world leaders. These include Mao Tse-tung, Henry Kissinger, King Hussein of Jordan, and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In May 2011, Queen Elizabeth visited Ireland. A highlight was her visit to the famous Rock of Cashel, close to where Jim trained.
In 1982 Jim opened a restaurant, which soon became a landmark for his high standards, in nearby Portlaoise. His straightforward style, sensible approach and traditional use of tried and trusted fresh, in-season ingredients, have earned him such accolades as the ‘Cafe Restaurant of the Year’ Good Food Ireland as well as ‘The Best Casual Dining in Laois’ Restaurants Association of Ireland. Indeed in 2007, he was named as the Laois Person of the Year at a ceremony in Portlaoise.
Jim received his training at the celebrated Rockwell Hotel and Catering School in Cashel. Here he won the highest medal available, and stayed on as a trainer. Later he worked at the renowned Claridges Hotel in London. He has served fine food to many world leaders. These include Mao Tse-tung, Henry Kissinger, King Hussein of Jordan, and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In May 2011, Queen Elizabeth visited Ireland. A highlight was her visit to the famous Rock of Cashel, close to where Jim trained.
For many years, Jim has written a weekly food column for the Leinster Express. It’s a full colour page with his writings about life and food with recipes. He is renowned for flavourful vegetables, crisp moist and tasty joints, mouth watering salads, appetising vegetarian food, delicious meat and fish dishes, fresh baked breads, scrumptious tarts, lip smacking confectionery and delectable deserts.
His passion for imparting his Irish Country Cooking techniques, as well as an appreciation and understanding of diet and nutrition, has resulted so far, in the creation of two cookery books, which have been an astounding success. He also gives cookery demonstrations.
His passion for imparting his Irish Country Cooking techniques, as well as an appreciation and understanding of diet and nutrition, has resulted so far, in the creation of two cookery books, which have been an astounding success. He also gives cookery demonstrations.