Continuing our series “People Behind the Business” I interview Jim McCarthy of The Charthouse Restaurant in Dingle town.
We are so lucky to have such diversity of business’s in Dingle. Restaurants, pubs, shops and activity providers, all combine to create the most wonderful experiences and memories for our visitors. We have decided to showcase some of the businesses we work with on the Dingle Peninsula.
Tell me a little bit about your career
I started in the hotel business working at the Europe Hotel in Killarney in the eighties, I then worked in Austria for a short time in the hotel business. After that I then worked in the restaurant business in Boston for 7 years, before returning to run the Michelin one star restaurant at The Park Hotel in Kenmare, I left there to open the Chart House in 1997.
Why Dingle ?
I had always loved Dingle, and, when a friend told me that the building was coming up for lease, we decided that the time was right and went for it. We will have been in business in the Chart House 23 years on the 28th May 2020.
Describe the style of food in the Chart House
Simple, full of flavour, not fussy, local ingredients as much as possible.
What is your signature dish in the restaurant?
Our Chart House salad – our neighbour, another Jim McCarthy, and his wife Rosie, have the most amazing garden and we are very proud to buy a lot of our produce from them.
What is your favourite ingredient?
Anything with Rhubarb. Jim and Rosie have the most amazing organic rhubarb growing in their garden, and we must buy a bag every week from them. I put it on my porridge in the morning, in compotes, rhubarb pie and we also make our own rhubarb jam.
What is your favourite wine?
I love Champagne!
Who is your greatest culinary influence /hero?
Julia Child was a genius!
What is your favourite part of the day?
I just love the mornings. Getting up early and planning my day is essential to me, as I normally have so many things to do before service starts in the restaurant. If I have time, I get on bike and I cycle around the Slea Head Drive.
Give me one thing that inspires you every day.
My sister fights cancer every day, and is always positive.
Where is your favourite place on the Dingle Peninsula?
I am lucky to live near Inch Beach which is simply magical.
In conversation with Jim McCarthy of The Charthouse Dingle – May 2020.
We are happy to book a table for you at The Charthouse on your next stay at Castlewood House.
