Unique cookery show has bite

A COOKERY show unlike anything ever seen before hits our screens next month with something a little more adventurous than the usual fare.

Seamus O’Connell will present the Soul Food series, travelling around Ireland to meet interesting people and give a flavour of his award-winning cuisine.

The US-born chef has been running the Ivory Tower restaurant in Cork for the last decade, winning numerous international accolades for his unique style and passion.

“Cooking is an art form for me, so this is going to be somewhat different to what people have come to expect from a cookery programme,” Seamus said.

“Rather than teach people to make the dishes I will be creating, the emphasis is on how to improvise and being entertained,” the 35-year-old chef said. The production brought him and his crew around the country, using some unique indoor and outdoor settings. In Kerry, for example, he hunted the rabbits for the recipe himself and taught a group of surfers how to barbecue their oysters.

Séamus also travelled to the south of France to prepare a memorable meal for David O’Brien and his family, who run one of the region’s most renowned vineyards.

“It was great fun getting around and meeting people, and having a laugh. The management side of business isn’t for me, I prefer to just cook the food and that’s it,” he said. The Arizona

native also brought along some guests on his travels, including authors Pete McCarthy and Tony Hawks, and wine expert Oz Clark. One of his regular dining guests, actress Pauline McLynn, is also featured, helping the culinary genius prepare some sushi. Since filming the series, Seamus has been busy working on a cook book, due out next year, and hopes to make a vampire film. The 12-part TV series promises to be an entertaining outdoor adventure, with a strong hint of fine cooking.

Soul Food begins on January 10 on RTÉ One.