Series 2, Episode 2 – The Grafter
This week Mark Moriarty meets Jess Murphy of Kai in Galway. Jess is a figurehead of Irish cooking, respected, admired and talented. She grew up in a gang town in rural New Zealand, spending her life grafting and working hard to get where she is today. Moving to Australia at 18 years of age in search of Michelin starred standards, she remembers having only $1,500 in her pocket, promising herself that she would not use the Aussie red phone boxes to call home looking
for money. She didn’t. Through graft, determination and hard work in numerous jobs across all styles of
restaurants, she eventually she landed in Ireland, securing a job at Dublins 2 Michelin starred ‘Thorntons’. Ireland is Jess’ home, she even married a Carlow man, Dave. Her restaurant KAI in Galway isnow her base, her story inspiring and, she’s one of ours
Overview
Filmed across six months in 2021, presenter Mark Moriarty spends four days with six chefs, offering the audience unrivalled, behind-the-scenes access to some of Ireland’s biggest talents. Each episode aims to showcase the people behind the food, asking what drives them, showing their creativity and talent while noting the sacrifice and sheer graft required to be the best.
Each with hugely different backgrounds, experiences and stories to tell – the one thing the chefs have in common is their unrivalled dedication, talent and drive to succeed. Be prepared for some very surprising revelations, unpredictable offerings, and the real-life story from the people shaping an industry bursting with fresh ambition. “RTÉ executive producer Brian Walsh is delighted to welcome back this in-depth look at some of Irelands leading exponents of the culinary arts.
Presented once again by Mark Moriarty, following on from his first two seasons of Beyond the Menu, as well as the popular Cook-In with Mark Moriarty and appearing on Saturday Kitchen (BBC One). Mark is a multi-award-winning chef in his own right, including the San Pellegrino World Young Chef of Year as well as being listed on the Forbes 30 under 30 for innovation. Until recently, Mark was sous chef at the Two Michelin starred ‘The Greenhouse’ alongside Mickael Viljanen, before its closure. Mark has set the food world alight both in Ireland and overseas with his edgy creativity and his passion for pushing Ireland’s food industry to new audiences.
The series is sponsored by Kerrygold.
Further information Lindsey@lhpublicity.ie 087 256 2835 Deirdre@lhpublicity.ie 087 221 0550
The series is produced by Appetite Media for RTÉ One.
Mark Moriarty:
Mark is a 29-year-old chef, based in Dublin, Ireland. He worked most recently as sous chef at The Greenhouse Restaurant, which held Two Michelin Stars, before finishing in May 2021.
He is currently working on numerous food projects, including TV, brand consultancy, pop-up restaurants and ambassador roles, while keeping an eye on new opportunities. Mark can be found on RTÉ One as presenter of ‘Beyond the Menu’ and ‘Cook In with Mark Moriarty’. As Chef in Residence for Diageo Global, he oversees iconic drinks brands such as Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray and Ketel One. He also produces recipes and content for M&S in Ireland. Mark is a former San Pellegrino world young chef of the year and is listed on the Forbes 30under30.