About to up sticks to sunny LA, where a host of television contracts await, life is pretty sweet for Ireland's own Kitchen Hero, Donal Skehan.
But while a whole new world of delights and delicacies await across the Atlantic, it's the food from right here at home that has his attention when he sits down to chat in our brand new Best Of Ireland, which hits shelves today.
"I grew up in Dublin and I'm always astounded by the innovative new restaurants and eateries that pop up. Dublin offers so many new places and opportunities to try things, but I also have my favourites and I tend to go back to them time and time again. I am impressed by the quality and standards in Cork and Galway as well, but when I travel around the country, I'd be more inclined to go to a specific destination restaurant."
And while he happily proffers both the best place to eat, as well as the best in artisan produce that the country can boast of, he also points the finger at Ireland's greatest food crime.
"Petrol station eating!" he laughs. "Having done a lot of tours around the country, my least favourite thing is if we are really stuck and have to end up eating in a petrol station. As much as we have an incredible food heritage and tradition, we do have some awful crimes as well."
To read the full chat, including the tunes and reads that reflect the best of Ireland for him, get The Hot Press Best Of Ireland at all good newsagents for €3.95 or online
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