CO Tyrone chef Ryan Stringer is back Belfast to take over the kitchen at Niall and Joanne McKenna’s well known James Street restaurant.
Previously serving as executive chef at the ground-breaking ELY group of wine bars and restaurants in Dublin, the Dungannon native returns north to work for the first time in over a decade.
Mr Singer’s CV includes stints at Raymond Blanc’s Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxford, and at Copenhagen’s 108 restaurant, the affordable sister eatery to the world-renowned three star Michelin restaurant ‘Noma’.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be back in Belfast and taking this new role as executive chef at such an iconic restaurant."
The Tyrone man said he has personally admired James Street since it opened in 2003.
“James St. has an outstanding reputation for incredible food and ambience and is credited with a strong and loyal customer base.
“I’m keen to keep doing what James St. does well while introducing some of my own style and experience.”
He added: “Our customers love the steaks and a range of delicious dishes including its famous crab and chili linguini – they won’t be going anywhere. However, I’m excited to show my passions and style as well as continuing with the classics that have put this restaurant on the map.”
Welcoming Ryan Stringer into a hospitality portfolio that now includes the James St. Bar and Grill; Hadskis; and the new Cookery School, Niall McKenna said he is excited by what lies ahead.
“Ryan has experienced some of the world’s greatest kitchens and we can’t wait to see how he brings those influences to our menu. He is hugely passionate about sustainability and having a ‘no waste’ kitchen and he thinks extremely carefully, and creatively, about making the most of every part of each ingredient he uses.”
