September 2006

Getting to know Garvey

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself….

A: My name is Ken Garvey, I’m 35 Years old, I’m from Dublin in Ireland and I’m
married to a South African Woman. We have a beautiful 18month old
daughter called Anya. I’ve been a chef for 16 years and when people ask me
what I look like I say 5 10” tall, blonde with blue eyes and very handsome!
Ha ha, seriously though, I am a busy body. I can’t sit still.
I need to be moving at all times, I need to be creating things!

Q: Which is your favourite South African Wine?

A: A red blend called ‘Vivat Bacchus’ from Veenwouden.
It means “Glory to the God of wine”. I love the softness and balance.

Q: And, in your personal opinion, which dish does it match best with?

A: A beautiful Medium Rare saddle of Karoo Lamb served in a port demi-glace.

Q: Which is your favourite dish to prepare? And how do you do it?

A: I love preparing all sorts of seafood – especially shellfish.
As simple as it sounds, my favourite would have to be grilled lobster or
crayfish on a very hot grill or even on the braai, its easy to cook and
the flavour is Incredible! Just topped with lemon butter & a green salad
… it doesn’t get better than that!

Q: What is your earliest cooking memory?

A: Christmas Eve many years ago, preparing Christmas Dinner with my mom,
it is a very special memory to me.

Q: What, in your opinion, is the best part about being a chef?

A: The feeling you get when you meet a satisfied customer
who loved your food, it makes it all worth it!

Q: If you were not a chef, what would you most want to be?

A: A supermodel! Ha Ha! Or a Helicopter pilot in the army.