Ciaran Gantly- Five million shilling chef

Ciaran Gantly gets to prepare an aphrodisiac menu for a hotel's startling Sh5.4 million Valentine's Day package. GARDY CHACHA speaks to him.

I hear you are the man who will be preparing a once-in-a-lifetime menu for a special couple...

This menu shall never be replicated again at the Villa Rosa Kempinski. It has taken over a month of careful planning and lots of considerations. This is a seven course aphrodisiac menu and a lot has gone in its creation.

By aphrodisiac you mean libido and related matters?

Yes. Of course we want to give this epic couple a treat of their lives.

Why an aphrodisiac menu?

Well, it is Valentines and if you are going to perform, this is the day you should be on your A-game.

Just to put this into perspective what is in this menu?

I have asparagus velouté with truffle mascarpone and parmesan crisp. There will also be grilled fillet of turbot with cucumber ribbons, oyster butter sauce and honeyed duck breast with dried cherries.

The aphrodisiac is for the man alone?

It is for both the husband and wife or the couple.

So the couple should expect lots of fireworks?

Absolutely.

Being a chef who understand aphrodisiacs you must be happily married.

You could say that. I have been married for 25 years now. And yes, I love my wife.

How many hours does this preparation add into a man’s performance?

Hours! That would be stretching it too far. It should be in minutes. But its ability is dependent on many factors – every man will receive unique results.

Have you ever tried to prepare the aphrodisiac for you and your wife?

Not really. The ingredients in the menu are diverse and some are imported. It is an expensive menu.

Let’s assume I want to use locally available resources to have a similar meal...

I have not been around long enough to know what is considered aphrodisiac in Kenya. What you need to know, however, is that a lot of sea food are good aphrodisiacs. There are special elements like Zinc (which is good for a man) that such dishes need to have.

At a personal level how are you planning to celebrate Valentines?

Because of the nature of my work – I am here for many hours every day – I am used to sending flowers; a bouquet has been a preferred choice.

How would you describe love?

A warm feeling that makes you dream and think of that one special person only and nobody else.

Are you the de facto chef at home for your wife and family?

I do cook a lot. I have no qualms going into the kitchen and creating sumptuous meals for my family. I have however noticed that my children love the food their mother cooks more than mine.

What is the standard gentlemanly behaviour when ordering for food while on a date?

A gentleman should have courtesy and give the lady a good night. But most importantly, when two plates – for the man and the lady – are brought, standard practice is of the understanding that the lady’s plate is ‘free’. The man should foot the whole bill by himself. Never allow a lady to pay for herself on a date.

Why do you love your job?

It is interesting. My father was a chef and perhaps I was inspired by his skills. I do love that I can turn ideas into tasty preparations that do more than just filling the stomach

The downside to the job...

The long hours.

It is unusual that a chef like you is missing the belly curve that comes with ‘good’ nutrition.

I work hard. When I put my mind into doing something I make sure that it is done well. Plus I have maintained an active lifestyle.

What would you tell the man who will win this deal?

First, congratulations for being able to afford Sh5.4 million to pay for Valentines. I hope that you really relax and enjoy the food that we will prepare for you and your spouse. Have a beautiful time.